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Bristow Hospital Authority denies conflict-waiver request for attorney tied to Stillwater Medical Center
Summary
At its Sept. 15 meeting the Bristow Hospital Authority unanimously denied a request to waive a conflict for attorney Karen Rieger, who previously represented the authority, after trustees voiced concerns about the change in representation.
At its September 15, 2025 meeting the Bristow Hospital Authority voted unanimously to deny a request to waive a conflict that would have allowed attorney Karen Rieger and her firm, Crowe Dunlevy, to represent Stillwater Medical Center in potential negotiations over hospital operations.
Attorney Beth Anne Childs told trustees that Rieger had sent an email to the mayor asking the council to waive the conflict so her firm could represent Stillwater Medical Center in discussions with the Bristow Hospital Authority and Carrus Lakeside Hospital. Trustees Judd Johns, Frank Groom and Joe Church said they were “not Ok with allowing this” because Rieger had previously represented the authority. Trustee Frank Groom moved to deny the waiver; Trustee Judd Johns seconded. The motion passed by roll call with all present trustees voting Aye (Church, Deshazo, Fletcher, Green, Groom, Johns, Witty).
The vote formalizes the board’s decision not to permit Crowe Dunlevy to take a new client in a matter that could create a conflict with its prior representation of the Authority. The minutes record no further direction to staff and no amendment to the request; the board proceeded to other business.
