Bill Luebke, Board President

Bill Luebke’s decision to become a Commissioner was made in the late 1990s when he served as the Mayor of Leavenworth; he became aware of the tragic conditions of Cascade Medical Center. Having had considerable experience in city governments he wanted to be part of the solution to Cascade Medical Center’s bankruptcy problems. Morale, management and financially the facility was bankrupt, only the medical staff was operating properly. He was appointed to fill an unexpired position on the Board in 1999 and was elected to that position the following November. He has held this position since that time and has enjoyed being part of the transition of Cascade Medical Center from those dismal days to the present status as one of the most successful rural hospitals in Washington State.

Bill and his wife Patricia have been full time residents of the Upper Valley for 19 years. His formal education consisted of Highline Junior College, University of Washington and University of Puget Sound, majoring in Business Administration. In addition, he is a retired Captain from the Tacoma Police Department; Chief of Security of the sixth largest fair in North America; owner of P and B Properties; World Tours, and part owner of South Tacoma Airport. He also served in the Army Air Force in World War II.

His home and family are without question the most important part of his life. The next most enjoyable moments are traveling in the United States and around the world. In their later years the Luebke’s frequent trips to Hawaii, which they called their home away from home, were the treasures of the year. However, nothing compares to the four seasons and the beauty of Leavenworth. Bill has served on so many boards, commissions, and committees that it is not possible to name them all but suffice it to say for the betterment of Leavenworth. He is an avid booster of Leavenworth, Cascade Medical Center and the Senior Meal Program. Bill and Patricia had two children, a daughter Leslie who lives in the Seattle area and a son, William Junior who is deceased.

Bill’s goal is to provide the finest medical care possible for the Upper Valley with an outstanding staff, the latest technology and equipment available.

Arleen Blackburn, Board Commissioner

Arleen became a commissioner because she wanted to represent patients’ needs by remembering that patients keep the facility going. Arleen also provides direction by sharing her knowledge and experience in medical services administration. Arleen has been a commissioner for six years. Arleen is conservative in spending tax money, any money, to be exact. She is always open to addressing what the hospital district patrons want.

Arleen has lived in the Upper Valley for 50 years. Arleen is a Wenatchee High School graduate with some college. Arleen’s work experience includes newspaper production, school district office duties and medical office duties that have included billing to managing a four-doctor practice. Arleen owned Bavarian Bedfinders reservation service for several years. She has served on the school board, theater and historical society boards and many steering committees for civic projects. Arleen’s hobbies are writing, history, travel, family, friends, and swimming.

Arleen’s family includes her husband Cal, four adult children, thirteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren and one brother.

Nancy Hill, Board Commissioner

Nancy Hill has been a commissioner for nine years. She became a part of the board because she feels that once you have been involved in the medical field it is hard to leave it and this is her way of staying in touch with the field. She also wanted to become more involved with the community and help bring the hospital back to a facility everyone could be proud of and that is where it is today.

Nancy has lived in the Upper Valley for 13 years. Before she retired and moved to Leavenworth, she worked in materials management as a buyer and assistant manager at Community Hospital in Los Gatos, California for 23 years. Nancy enjoys photography, playing golf, and cross-country skiing. She also enjoys spending time with her husband “Bud” and their blended family, which includes two daughters, two sons and five grandchildren.

Nancy has also been treasurer of the Salmon Festival for approximately ten years and treasurer of Empty Bowls. She has served as a board member at the Wenatchee Valley Enological Society. She says, “There are so many wonderful events in this community it is easy to make friends and be accepted.”

Helen Rayfield, Board Commissioner

Helen has been on the CMC Board of Commissioners for the past year and a half. Helen decided to become a Commissioner to support the hospital. Helen takes pride in CMC because it means so much to the community.

Helen has lived in the Upper Valley for 62 years, and graduated from Leavenworth High School. Helen owned and operated her own business for 27 years. In her free time, she spends time with her family that includes three children Doug Darlington, Dan Darlington and Debbie Ulias and their eight beautiful children. Helen also enjoys playing golf and being a part of the community. Helen loves the community God gave her to live in.

Jim Passage, Board Commissioner