The Summit Awards ceremony and Night of Excellence is a North American-wide recognition program established by the HealthCare Service Excellence Conference. This unique celebration recognizes exceptional Service Excellence by awarding nominees a Pinnacle Award. Pinnacle Achievers in each of the 20 award categories are then eligible to receive the prestigious Summit Award, which recognizes significant achievement and dedication in improving initiatives in the following areas:
The quality of service to patients/customers.
The quality of work life for professionals.
The performance of organizations.
Summit Award Recipients
Pinnacle and Summit Awards Recipients
Pinnacle statusis awarded to the top 3 or 4 nominees in each category.
Click on the black bar to see the 2022 Summit Award Recipient.
Service Excellence Advisor First Year
A team leader and role model who encourages and supports others to improve
Heidi Jones, Memorial Hospital, Carthage, IL Heidi never hesitates to go the extra mile. She puts gifts together for the Laboratory employees after their first 90 days and is consistently asking “what else she can do.” Heidi’s infectious and upbeat personality is present in her work, both as an SEA and as a volunteer.
Barbara Schaff, Osceola Regional Health Center, Sibley, IABarbara is a natural leader. She’s always offering her time, her belongings, and even her famous cheesecake to help ORHC be the best provider around. Barbara’s bright smile, kindness and empathy set a great example for other SEAs
Jessica Affholder, Ozarks Healthcare, West Plains, MOJessica is a natural public speaker and exudes confidence. During a workshop, she began a conversation about why we continue to choose healthcare every day. Jessica opened the door for these workshops to be something you feel, not just see and hear.
Jennifer Wedeking, , Pinckneyville Community Hospital, Pinckneyville, ILThere is no task too big or too small for Jenny. Her nickname is “The Energizer Bunny.” Every challenge she is presented with, she gives 100%. Jenny is vibrant and her energy is contagious. Jenny is enthusiastic and compassionate about everything she does in life.
Jessica Affholder Ozarks Healthcare
Service Excellence Ambassador
A role model with a positive attitude who assists, motivates, and guides SEAs.
Candace Istre, Allen Parish Community Healthcare, Kinder, LACandi has impacted patient satisfaction by fully committing to providing mentorship to SEAs and understanding how other departments can make a difference. She has influenced others to make a change in their own behaviors by accountability and leading by example.
Theresa Klossing, Memorial Hospital, Carthage, ILTheresa takes her role as a Service Excellence Ambassador to the next level. She seeks out opportunities to help people become the best version of themselves. Theresa inspires hope and builds up others through trust and empathetic listening.
Amy Glade, Osceola Regional Health Center, Sibley, IAAs an Ambassador, Amy has the attributes of the Ideal SEA: friendly, kind, compassionate, team player, respectful and hard-working. She is an incredible Service Excellence Ambassador because she lives Osceola’s core values and practices their service standards every day!
Carrie Shearn, Perry County Memorial Hospital, Tell City, INCarrie is an extraordinary person, employee, and her presence is engaging and empowering. She demonstrates her commitment on a daily basis, by continuing to be the best of the best and challenging and expecting others to do the same.
Theresa Klossing from Osceola Regional Health Center.
SEA Super Coach
An individual who provides exceptional leadership, encouragement, and guidance.
Kandace Fontenot, Allen Parish Community Healthcare, Kinder, LAKandace sets an example for everyone. The time and effort she’s put into the SEAs and Ambassadors has drastically improved employee morale and engagement. She has a unique way to spin any negativity into something positive by cutting through the tension with humor.
Tara Ellermann, Good Samaritan Hospital, Vincennes, INTara attended the first workshop of every SEA team to honor, support and encourage them. She has been nothing but pure encouragement towards SEAs and is essential to not only their success, but the continuity of the Service Excellence Initiative as a whole.
Chelsey VanWinkle, Ozarks Healthcare, West Plains, MOChelsey manages the schedules of approximately 50 SEAs each year for teaching annual workshops and was instrumental in organizing the first SEA recognition banquet at Ozarks Healthcare. Chelsey always has a smile on her face and attacks each task with enthusiastic pragmatism.
Gloria Przygoda, Pinckneyville Community Hospital, Pinckneyville, IL Gloria has found ways to make things easier for the SEAs such as starting a text thread to communicate with each other and sending out reminders prior to all trainings and events. She has an "open-door" policy for her SEAs, who feel like they can come to her to discuss any issues that arise.
