A 1977 graduate of SHS, Bruce graduated from The University of Albany Cum Laude with a BA in Public Affairs and received his Masters of Science from Russell Sage College where he was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.
Over the last 28 years, Bruce has enjoyed a successful career with Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown, NY, and currently holds the position as Vice President of Human Resources.
One of his most significant contributions is the leadership role he played in bringing Bassett Healthcare to Sidney with the opening of the Tri-Town Regional Hospital in 2008 after the closure of The Hospital by developing the model to create a satellite healthcare facility to fill the void and return 24-hour emergency medical services to Sidney.
Bruce was appointed the first CEO of this facility by Bassett Healthcare President and CEO Dr. William Streck who said "Bruce was the natural choice for the job. Bruce brought the leadership necessary to prepare this facility to open. He grew up in Sidney, has maintained many community contacts and was sensitive to the needs of the Tri-Town area."
Bruce considered this appointment one of his proudest moments remembering the pride with which his father served the Sidney Emergency Squad and the inspiration of his father’s commitment to serve and help others. Bruce’s commitment to community service does his father proud.
Bruce has also distinguished himself as a strong and dedicated leader both in his profession and in service to the Tri-Town community, Delaware and Otsego counties and Central New York State as demonstrated by his activities: President of the Board of Directors of the Otsego County ARC (Association for Retarded Children); Representative to Board of Governors of the New York State ARC; Member of BOCES Advisory Council; Member Ots-cho-dela Boy Scout Executive Council; President, Central New York and Northeastern New York Associations of Healthcare Human Resources Association.
Bruce is also Past-President Otsego-Delaware Management Association; Past-Chairman, "Supervisory Committee," Bassett Hospital; Member of the Board of Directors of the Sidney Federal Credit Union; Chairman of the Iroquois Workforce Development Council and Chairman, Basset Hospital Federal Credit Union.
Bruce lives in Cooperstown, New York with his wife, Lorna Demott Wilhelm ‘77.