Museum educator joins hospital board

WORLAND – Kurt Johnson sat in on his first meeting as a member of the Washakie Medical Center Hospital Board on Tuesday, Oct 25.

Johnson, who was appointed by the county commissioners, was born and raised outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the city of Bloomington. He has a background in education, having earned his doctorate in history and working as a university professor for five years. He later moved to Berlin, Germany, in 2016 to work and teach at a museum. He lived in Germany for five years.

During the COVID pandemic he and his family wanted to move back to the United States, where he again sought work as an educator at a museum. He was looking for a smaller community and considers himself lucky to have been chosen for the position at the Washakie Museum & Cultural Center.

Johnson began life as a Worland resident one year ago, and after settling in became interested in community involvement. He enjoys the small-town environment and said the community has been good to him during his time here. He is thankful for his position at the museum for the opportunities it has provided him in getting to know the community.

Johnson looks forward to his work on the hospital board, and says “Because I have lived abroad and been exposed to other healthcare systems, what I think I might be able to offer is just perspective from a different experience.” He has a two-year-old son, Theodoric, and is eager to learn about and be involved in the affairs of the local hospital for his son’s sake.

Johnson described his first meeting, which dealt with the lease between the board and Banner Health, as a great learning experience, and an excellent start at his new position.