Gloria Przygoda from Pinckneyville Community Hospital
OASIS Team Captain
A leader who provides focused leadership, encouragement, and leads by example.
Patty Inyart, Good Samaritan Hospital, Vincennes, IN Patty has displayed strong communication skills, great organization and has continued to keep the team focused and motivated. She has effectively delegated team roles to keep everyone engaged and has set expectations for everyone involved.
Jenn Jackson, Madison County Health Care System, Winterset, IA Jenn's strong leadership qualities, dedication to achieving goals as a team, being present and involved in every meeting, providing support to the team, seeking input from all levels of staff throughout the organization and being organized, contributed to the team's outstanding results.
Sarah James, Ozarks Healthcare, West Plains, MO Sarah demonstrated strong leadership skills by encouraging strategic thinking, innovation, and action during each meeting. She was engaged with each team member and gave clear and specific roles to help them become engaged to make the service recovery tool kit better.
Nathan Manning, West Jefferson Medical Center, Marrero, LA Nathan always has a positive attitude and does a great job engaging other team members, to share ideas and be hands on with projects. He is forward-thinking and wants to make sure the plans the committee implements today move forward even after the OASIS project is completed.
Jenn Jackson from Madison County Health Care System
OASIS Super Coach
Provides remarkable guidance, influence, and encouragement.
Sarah Bradley, Madison County Health Care System, Winterset, IASarah is a creative ray of sunshine! She has a way to always emulate positivity and make big picture ideas a reality. She was able to take the top suggestions and help mold them into realistic options, while coming up with fun, unique videos to announce changes to staff.
Ashlyn Housewright, Memorial Hospital, Carthage, IL Ashlyn stood as a pillar of strength to her teams. They were all able to accomplish great things as she kindly encouraged them to complete their projects and tactfully give direction to the teams that struggled. She is the perfect person to fulfill this important role.
EZ Niles, Ozarks Healthcare, West Plains, MO EZ Niles is a leader who goes above and beyond for his team. He jumps right in to guide and coach a team to get them back on track and make them flourish! Because of his role and attitude and his service to those who serve on the frontline, he is a leader second to none.
Kim Lueders, Providence Medical Center, Wayne, NE Kim leads teams in putting out exceptional projects, holding the teams accountable for completion of the projects, and hardwiring them to provide continuity throughout the years to come. She has overcome challenges of facilitating groups to collaborate and put out some truly amazing projects.
Ashlyn Housewright Memorial Hospital, Carthage, IL
Kim Lueders Providence Medical Center
Implementation Coordinator
A pillar in the organization who leads, motivates, listens, communicates, and coaches.
Derek James Yeagley, Allen Parish Community Healthcare, Kinder, LA Derek is a powerful leader and role model, living out the organization's mission, vision, and values on a daily basis. He exemplifies a professional, down to earth personality, and is constantly smiling. He is always a pleasure to be around, and his positive energy is infectious.
Michelle Hamlin, Neighborhood Health, Fort Wayne, INMichelle has always gone above and beyond in the giving of her time. She is a very proactive leader as you will see her out and about and she is willing to jump in and be available. She knows how to motivate, leads by example, and inspires positive change in others.
Karlee Marvin, Ozarks Healthcare, West Plains, MO Karlee Marvin lives and breathes Service Excellence. She has taken on the role of Implementation Coordinator with extreme gusto and lives out Ozarks Healthcare’s mission, vision, and values in everyday life. She embodies teamwork and pushes people to think from the perspective of the patients.
Anette Cheramie, West Jefferson Medical Center, Marrero, LA Anette is positive, upbeat, and personal. She has developed relationships/friendships with all the SEA, and they use her as a sounding board. She is described as having an infectious smile, bubbly personality, perseverance, organization, communication, and accountability.
Michelle Hamlin Neighborhood Health, Fort Wayne, IN
Karlee Marvin Ozarks Healthcare, West Plains, MO
Exceptional Employee
An individual who provides exceptional service to both patients/customers and fellow employees.
Jerry Ahlberg, Crawford County Memorial Hospital, Denison, IA Jerry is patient, empathetic, professional, and composed. He has excelled in every aspect of his position, and his love for his community members is shown on and off the clock. He exemplifies hard work, dedication and compassion every day, and he is a true asset to the team.
