SWMC News

New Members Appointed to Corewell Health South Board of Directors

ST. JOSEPH, Mich., February 7, 2024 - Corewell Health™ welcomed two new members to its board of directors in Southwest Michigan. Bertha King and Stephen Hempel, M.D., began three-year terms on Jan. 1, 2024. 

“We are pleased to welcome Ms. King and Dr. Hempel to the Corewell Health South Board of Directors,” said Loren B. Hamel, M.D., president, Corewell Health in Southwest Michigan. “They are both thoughtful and passionate leaders who have worked tirelessly over their careers to positively impact the lives of our friends and neighbors. Together, they bring a wealth of expertise and insights that will help us achieve our vision of health that is simple, affordable, equitable and exceptional.”

Bertha King, a native of Benton Harbor, is an author, consultant, educator and motivational speaker. She has been a national diversity presenter and workshop trainer for over 35 years. King has been a member of the Corewell Health Hospice and Palliative Care board of directors since 2015. In 2001, King became the co-founder of Strong Women of Faith Breast Cancer Support Group in Benton Harbor. The group, which supports cancer survivors and caregivers, co-hosts the annual breast cancer and health awareness conference “Help A Sister Out.”

Stephen Hempel, M.D., recently retired from medical practice. After completing pulmonary and critical care training at the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Hempel was on staff at the University of Iowa for 11 years. In 1999, he joined Lakeland Health and devoted 21 years to his career as a critical care medicine physician in St. Joseph. Dr. Hempel served on numerous medical staff committees during his 21 years of service. He is a current member of the quality and safety committee for the Corewell Health South Board of Directors. Dr. Hempel served as president of Lakeland Health’s medical staff from 2008 until 2010. He joined the Lakeland Health Board of Directors as medical staff president and immediate past president in 2008 and ended his term in 2012.