Originally established by the Missouri Association for Healthcare Quality, this prestigious award recognizes professionals whose dedication, leadership and innovation have driven meaningful improvements in health care quality and patient care within their organizations and beyond.

Following the MoAHQ’s transition into the Quality Leader Learning Network, the former MoAHQ board, with the support of MHA, remains committed to carrying on the award's legacy and honoring outstanding quality professionals serving Missouri's communities. Submit a nomination today!

ASHE, a professional membership group of the American Hospital Association, announced its 2026 Chapter Awards this week and will celebrate chapters during the upcoming annual Health Care Facilities Innovation Conference. 

MOSHE was one of 19 chapters recognized with the Platinum Elite Chapter Award. Chapter Awards are given at the platinum, gold, silver and bronze level for meeting various criteria that signify the chapters’ outstanding work supporting ASHE’s strategic objectives. Chapters at each award tier also may attain an “elite” bonus award by verifying participation in ASHE’s Energy to Care Chapter Challenge.  

About MOSHE 

MOSHE is a Missouri Hospital Association Professional Membership Group with a mission to serve as a resource for the professional development of members so that they are the best in the health care facilities management field and eminently qualified to address the unique needs of health care organizations. MOSHE provides members with at least 24 hours of education each year, along with extensive networking opportunities, resources and updates relevant to the facility management profession. Missouri hospital staff with responsibilities related to facility management are encouraged to join. 

This year's honorees — Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Citizens Memorial Hospital, Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare, Parkland Health Center–Farmington, Phelps Health, SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital–St. Louis, and Texas County Memorial Hospital — were recognized across five collaborative focus areas: severe hypertension in pregnancy, obstetric hemorrhage, maternal-infant dyads affected by substance use disorder, perinatal mental health conditions and cardiac conditions in obstetric care.

The Missouri Hospital Association’s Statewide Patient and Family Advisory Council is now accepting applications for the fifth annual Compass Honor recognition. This award recognizes individuals and teams at Missouri hospitals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving patient engagement, experience, and outcomes through innovative programs and initiatives.

This important honor recognizes Missouri hospitals for outstanding efforts in successfully engaging and integrating a PFAC throughout their organization. By recognizing a model PFAC, MHA encourages the adoption of PFAC best practices that improve the health care experience for patients and providers.

Two Compass Honors will be awarded based on hospital size — one for small hospitals with less than 100 beds and a second for larger hospitals with 100 beds or more. To apply, please complete the online application by Tuesday, Aug. 18.

The selected hospitals will receive a plaque, press kit and an on-site celebration to share this prestigious recognition. View past Compass Honor awardees at MoHospitals.org.

As National Hospital Week comes to a close, MHA is honored to celebrate and support the dedicated caregivers, administrators and hospital teams who go above and beyond every day to care for Missouri communities. Your compassion, resilience and commitment continue to inspire us.
This week also gave us the opportunity to spotlight some truly remarkable individuals through MHA's 2026 Champions of Care. These honorees represent the very best of Missouri health care — leading with compassion, serving with excellence and making a lasting difference for patients, families and colleagues alike.
If you haven’t already, we encourage you to take a moment to read and share their inspiring stories. Thank you for all you do to strengthen the health and well-being of communities across our state.

Behind every successful, skilled and confident bedside nurse is someone who supported and believed in them before they ever felt prepared to take on the immense responsibility of providing patient care. Megan Elwood is that person for countless nurses across Bothwell Regional Health Center. 

Elwood’s strong clinical background, gained over years of experience as an emergency department nurse, has enabled her to bring both knowledge and practical insight to her nursing education role. She understands the fast-paced, high-stakes environment nurses face because she has lived it, and she uses that knowledge to prepare new nurses to succeed. 

While nursing school provides a critical foundation, it cannot fully prepare new nurses for the realities and responsibilities of providing direct patient care. Elwood recognized this gap and has been instrumental in building and sustaining our nurse residency program. The program provides a structured, supportive transition from classroom learning to clinical practice. Her dedication has ensured that new graduates are not left to navigate this transition alone. Instead, they receive the guidance and mentorship needed to build strong clinical and critical-thinking skills, increase confidence, and improve retention within our organization. 