Shawna Leal, Eastern Plumas Health Care, Portola, CA Shawna is the most passionate team member on campus regarding the initiative, and has overcome numerous challenges with the first year of implementation. She has been the most important team member in making this journey a success.
Jacqueline Alleman, Morrow County Health District, Heppner, OR During covid restrictions, Jackie assumed much of the duties of visiting hospice patients on a weekly basis, and she quickly sensed ways to make the patients and their caregivers lives more comfortable and assured they were not forgotten by the larger world.
Louise Thompson, Ozarks Healthcare, West Plains, MO Louise is a long-standing coworker who does so much more than clock in and clock out. She usually is found arriving a little early, checks on the staff and is always speaking to and smiling at people she passes in the hallway. She truly takes pride in her job and keeping spaces tidy.
Louise Thompson from Ozarks Healthcare Accepting Award is Lacy Carter
Empowering Manager
A true leader who encourages individuals to achieve great results
Kelby Eck, Crawford County Memorial Hospital, Denison, IA Kelby is the definition of reliable, and his patients and staff can always count on him to be there in their time of need. He answers calls and messages in the middle of the night, stays late after a long day to help transfer patients to other facilities, comes in on weekends and sacrifices time with his family.
Jennifer Weger,Good Samaritan Hospital, Vincennes, IN Jenny has uplifted her staff by being a consistent leader. She listens to her staff, empowers them to be creative, and role models the importance of life-long learning and professional development. The support she shows to her team and the organization is truly remarkable.
Mark Tietz, , Providence Medical Center, Wayne, NE Mark is the definition of an exceptional manager and employee. He is essential to keeping the day seamlessly flowing for all staff and patients. His dedication, kindness and patience are what push him ahead of the rest when it comes to how he makes a difference.
Melissa Matherne, West Jefferson Medical Center, Marrero, LA Mel leads by example and holds her staff accountable to follow in her footsteps. She encourages her staff to be part of the solution and to come up with ideas to make process improvements. Her Employee Engagement scores increased from 71.4% in 2020 to 90% in 2021.
Jennifer Weger Good Samaritan Hospital
Exceptional Nurse
An individual who provides outstanding levels of compassion and quality care, while being supportive, a good listener and constantly improving.
Sara Gaul, Crawford County Memorial Hospital, Denison, IA Sara is a self-motivated leader who has played a vital role in developing Population Health Programs. She has built strong relationships with many of the patients and has had a direct impact in assuring that they receive necessary medical care.
Taylor Smith, Memorial Hospital, Carthage, IL Taylor is a gentle soul that gives you the feeling you are safe while in her care. When she talks to you, she looks directly in your eyes, like you’re the only one in the room. She is a confident, strong, reassuring woman as well as an amazing nurse and employee.
Nicole Akins, Pinckneyville Community Hospital, Pinckneyville, IL Nicole is an exceptional nurse that functions well in any setting. She is a mentor for new RN staff and recognizes when someone is being negative, will talk with them, point out the positives and help them prioritize their tasks. She is a great example of a nurse leader with a great work ethic.
Tammi Anderson, Union General Hospital, Farmerville, LA Tammi is always there to help with whatever is needed, in any role that needs to be filled, and whatever shift needs to be covered. She is compassionate, empathetic, sensitive to patients’ and families’ needs, and dedicated to the health and well-being of her community.
Sara Gaul from Crawford County Memorial Hospital
Customer Focused Provider
An individual who is respectful and professional, with empathy for those they serve.
Patrick England, Allen Parish Community Healthcare, Kinder, LA Patrick always goes above and beyond for his patients. He makes sure all their needs are met, listens to their concerns, and takes time to get to know each of his patients personally. His connectivity with patients and willingness to improve processes, help not only his patients but staff as well.
Dana Culp, Eastern Plumas Health Care, Portola, CA Dr. Dana Culp has demonstrated consistent and exceptional customer service. She frequently goes out of her way to make sure patients are taken care of by reviewing lab results over the weekends and while on vacation to guarantee that her patients hear from her and know that they are important.
Lormekia Warren, Neighborhood Health, Fort Wayne, IN Lormekia is an inspiration both professionally and personally. She is dependable and reliable, demonstrating why it is important to be an advocate for patients. Lormekia challenges others to evaluate situations before making assumptions, and has raised the bar for what healthcare should look like.
