Cate, Capron join Speare Memorial Hospital board of directors

PLYMOUTH — Speare Memorial Hospital recently welcomed two new members to its board of directors: Lakes Region Community College President Patrick Cate and longtime physician Dr. Theodore Capron. 

Cate, a resident of Campton, brings more than two decades of leadership experience in higher education and a deep commitment to community engagement.

“I am truly honored to join the Speare Memorial Hospital board. As a resident of the region for 25 years with both of my children born at Speare and my family relying on the hospital for our own health care needs, I know firsthand the impact this organization has on Plymouth and the entire central New Hampshire region,” said Cate. “I look forward to supporting Speare’s continued service to our communities with distinction. I also want to recognize the dedication of the entire Speare team; their hard work and commitment to patient care are the foundation of the hospital’s success, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to that mission.”

Cate became the 13th president of LRCC in 2022, after serving in several leadership roles at the college since 2018, including associate vice president of academic and student affairs, vice president, and interim president. During his tenure, he has led significant program expansions, including the firefighter/paramedic program and the licensed practical nurse program to align academic programs with workforce needs.

Prior to joining LRCC, Cate spent 17 years at Plymouth State University in roles such as dean of student success, director of the college of university studies, and academic and transfer advisor, while also serving as an adjunct faculty member at both undergraduate and graduate levels. He has also held administrative and advising positions at Rivier University and Walnut Hill College in Pennsylvania. Cate holds degrees from Keene State College and Plymouth State University.

Capron graduated from the University of Virginia in 1976 with a degree in communications and earned his medical degree from George Washington University School of Medicine in 1980. He completed his family medicine residency at Anderson Memorial Hospital in South Carolina in 1983 and served two years with the National Health Service Corps in Swan Quarter, North Carolina.

In 1985, Capron moved to New Hampshire and established his practice in Belmont before relocating to Meredith in 1996, where he practiced family medicine until 2016. During this time, he was an active member of Lakes Region General Hospital, serving as chief of family medicine, president of the medical staff, and chair of several key committees including utilization review, medical records, and bioethics. He also acted as physician champion for the implementation of two electronic medical record systems.

After a period in Colorado, Capron returned to New Hampshire in 2019 and joined Speare Primary Care as a family physician and medical director. He played a critical role as physician champion in the adoption of Speare’s electronic health record system before retiring in 2022.

“When I returned to New Hampshire from Colorado in 2019, everyone at Speare Memorial Hospital made me feel as welcome as I have ever felt,” said Capron. “Serving on the board at Speare is a great opportunity to repay that wonderful reception.”

Capron now focuses on outdoor activities and volunteer work while contributing his extensive experience to Speare Memorial Hospital’s leadership and community mission.

For more information, visit spearehospital.com.