Smith Honored As Trustee Of The Year

Joe Smith Trustee of Year

Phillip “Joe” Smith, a member of the John J. Pershing Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, has been honored by the Missouri Hospital Association as a 2026 Trustee of the Year. The award was presented Nov. 4 at MHA’s 104th Annual Convention in Kansas City, Mo.

“Joe is all-in on making Pershing Memorial Hospital a great place — for the community to receive care and for the staff who serve them,” said Jon D. Doolittle, MHA president and CEO. “His outgoing nature and commitment to serving in numerous ways means he touches lives in every encounter.”

Smith joined the Pershing Memorial Hospital governing board in 2015. His commitment to the hospital extends beyond the boardroom — he also serves as a member of the hospital auxiliary and as a hospital chaplain. Smith is active in some capacity within the hospital nearly every day, extending wisdom, support, and comfort to the staff and patients. Smith is a proud U.S. Navy veteran, had a long career in banking and finance, and serves as an ordained minister. His commitment to being present in the hospital allows him to connect his role in governance with how the hospital delivers quality, compassionate care.

“We are incredibly proud to see Joe recognized as Trustee of the Year,” said Karla Clubine, CEO of General Pershing Memorial Hospital in Brookfield, Mo. “His servant leadership, compassion, and unwavering support embody the very heart of our hospital's mission. This recognition is both well deserved and a reflection of the tremendous impact he has made in our organization.

A video honoring Smith is available here.

Photo caption: Stephen L. Reintjes Sr., M.D., president and CEO of NKC Health in North Kansas City, Mo., and 2026 MHA Board Chair (left), and Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO (right) present the 2026 Trustee of the Year award to Joe Smith.