All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Lisa Wharton retires after 21 years of service to WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital

After more than two decades of dedicated service, Lisa Wharton is retiring from her role as Vice President of Marketing, Public Relations and the Foundation at WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital in Buckhannon. Wharton’s decision to retire marks the end of an illustrious 21-year career with the organization, where she has played a pivotal role in shaping the hospital’s public image and fostering community support.

Wharton joined St. Joseph’s Hospital in 2003, bringing her expertise in marketing and public relations to elevate the hospital’s visibility and reputation. Over the years, she worked to connect the hospital with the local community and beyond, ensuring that St. Joseph’s remained at the forefront of healthcare in the region.

Throughout her career, Wharton was instrumental in numerous initiatives that advanced the mission of St. Joseph’s, including overseeing fundraising campaigns, enhancing the hospital’s community relations and spearheading various marketing strategies for patient care and awareness. Active in the Buckhannon and Upshur County community, Lisa serves on the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur, is the Vice President of Mountain CAP’s Board of Directors, past president of Buckhannon-Upshur Chamber of Commerce and is a founding member of the organization Create Buckhannon.

“I want to thank Lisa for her commitment to St. Joe’s for these 21 years. She has helped us grow to the outstanding and successful hospital we are today,” said Skip Gjolberg, President & CEO of WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital. “Now she can finally winter in Florida without worry, and we wish her the very best in her retirement!”

Wharton’s retirement takes effect on January 2, 2025. Her successor, Matt Scott, joined the team in the past weeks and will fill Lisa’s shoes as the new Director of Marketing & Public Relations. Meanwhile, long-time employee Paula Cutright will be taking over the direction of the St. Joseph’s Foundation.

The entire WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital family extends its heartfelt congratulations to Lisa Wharton on her retirement and expresses its deepest gratitude for her years of outstanding service.

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