News : VGH Legacy Honoree Recipient - Mike Riege

Mike Riege served as VGH Administrator for over 26 years from 1992 to Jan. 2019. Virginia Gay Hospital was in terrible financial condition when Mike became the Administrator. His leadership turned the hospital around during a very difficult time. Mike transformed Virginia Gay into an excellent healthcare institution focused on family medicine that serves the entire county.

During his tenure, millions of dollars were raised to improve the facility and make state-of-the-art treatment and diagnosis equipment available. Local clinics were also constructed in Van Horne, Urbana and Atkins. Hospital and Clinic construction campaigns and numerous remodels and renovations were done to increase access to quality of care in Vinton and the surrounding communities.

Behavioral health steadily increased and Mike made it a mission to integrate its services with family medicine. In a 2018 article of Thrive, Mike credits George Garwood as the person who inspired the generosity that created the hospital's trust fund, and it was the trust that kept the hospital open during the darkest of times. Mike continued the legacy of George Garwood by understanding that the contributions of others have sustained Virginia Gay Hospital as a thriving rural independent healthcare facility.

It is with gratitude and honor that we name Michael Riege in the first class of Legacy Honors.

**Mike Riege had all intentions of attending, but shortly after receiving the invitation, he was unable to attend. He sent his regrets.