Mr. Schafer is responsible for the direction of Spooner Health, which includes a 25-bed critical access hospital, and rural home health agency. He has created a working environment that is top-ranked in employee engagement and has patient survey results that far exceed state and national averages. In 2017, he oversaw the construction of a replacement hospital and negotiated with a larger health system to bring on a local clinic to its new campus, where it partners for some services. He also was instrumental in establishing a nurse practitioner hospitalist model. In addition to his role at Spooner Health, Mr. Schafer is on the board of the Wisconsin Hospital Association.
Becker's Recognition
Michael Schaferhas been named a Becker's honoree on the lists below.
2023 Winner

Executives
67 Critical Access Hospital CEOs to Know
Becker’s is thrilled to recognize 67 CEOs and top leaders of critical access hospitals from across the U.S. The leaders recognized below successfully navigated their organizations through the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to focus on growing access to care as a valuable community resource.
The following CEOs of critical access hospitals are lauded for their dedication to innovation, safety and quality. Many of these CEOs have led service line expansions, recruitment efforts, and partnerships with larger hospitals and health systems. These CEOs are devoted to the continuous improvement of their critical access hospitals, knowing just how crucial they are to the communities they serve.
2024 Winner

Executives
Critical Access Hospital CEOs to Know
The following CEOs of critical access hospitals are lauded for their dedication to innovation, safety and quality. Many of these CEOs have led service line expansions, recruitment efforts, and partnerships with larger hospitals and health systems. These CEOs are devoted to the continuous improvement of their critical access hospitals, knowing just how crucial they are to the communities they serve.
2025 Winner

