G. Michael Baughman, a Certified Financial Planner for Parsec Financial (formerly Millard & Company), and Larry Wassong, retired marketing and advertising professional, have joined the board of trustees of St. Luke’s Hospital in Columbus, N.C. Baughman and Wassong join 14 other valued community members who bring leadership to the hospital’s board.

 

Baughman has more than 15 years of financial experience. After years in banks and investment management organizations, his career moved towards financial planning. His influence can be found in many other corners of the Foothills region. He is currently a member of the Tryon Rotary Club where he chairs the Scholarship Committee and serves on the Finance Committee for Tryon Fine Arts Center Endowment Fund.

 

Previously, he served as treasurer of the Tryon Downtown Development Association and as a board member of the South Region Board of Directors for National Association of Personal Financial Advisors.

 

As a new addition to St. Luke’s Hospital’s Board of Trustees, Baughman hopes to “clarify and pursue what’s truly important” by asking questions and listening closely to the hospital’s mission, goals, problems, and successes.

 

Baughman received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1998 from Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C. As a college student, Michael was civic-minded, raising more than $5,000 and riding a bicycle across the United States to raise awareness and support for people with disabilities.

 

Baughman is an Anderson, S.C, native who moved to Tryon, N.C., two years ago with his wife, Carolyn, and children, Ellie and Jack. He moved to the area to become a financial planner with Millard & Company, a “fee-only” wealth management company based in Tryon. When he isn’t financially helping others identify and pursue their life’s goals, he enjoys music, spending time with family, and being outdoors.

 

“I try to be great husband, father, son and friend while pursuing my love of music and all things outdoors. I enjoy cycling and exploring the beautiful Foothills region, and one day I hope to make it big in contemporary bluegrass music.”

 

Wassong’s career began in advertising in New York following his graduation from Syracuse University and service in the United States Army. Today, he is a retired marketing and advertising professional with a 30-year career working for international agencies such as Doyle Dane Bernbach and BBDO.

 

He has also worked with a variety of other businesses, such as American Airlines, Campbell’s Soup, American Home Products, Nissan, R.J. Reynolds, Travelers, Texaco, Minolta, and Nabisco. In 1972, Wassong joined the William Etsy Company. By 1984, he became the company’s president, managing the $600 million agency until he resigned in 1990. He continued to act as a consultant for the company.

 

A native of Westport, Conn., Wassong moved to Tryon, N.C., in 1993. Since then, he has been a highly engaged member of the community, serving a number of area not-for-profits. Organizations that Wassong has influenced include Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, Steps to HOPE, the Tryon Concert Association, Polk County Community Foundation, FENCE, and PAC.

 

He has also been involved with Tryon Hounds Hunt, Mountain Bank advisory board, Tryon Investment Club, Second Wind Hall of Fame and Hunting Country Property Owners Association.

 

After serving on the board of trustees of St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation, which he joined in 2013, Wassong is now serving as chair. When he is not volunteering, Wassong enjoys horses and managing his horse farm.

 

For more information on St. Luke’s Hospital and its board of trustees, email kathy.woodham@slhnc.org or call 828-894-0972.

 

-Submitted by Cody H. Owens