Donald W. Gast

Donald Gast, senior vice-president of the Southwestern Medical Clinic in Berrien Springs, is credited with expanding the clinic from one independent location and five employees to 12 satellite medical facilities and 250 employees, including 44 physicians and nine licensed counselors. Today, the clinics provide more than $9 million in healthcare and related services. Gast has helped establish medical clinics in three California cities and has worked in clinics based in Haiti, Liberia, West Africa and Russia. His public service includes 29 years as the Baroda Township treasurer and three years as the township’s supervisor.Gast is a member of the Southwest Michigan Commission and has served as its president and vice-chairperson. He has been or continues to be a member and serve on boards of directors of 16 community organizations and agencies. He is also founder and board member of the Five Pines Christian Family Center. He was awarded the Lorren Gettel Award for Outstanding Service and Dedication to the Citizens of Rural Michigan, presented by the Michigan Center for Rural Health, and the Welch Lackey Award, presented by the Southwest Michigan Commission to individuals who have demonstrated service, leadership and intergovernmental cooperation. In memoriam June 1, 2015.