Dr. Seth Coynor, Perry County Memorial Hospital, Tell City, IN Dr. Seth Coynor is an extraordinary provider serving pediatric patients and their families. He provides comfort to the families, checks on patients after hours, takes time to learn their interests, and provides them with treats or other tokens of love. He is an exceptional provider with a kind heart.
Patrick England from Allen Parish Community Healthcare Accepting Award is Kellye Foster and Kandace Fontenot
Customer Focused Physician
An individual who is professional, respectful, and compassionate with those they serve.
Michael Neste, MD, Family Health West, Fruita, CO Dr. Neste coaches through listening, has been a mentor to the new CEO, is a generous donor, and tirelessly advocates for the hospital in the community. He always aims to make the hospital the best place to practice medicine and to receive care.
Dr. Michael Duehrssen, Grand River Health, Rifle, CO Dr. Duehrssen has a kind and gentle demeanor with his patients, staff, and co-workers. Even in the most stressful situations he is the calm in the storm. He has provided humanitarian aid by transporting medical supplies to frontlines and treating patients in a war-torn zone of Ukraine.
Teri Formanek, MD, Madison County Health Care System, Winterset, IA Dr. Formanek demands high patient care standards from his support staff, but he is also his team's biggest fan. He truly has the gift of the ability to connect with people and is quick with praise and thanks for a job well done. His practice is centered around what his patients need.
William Newman, MD, West Jefferson Medical Center, Marrero, LA Dr. Newman is one of the most dedicated and humble providers you will ever meet. He is fully committed to providing the best care to everyone he encounters and is willing to help anyone. He is very compassionate to the staff and regularly treats them to lunch or snacks to show his appreciation.
Teri Formanek, MD from Madison County Health Care System Accepting Award is Stacey Mitchell
Empowering CNO/DON
A leader who cares deeply about their patients and brings out the very best in the people they work with.
Rachel Spalding, Good Samaritan Hospital, Vincennes, IN Rachel is an effective leader who is personable, truly cares about her staff, is proactive in a compassionate manner, leads with common sense, understands the importance of the local community and legislative outcomes, and brings out the best in those around her.
Wendy Marco, FOsceola Regional Health Center, Sibley, IA Wendy is a truly inspiring individual and an exceptional role model for those in the early stages of their career, and for seasoned individuals with years of experience. Her efforts are always collaborative ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table when necessary.
Eva Hopp, Pinckneyville Community Hospital, Pinckneyville, ILEva wholeheartedly loves her nurses, and spends hours meticulously crafting the nursing and CNA schedule to honor their requests and allow for work/life/family balance. She recognizes any potential for the hospital to improve and willingly takes on EXTRA work to make that happen.
Monica Bologna, West Jefferson Medical Center, Marrero, LA Monica inspires others with enthusiasm and passion. She seeks and values the opinions of everyone and is the type of leader who is easy to follow. She always finds the positive in the negative situation and knows exactly how to get those working with her to also see the silver lining.
Rachel Spalding from Good Samaritan Hospital
Motivating Administrator
A leader who uses creativity and understanding to provide motivation for improvement and empowerment.
Don Luensmann, Crawford County Memorial Hospital, Denison, IA Don oversees many community improvement projects, and has been instrumental in the Employee Recognition program, and the creation of the Employee Rewards Program. He has also co-developed a Leadership Academy resulting in increases in several key survey areas.
Josh Reeves, Ozarks Healthcare, West Plains, MO Josh is the embodiment of a customer focused administrator. He goes above and beyond every day, supporting patients in need, helping people find their way, advocating for the community, negotiating, and partnering with local businesses for fundraising, and serving the staff.
Darlene Gondrella, West Jefferson Medical Center, Marrero, LA Darlene motivates and empowers staff to implement projects when an issue is identified, and coaches and mentors them to be successful in project implementation. She is open and honest in her communication and holds staff accountable to the Mission, Vision, and Values.
Darlene Gondrella from West Jefferson Medical Center
Inspiring CEO/President
A leader who inspires with energy and passion and leads by example.
Jacqueline Reviel, Allen Parish Community Healthcare, Kinder, LA Jackie is truly an inspiring CEO. She has vision and is determined to achieve that vision no matter how many hurdles lie before her. Her commitment, determination, and drive are influential within her organization, and she works diligently to ensure the viability of her organization daily.
