Throughout the better part of the past three decades, Morgan Medical Center’s evolution has been monumental, from expanding its services to establishing a new campus. And longtime Madison resident Sarah Burbach has experienced it all.
After serving 27 years on the Morgan County GA Hospital Authority board, the hospital’s governing body, Burbach recently stepped down. Morgan Medical Center will be honoring Burbach, now recognized as a board member emeritus, at the next Hospital Authority meeting, which takes place October 29.
“Her glass was always half full,” said Ralph A. Castillo, CPA, CEO of Morgan Medical Center. “And she was proud to be part of the Hospital Authority, even when we had to make tough decisions. She always knew that the dawn of a new day is another great opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.”
In addition to leading several subcommittees and spending 15 of those years as vice chair, Burbach’s hospital-related volunteerism included work with both the Morgan Medical Center Foundation and Morgan Medical Center Auxiliary. Her passion for lending a hand in a hospital setting, she said, runs deep.
Years ago, while supporting loved ones with medical challenges, Burbach gained a strong perspective for those on the front lines. “I’ve just learned to respect every aspect of the medical field,” Burbach said, “from the person who cleans your room all the way to the physicians and the specialists … and I wanted to give back to the community that’s given so much to us.”
Her resume points toward someone with a giving spirit. For more than 35 years, Burbach worked in various positions for the Morgan County School System, including as a speech pathologist at the primary school, the director of special education, and assistant superintendent. She currently serves as executive director for the Georgia Council of Administrators of Special Education.
While juggling a career and family, Burbach managed to offer her time not only toward Morgan Medical Center’s efforts, but to the community at large, from volunteering at Madison First United Methodist Church to serving as a past-president for the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center.
“She’s reliable, enthusiastic and a cheerful giver, whether it’s with her time, talents, financial gifts, or whatever it may be.”
— Megan Morris, Executive Director of Foundation for Morgan Medical Center
During her tenure on the Morgan County Hospital Authority board, the milestones were many. Burbach played a significant role in advocating for the construction of the current hospital campus, which opened its doors in 2018. The advent of a larger, updated facility allowed the hospital the ability to expand its services and further lean into prioritizing patient quality and safety. This perspective was championed by Castillo, whom Burbach helped recruit through her leadership of the search committee.
As she steps down from the hospital board, Burbach said she plans to remain active as a hospital supporter and will continue volunteering through the auxiliary.
“I believe there comes a time when you can step away knowing an organization is in a good place and well-positioned for continued success,” she explained. “For me, this feels like the right time. If I’m honest, I may have stayed a little longer than I should have simply because I was so proud of how far the hospital had come and all that we had accomplished together! I leave with deep appreciation for the people who work so hard every day to care for our community, and with strong confidence in the hospital’s future.”
Several of Burbach’s colleagues shared their perspectives on what she brought to the Morgan County Hospital Authority, Morgan Medical Center, and the community.
On Burbach’s mediation skills while serving on the Morgan County Hospital Authority:
“She was a tremendous mediator and could bring people together and help resolve any difficulties or arguments. She was the one who kept the board focused on what we were supposed to be doing. If it wavered one way or the other, she would bring us back to center.”
— Terry Evans, former chairman and current chairman emeritus, Morgan County Hospital Authority
On her community-focused leadership during long-range planning:
“She had a very good perspective from the public standpoint and helped identify (healthcare) needs in the community. She was able to really put that into play as chair of the long-range planning committee.”
— John Moore, chairman, Morgan County Hospital Authority
On Burbach’s impact in the community:
“Sarah’s just had an incredible impact, certainly with our hospital, but with our community in general. … She’s always looking for an opportunity to make a difference with a positive attitude and a smile on her face. … Her impact has been immeasurable.”
— Megan Morris, executive director of foundation, Morgan Medical Center
On community focus and local healthcare:
“She didn’t want to lose sight of the fact that we were the community hospital. … She wanted people to understand and trust that they could come to the local hospital and wouldn’t (necessarily need to travel) to seek quality care.”
— Ralph A. Castillo, CPA, CEO of Morgan Medical Center