Leadership Team

Chief Executive Officer

Richard has been CEO of Watertown Regional Medical Center for over five years and has worked in the healthcare industry for over 15 years. He oversees the strategic, operational and clinical functions of WRMC and helps the hospital achieve Lifepoint’s mission of ‘Making Communities Healthier’. Richard is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and received his undergrad degree from BYU and his MBA in Healthcare Administration from Idaho State University. He enjoys trying new foods with his wife and spends his free time with his kids. Richard is an avid Packers and Bucks fan.

Chief Financial Officer

Michael Romedy has worked in healthcare for over 35 years, including eight years in a CFO role. As CFO at Watertown Regional Medical Center, Michael oversees the financial reporting for the organization, including revenue cycle, IT and labor management. Michael is an active member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association and is passionate about delivering affordable healthcare to the communities he serves. He received his undergrad degree from Georgia State University and his MBA from Purdue University. When he's not at work, Michael is an avid runner and runs in area races and enjoys spending time with his spouse and their grandson.

Chief Nursing Officer

Patty has a unique background spanning over 30 years in healthcare including 17 years in nursing leadership, hospital operations, and performance improvement. She received her MBA in 2008 from Alverno College and served in a variety of roles across different hospitals before becoming CNO at Watertown Regional Medical Center. She received her Lean Certification from the Virginia Mason Institute in Seattle, Washington.

Executive Director of Human Resources

Ryan Lessner, who was born and raised in Watertown, offers an intimate knowledge of the community, along with over 20 years of human resources experience. His human resources experience includes 10 years as the Director of Human Resources for West Bend Mutual Insurance Company. He is a versatile leader with a background in recruitment, payroll, benefits, corporate training, leadership development, and succession planning. Since moving back to Watertown with his family in 2016, he has been heavily involved in the community, including serving as the assistant varsity baseball coach from 2017 to 2020 and coaching his kid's baseball and softball teams.