Patti Banks, Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital, Ely, MNPatti’s character, principles, and purpose, along with her conduct, are professional, personable, and genuinely support staff, community, and mission. She empowers everyone to do their best and supports a positive work-life balance by reminding all to disconnect from work and enjoy their time.
Korrey Klein , MD, Family Health West, Fruita, CODr. Klein is a leader who walks the talk. He has proven to be a servant leader who will do what it takes to get the job done, always with a smile, and has created a loyalty and engagement amongst his staff. His door is always open, and he makes himself available to meet with anyone at any time.
Angie Zaegel, Neighborhood Health, Fort Wayne, IN Angie exemplifies the CEO as a servant leader. She demonstrates a professional who cares both about the mission of her organization and the people they serve. Her leadership is evident in the Board Room, with clients, and in the commitment she shows to her staff.
Korrey Klein from Family Health West
Service Excellence Advisor Team
A team with positive attitudes, who combine their frontline enthusiasm and skills for the betterment of all.
The Mystery Machine, Grand River Health, Rifle, CO Chris Gulledge, Shane Becker, Allie Magee, Julia BerryThis team created an interactive presentation revolving around the Scooby Doo Cartoon and included “Scooby” moments that focused on engaging attendees by asking questions to ensure concepts were effectively learned before moving to the next section.
The Fab 4, Neighborhood Health, Fort Wayne, IN Jamie Brown, Katie Koller, Robyn Turner, Lauren ZimmerThis team made the workshops fun and interactive by sharing baby pictures during introductions, creating videos to show types of self-care, a scavenger hunt for standards of behaviors, a mindfulness exercise, and a cardio dance workout played during one of their breaks.
Krispy Fried Chix, Osceola Regional Health Center, Sibley, IA Jessica Loerts, Tiffany Mandelkow, Lindsey Williams, Kandice AlfordThis team ensured that they kept the audience engaged and interactive, handed out candy, encouraged everyone to work with others by arranging the seating assignments in a way that made it non-negotiable, and sharing personal stories and struggles.
WJMC Team 4, West Jefferson Medical Center, Marrero, LA Rebecca Brignac, Carisa Cook, Steven Doucette, Ronald Galley, Katelyn NugentThis team was outstanding in their support for each other. They built on each other’s strengths through building confidence, showing kindness and compassion, demonstrating tone and facial expressions, and storytelling with some humor and acting skills.
The Mystery Machine from Grand River Health, Rifle, CO Accepting Award is Chris Gulledge and Julia Berry
Krispy Fried Chix from Osceola Regional Health Center Accepting Award is Jessica Loerts, Tiffany Mandelkow, and Lindsey Williams,
OASIS Team
An innovative group of leaders who work together to effect positive change.
Trendsetters, Good Samaritan Hospital, Vincennes, IN Patty Inyart, Troy Sanders, Shane Wilson, Victoria Collier, Starann Walker, Jennifer Weger, Jane Russell This team was charged with creating Sentence Starters at Key Moments to include key moments in all types of patients' experience to improve and develop consistency and developing key words/phrases for employees to explain, request, or respond in those Key Moments.
Team R & R, Madison County Health Care System, Winterset, IA Jennifer Jackson, Sarah Bradley, Emily Walton, Kristin Wilkinson, Alysha ReynoldsThis team was charged with improving Onboarding and Retention, including implementing Casual Fridays, increased call pay, increased night shift differential, added PTO, increased tuition reimbursement, and increased referral bonuses, and then focused on the onboarding process.
The Service Recovery Team, Ozarks Healthcare, West Plains, MO Sarah James, Joy Anderson, Holly Isom, Brandilyn Stephens, Amy Tucker, Hope Smith, Dewayne Cook, Valarie Williams, Amber Osborne, Melynni Yarber, Melody HubbellThis team was charged with redefining and improving a previous initiative for patient service recovery, by taking the completed work, analyzing it, identifying changes, improvements, and enhancements, to take it from good to great and benefit both the patient and the organization.
Onboarding, Union General Hospital, Farmerville, LA Derek Reid, Darra Jung, Sheri Taylor, Brittany Smith, Brad Adcock, Julie Duty,
Taylor Smith, Claudia WadeThis team was charged with reviewing the entire procedure of hiring an individual, including posting position, marketing, recruitment incentives, multi-level interviews, mentorship, evaluations and even exit interviews. They also focused on orientation and employee recognition and retention.
