THE MORTAR THAT
BINDS THE STONES:
a tribute to lelan k. woodmansee, cae
Gordon R. Tobin, MD
building enduring
structures
Great edifices symbolize the aspirations and
achievements of their builders. For the Greater Louisville Medical Society (GLMS), the
limestone blocks of our headquarters in t he
Old Medical School represent our solidarity,
and its Romanesque bell tower features four pillars that symbolize
our aspirations and major advocacies: physician advocacy, patient
advocacy, community service, and medical humanitarianism. An
essential element of this edifice is the mortar that binds together
these stones. Similarly, the mortar that binds together our Society
and gives us enduring strength has been our Executive Director,
Lelan K. Woodmansee, CAE. After a 35-year legacy of binding
together our Society through exemplary service and strong vision,
Mr. Woodmansee has selected August 15, 2015 as his retirement
date. He will then pass the baton to his able successor, Bert T. Guinn,
MBA, CAE. Thus, the legacy of his strong programs will continue
undiminished.
Lelan assumed directorship of the society (then named the Jefferson County Medical Society) from his friend and mentor, Harry
Lehman, in 1980. This was amidst the heroic rescue and beginning
renovation of the historic Old Medical School, which escaped demolition only because of our Society’s vision. Over subsequent 35 years,
Mr. Woodmansee would direct the growth, expand the missions
and enhance the influence of our Society, while simultaneously
overseeing the renovation and beautification of the historic building.
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LOUISVILLE MEDICINE
Thus, his legacy is carved into every feature of the elegant limestone
structure. Although the stone blocks of this structure were laid nearly
125 years ago, over the past 35 years they have come to represent
the solid contributions of our Society during Lelan’s stewardship.
The vibrant organization we now have is the culmination of that
35-year building process, which we now celebrate.
compounding the mortar
The background of our binding mortar merits review. Born to
Donavin and Lois Woodmansee in 1948, Lelan grew up in Clinton
County, Ohio, along with his sister, Linda Jackson. There, his father
operated a grain elevator, amidst the agrarian beauty of America’s
heartland. Lelan developed an early interest in music and the trumpet, and he carried that on to Ohio State University. There he played
in the marching band, which brought a Rose Bowl appearance. He
also developed an interest in magic, which he still performs elegantly.
Graduating with a degree in economics, he then pursued a master’s
degree in journalism at Ohio State, which provided skills that have
served him well ever since.
Lelan met Marlena in high school, and their relationship grew
through college, culminating in their 1970 marriage. Upon his
graduation, the couple moved to Jefferson, Ohio, where Lelan joined
the staff of a small community newspaper, reporting on public
affairs and becoming Managing Editor. While in Jefferson, their
first son, Craig, was born, followed by a brother, David, five years
later. Sensing a career dead-end in the small newspaper profession,
Lelan took a job as Director of Communications for the Academy
of Medicine of Cleveland, an association similar to our Jefferson
County Medical Society (JCMS). There he gained insights and skills