PASSING THE TORCH. After joining the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic as Executive Director in 2011, Maribeth Woodford is officially retiring at the end of June. Pictured is Woodford, center, at the ribbon cutting for the clinic's current location in Eau Claire.

After 13 years of leading the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic, Maribeth Woodford, executive director, is retiring on June 30. If anyone has earned retirement, she has.

During her tenure, Woodford helped the clinic navigate not just one but four different relocations, ultimately spearheading the capital campaign to pay for the clinic’s current location at 1030 Oak Ridge Drive in Eau Claire. She also worked with the organization’s board of directors to develop new service areas, including an oral health/dental clinic, a women’s health clinic focusing on breast and cervical cancer screening, a colon cancer screening clinic, and increased outreach on routine adult vaccinations.

“As I reflect on my time here at the clinic, I’m so proud of everything that has been accomplished in the last 13 years,” Woodford said in a news release. “I’m deeply grateful for the staff and the many volunteers and community members who have stepped forward, sometimes in tough times, to ensure all people regardless of their financial situation, have access to health care. The Chippewa Valley cares about its underserved, vulnerable population, and I am so very honored to have been part of the programs and services that are part of the solution to offer a hand up to those in need.”

What's next for Woodford? Traveling to the 80th anniversary of World War II in Europe with her husband of 21 years, Bill. Flying to Sedona, Arizona, for biking and hiking, two of her passions. Visiting children and grandchildren in Appleton, Milwaukee, Houston, and the Twin Cities. Participating in Lasagna Love, a nonprofit which delivers homemade meals to families in need; Hope Village, the tiny home village for the unsheltered in Chippewa Falls; and becoming “more involved in fighting for women’s health issues.” Finally, her Minnesota grandchildren are bound and determined to teach her pickleball, as the Town of Lafayette, where she and her husband reside, has a great court.

Chippewa Valley Free Clinic held its official farewell event to Woodford on June 12 where it also welcomed the incoming executive director, Wendy Andre.

Learn more about the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic online and keep up with them on Facebook.