Onboarding from Union General Hospital, Farmerville, LA Accepting Award is Brittany Smith and Darra Jung
DO IT Improvement Project
A team that defines dissatisfiers, takes action, and creates improvement.
CCMH Pharmacy, Crawford County Memorial Hospital, Denison, IA Andrew Segebart, Ben Jorgensen, Lisa Sample, Anne Petersen This project aimed to improve low scores on the “Communication about Medications” Domain. They created an automatic notification to pharmacy staff when doctors order a discharge, resulting in scores going from the 2nd percentile to the 77th % percentile!
Zen Room, Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital, Ely, MN Anne Moravitz, Heidi Schiltz, Jodi Martin, Anna Koski, Rochelle Sjoberg, George Rajkovich, Keith Spicer, Dan HuffWhen staff needed a private space to take a break, The Zen Room was born! With a relaxing water fountain, yoga mats, puzzles, books, a computer, relaxing tea, and a massage chair, staff health, well-being and morale are sure to improve.
Kevin Hines Event, Ozarks Healthcare, West Plains, MO Tianna Niesen, Myriah Wallace, Billie Weaver, Toni Autrey, Mandy Lindsey, Addy Van os Keuls, Chelsey VanWinkleTeen suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among teens. To raise awareness, Kevin Hines, an attempted suicide survivor, spoke to 3,400 youth on how suicide can be prevented. Several attendees said the event had changed their life.
Cardiology Clinic Wait Time, Providence Medical Center, Wayne, NE Audrey Kaser RN, Allie Davis RN, Kristy Gensler RN, Traci Puls RN, Nancy Lunz LPN, Ginger Nixon LPNsA survey question regarding keeping patients informed about delays was receiving low scores. Color-coded, laminated cards were placed outside patient rooms so that nurses could mark the time they finish intake. As a result, patient satisfaction scores have already increased!
CCMH Pharmacy from Crawford County Memorial Hospital, Denison, IA Accepting Award is Erin Muck
Service Excellence Council
A team dedicated and committed to the vision, ensuring exceptional teamwork with forward momentum.
Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital, Ely, MN Anne Moravitz, Heidi Artisensi, Curtis Bach, Patti Banks, Brianna Crawford, Tara Jokela, John Kannas, Jodi Martin, Rochelle Sjoberg, Colin Yahnke, Emily RooseThis Council continuously looks for ways to improve employee morale and culture. They spearhead changes in their organization by remembering the most important rule: listen to co-workers and leadership. Because of this, Grand River Health came together and grew as a family despite the challenges of the pandemic.
Grand River Health , Rifle, CO Donna Trujillo, Caryn Hettler, Blair Bracken, Jim Coombs, Denise Dion, Zach Johnson, Marissa Kennelly, Kristell Kretschman, Erin Mitchell, Annick Pruett, Arlene Olivo, Maria Olivo, Jill Peotter, Rebecca Schickling, Kenda Spaulding, Kevin Tadus, Craig JayThis council is motivated to constantly improve their culture by being an example to all staff. Their members represent 11 different departments, all working together and dedicated to helping Grand River Health achieve their organizational goals.
Osceola Regional Health Center, Sibley, IA Sarah Loerts, Emily VanKekerix, JoAnn Pranger, Darla Linquist, Ben Davis, Susan Kruger, Danielle Onken, Nga Thiel, Dawn Myers, Kathy Winter, Donna Bootsma, Jessi Meyer This council is determined to keep spirits up and take care of their employees, with treats, notes, and even a get-together with food trucks and bingo. This gives staff the boost necessary to take care of their community in the best possible way.
West Jefferson Medical Center, Marrero, LA Darlene Gondrella, Kelly Cowthran, Andre Brooks, Rob Calhoun, Anette Cheramie, Kelsey Fetterman, Gabrielle Fontenelle, Allison Foote, Mary Harper, Linda Lauricella, Mikkii Russell, Leigh-Ann Williams, Mary Williams, Stacey Zimmer, Kenneth Collins, Megan Bologna This council is diligent in their pursuit of excellence, always stepping up to the plate to ensure the success of the program. They are also known as “The Magicians” because they make magic happen every day!
Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital from Ely, MN Accepting Award is Patti Banks and team
Medical Clinic of Choice
A medical clinic that embodies Service Excellence in the capacity of compassion and education.
GSPN Family Practice 110, Good Samaritan Hospital, Vincennes, INThis medical clinic always shines amongst all Good Samaritan’s practices for their continual high patient experience scores. They are friendly and engaged in the care of their patients as well as the personal well-being of each other. They find ways to make work fun and productive on a daily basis!
Neighborhood Health, Fort Wayne, INNeighborhood Health’s staff are committed to high quality healthcare, giving patients a warm and welcoming experience, and treating everyone with compassion and respect. They also ensure all staff have the tools and resources they need to deal with healthcare challenges.
Dermatology Clinic, Ozarks Healthcare, West Plains, MOThis clinic implemented a new workflow change for prolonged wait times for Mohs procedure patients, by setting up a special waiting room with a television, snacks, water, coffee, and space for patients to stretch out. This has resulted in very positive feedback from patients.
Tell City Clinic, , Perry County Memorial Hospital, Tell City, INEveryone in this clinic, from the registration staff to the provider, understand they play an integral role in providing excellent service to their patients. The staff feel empowered to address a patient’s needs head on and will work to correct an issue when they may have failed.
Neighborhood Health, in Fort Wayne, IN
Accepting Award is Angie Zaegel and team
Hospital Provider of Choice
A market leader for employee retention and patient satisfaction.
Allen Parish Community Healthcare , Kinder, LAThis hospital has engaged physicians who create a positive impact on the patients and provide them with comfort knowing they received accurate and excellent care. When physicians truly care about providing the best result, it will facilitate the retention of others while improving patient satisfaction by providing extraordinary care.
Good Samaritan Hospital, Vincennes, INThis hospital has served their community for more than 114 years, was the first in their region to earn Magnet recognition for nursing excellence and to be verified as a level III trauma center. They’ve also received continual awards for imagining excellence, stroke care, infant and maternal health, joint replacement, and cancer care.
Osceola Regional Health Center, Sibley, IAThis hospital has had a positive impact on the community as well as the staff who live and work in the surrounding area. Recent scores show Laboratory at the 83rd %tile, Ambulatory Surgery at the 88th %tile, Therapy at the 91st %tile, Inpatient at the 92nd %tile, ER at the 98th %tile, and Radiology at the 99th %tile.
Osceola Regional Health Center in Sibley, IA
Accepting Award is Ben Davis and team
The 2022 Founder's Award
An individual or organization who best exemplifies, through their actions and leadership, the principles of Service Excellence.
The Founder's Award recipient is Angie Zaegel, President & CEO of Neighborhood Health in Fort Wayne, IN.
Angie superbly exemplifies Service Excellence and has championed high quality health care and community health centers for over 25 years, beginning her career at Neighborhood Health Clinic in 1997 as the Human Resource Director, then moving to the position of Chief Operating Officer, and finally to President and CEO in 2016.
Her commitment and impact to her organization are seen in her ability to pivot and adjust to challenges and opportunities, and her commitment to a patient-centered environment. She demonstrates a relentless pursuit of the best staff experience and provides opportunities of growth for the organization – even in the face of a pandemic.
Some of Angie’s many accomplishments include:
Increasing HR efficiency, recruitment and retention as the staff grew from 50 to 130 employees.
Overseeing a federal capital grant providing funding for a parking garage, skybridge and administrative renovations.
Advocating for a new access point and 2nd clinic location that opened in 2014.
Offering quality care to all with two additional service lines – optometry and behavioral health.
And, most recently, raising support for a 3rd clinic location that is in the heart of the zip code with one of the highest infant mortalities in the state of Indiana.
Angie’s patient-centered mindset is a large part of two recent recognitions for the organization – landing in the top quartile of health centers for outstanding diabetic care and a local award as the “Most Welcoming Non-Profit Organization” to immigrants and refugees. She is committed to her patients, her staff, and the process of ensuring they are working together to address the most fundamental building blocks to a thriving community – quality healthcare for ALL.
A board member puts it this way - “Angie exemplifies the CEO as a servant leader. She demonstrates a professional who cares both about the mission of our organization and the people we serve. Her leadership is evident whether in the Board Room or with the clients Neighborhood assists to improve the quality of their lives.”
