Champion of Philanthropy: Bill Tomcko

Bill Tomcko knows the exact day he joined MetroHealth: February 6, 2014. That precision reflects the pride and purpose he’s carried through more than a decade of service – first in laundry operations, now as Manager of Logistics. His story is a testament to resilience, leadership and the quiet strength of showing up for others.

Before MetroHealth, Bill spent over 20 years in commercial laundries. He arrived at Main Campus through a subcontractor, managing the hospital’s laundry, a high-pressure operation that began its day at 5:30 a.m. “It was noisy, chaotic, steam everywhere,” he recalls. “We had a lot to accomplish.”

Just months into the job, the subcontractor was let go. Bill feared he’d be out of work again, but MetroHealth had other plans. A vice president from Operations approached him directly: “We want you to stay.” Bill officially joined the MetroHealth team.

In those early days, Bill learned a powerful lesson: every role matters. “We started early and worked hard, and even though it wasn’t glamorous, it was essential,” he says. “I realized that being present, being reliable and being helpful made a difference – and people noticed.”

Bill made it his mission to uplift the team. “I told them, ‘You are important to this hospital. If you didn’t show up today, the hospital would shut down tomorrow.’” He preached that message daily. “If nursing needs 100 more washcloths, that’s not their problem – it’s ours. We’re going to make sure they get what they need.”

His philosophy is simple: the real reward is helping people. “If you don’t think about it that way, it’s just another job,” he says. “But in a hospital, that towel or gown you’re handling might be used to save someone’s life. That’s different.”

Today, Bill’s role supports key logistics functions – courier coordination, parking and vendor relationships. He serves as a trusted resource for colleagues across the system. “I like to think that when you call and ask me something, you go away knowing there’s one less thing to worry about.”

That was exactly the case one Friday afternoon when Philanthropy Officer Abbie Sender, from the Office of Strategic Philanthropy, called him and said, “There are six pallets of Vitamix blenders coming, and we need your help.” The blenders – generously donated to be distributed to patients – were part of a philanthropic initiative to support nutrition and wellness. Bill jumped into action. He tracked the shipment, made space in the warehouse and ensured everything was ready for the Monday delivery. Thanks to his coordination, the donation was received smoothly and prepared for distribution to the areas where it could make the greatest impact.

Bill’s support for the Office of Strategic Philanthropy goes far beyond deliveries. When Greg Sanders, Vice President of Philanthropy, needed help connecting with corporate partners for sponsorships, Bill made the calls. “I know those people personally,” he says. “I gave them a heads-up, told them Greg would be reaching out.” After a few follow-ups, both corporate partners came through. “Greg did all the work,” Bill says. “I just helped make the connection.”

One of Bill’s favorite memories? The time MetroHealth distributed nearly 9,000 chocolate bars – a gift from JoAnn and Bob Glick – to all employees. “They were these heavy little 2-inch squares, packed 300 to a box,” he says. “The call came late in the week: they were arriving the next morning, and they needed to be delivered to 32 sites by Friday.”

Bill and Ralph Sonner grabbed a dry-erase board and mapped out a plan. “The vans turned out to be our secret weapon,” Bill says. “We assigned routes, split the deliveries and got every box where it needed to go in two days.” 

When asked what he values most, Bill doesn’t hesitate: “The people. The diverse relationships I’ve had here – those are what I’ll carry with me.” He recalls moments with leaders like Dr. Charles Emerman, Chair of Emergency Medicine, who once called him on a Friday night, needing wheelchairs. “He’d say, ‘Bill, I need something.’ And I’d say, ‘I’m on it.’”

Bill’s legacy is rooted in helpfulness. “I’ve worked with people way above my pay grade – accomplished, smart people. I’ve been lucky to help them from time to time. Even if it was part of my job, it meant something.” It’s a lesson he’s passed on to his sons: “Hard work, honesty and helpfulness – those are the things you bring to the table.”

At the heart of it all is his wife, Karen Tomcko, an advisor in post-secondary education at Lorain County Community College. “She’s the smartest woman I’ve ever met,” Bill says. “She’s been there through the ups and downs, through the trials and tribulations of middle management. She’s my biggest supporter.”

Bill’s story reminds us that purpose isn’t found in prestige – it’s found in service. That’s what makes him a true Champion of Philanthropy.

Inspired by Bill’s story?
The MetroHealth Office of Strategic Philanthropy is here to support employees who want to make a difference. If you have an idea or a passion for helping others, we’re ready to work with you.

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