Elwood doesn’t just teach skills — she builds nurses. She strengthens the entire nursing care team, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Her impact is felt in every patient interaction, critical decision, and every new nurse who walks onto the floor who she has prepared and supported. Elwood exemplifies what it means to be a Champion of Care — not only through what she does, but through the countless others she empowers to do the same.

To view all Champions of Care nominations, visit MHA's website.

In 2025, Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital made significant strides in improving the quality of care delivered to our community. Our team identified an opportunity to enhance the care provided to patients diagnosed with sepsis, a condition that remains the third leading cause of death in the United States, with an average mortality rate of 28.6%. It is well established that with every hour of delayed treatment, the risk of death increases by 4%–9%.

Recognizing our responsibility to deliver timely, high-quality care, we focused on two key areas for improvement within our department. First, we improved our provider notification and response system for sepsis alerts. Prior to the project, provider compliance with responding to potential sepsis activations was 59%. Through focused efforts and team engagement, we increased compliance to 86% by year end — an overall improvement of 27%. At the start of the year, only one of eight providers met compliance expectations; by December, eight of nine providers were compliant.

Second, we addressed the timeliness of antibiotic administration. We implemented a structured “sepsis timeout” process involving the primary nurse, provider and charge nurse. This brief but focused pause allowed the team to align in real time, debrief on the patient’s condition, and establish immediate next steps to ensure appropriate and timely care. As a result of this intervention, antibiotic administration improved significantly. On average, antibiotics were administered 20 minutes faster post-implementation. Additionally, the percentage of patients receiving antibiotics within 30 minutes improved by 13%. Most notably, since implementing these changes in 2025, we achieved a 0% in-hospital mortality rate for sepsis patients, an extraordinary improvement from our pre-project mortality rate of 17%.

This success was driven by strong interdisciplinary collaboration, with full engagement from both providers and nursing staff. The team consistently shared performance data, celebrated progress, and used opportunities for improvement to recalibrate and refine processes. This culture of accountability and continuous improvement was critical to our success. Our efforts have been recognized across BJC HealthCare, where we are now considered a top performer in sepsis care.

This achievement would not have been possible without the full care team behind the scenes. In addition to the nursing team, we recognize the vital contributions of our providers and unit secretaries, whose coordination, communication and collaboration were essential to the success of this initiative.

As a critical access, rural hospital, we are proud to demonstrate that meaningful improvements in patient outcomes are achievable through teamwork, dedication and a commitment to excellence. This initiative exemplifies what it means to be a team of Champions of Care — coming together with purpose, breaking down barriers, and delivering measurable, lifesaving impact for the community we serve.

To view all Champions of Care nominations, visit MHA's website.

Emergency Room Team Members: Nichole Bliss (ER nurse manager), Melissa Declue, Jesseca Mabe, Meghan Metcalf, Jennifer Caminiti, Christel Dimmett, Johna Carpenter, Jennifer Brooks, Amber Nelms, Alicia Evrard, Vanessa Breen, Jason Long and Stacey Hickey

Not Pictured: Antoinette Aden, Ryan Awaad, Jennifer Bell, Luke Dessain, Dawn Doranski, Danielle Grivetti, Jessica Heads, Brittany Hill, Daniel Hood, James Johnson, Bryan Lambeth, Sarah Loggins, Matt Manhart, Cassie Robertson, Tara White and Randi Woods

Pastor Charles Moore has been a faithful presence in our hospital since the day our doors opened in 1984. He led the dedication prayer for the hospital on our first day of operation. For more than four decades, he has devoted his time, compassion, and spiritual guidance to our patients, their families, and our staff.

Pastor Moore’s service goes far beyond the typical duties of a volunteer. He has walked alongside countless individuals in moments of fear, grief, hope and healing. His calming presence and genuine care have brought comfort to families facing uncertainty and strength to patients navigating some of the most difficult days of their lives. He has provided a helping hand in other ways, helping transport patients when the emergency department is busy or just lending a watchful eye on the monitors while the nurses take care of their patients.

He has been a pastor in our community since 1975. Currently, he leads his congregation to help to support Heart-n-Hand Ministry by conducting clothing and food drives. Throughout the years, Pastor Moore has been a constant source of encouragement for our staff as well — offering prayers, a listening ear and unwavering support. He has not only committed to putting patients first, every interaction, every day, but also staff, visitors and vendor partners, while also strengthening our communities.

His ministry has touched every corner of our hospital and every generation of caregivers who have worked here. He also has been the guiding light when tragedy strikes a community hospital like Belton Regional Medical Center. His presence, guidance, words of comfort and acts of kindness have been felt by those during their most vulnerable, scary, uncertain and senseless time in their lives. And after events like this, many of them come back to the hospital with acts of gratitude, whether it be a handwritten letter, basket of cookies or big hugs to say, “thank you.”

Pastor Moore exemplifies compassion, dedication and selfless service. His continuous commitment since 1984 is not only remarkable in length but extraordinary in impact. Our hospital is better because of him, and his legacy of care will continue to inspire others for years to come. For these reasons, we unequivocally and wholeheartedly nominate Pastor Charles Moore for this well-deserved honor, one in which we are confident will strengthen the esteemed Champions of Care from the Missouri Hospital Association.

To view all Champions of Care nominations, visit MHA's website.

Phelps Health is proud to nominate our Home Health and Hospice team for the MHA Champions of Care. In a rural landscape where health care access is often a challenge, this team has redefined what it means to “meet the patient where they are.” Since late 2021, under new leadership, the team has achieved an astounding 333% growth in its home health census and a 566% increase in its hospice census. This growth is not the result of marketing — it is the direct result of a reputation for “angelic” care that spans seven Missouri counties (Phelps, Crawford, Maries, Pulaski, Dent, Gasconade and Texas).
What distinguishes the Phelps Health team is their refusal to let a patient’s ZIP code or socioeconomic status dictate their quality of life. The team routinely addresses nonclinical factors that affect an individual’s health through personal sacrifice and creative problem-solving, including the following efforts.

• A team chaplain built a porch, ramp and custom casket to ensure a patient could live and pass with dignity.
• Staff have personally replaced flooring, purchased space heaters and air conditioning units, and even performed “flea bombing” to ensure safe living conditions.
• Caregivers don't just bring medicine; they bring favorite foods like ice cream and mashed potatoes, understanding that joy is a vital component of the healing process.

The true measure of this team is found in the voices of those they serve. From drive-thru windows to handwritten notes, the community sentiment is unanimous.

• “I was at an Arby’s drive-thru wearing my Phelps Health shirt when the employee told me about the ‘angels’ who come to her house to care for her mother. She described the therapists as the best people ever. I was proud to say, ‘That’s the team I get to work with.’” — staff member reflection
• “I have had several agencies take care of me in the past, but Phelps Health is by far the best ... the nurses, PTs and OTs have such compassion. I could not have regained my independence without them.” — patient
• “Even during the chaos of the tornado hitting Rolla, the organization followed up and checked on us. This made my mother feel safe and supported.” — grateful family member

The excellence provided to patients is a mirror of the culture within the team. During difficult times, the staff rallies around one another, as evidenced by an occupational therapy team member who shared: “I'm grateful to work with a team who truly cares about one another ... thank you for allowing me to care for [my family] while the team supported each other in my absence.” This internal resilience allows the team to provide a seamless “safety net” for the community, even during natural disasters and personal crises.

The Phelps Health Home Health and Hospice team does not just provide clinical interventions; they provide humanity. They are nurses, therapists and chaplains, but to the families of rural Missouri, they are “the angels who come to the house.” For their extraordinary growth and their tireless commitment to treating every patient like family, they are the epitome of MHA’s Champions of Care.

To view all Champions of Care nominations, visit MHA's website.

Home Health and Hospice Team: Jill Delashmit, Lindsey Camenisch, Brittney Phillips, Yvette Golicki, Shelby Jones, Pam Owen, Julie Terry, Angela Burgdorf, Lesa Hoss, Gregory Maynard, Mattie Pankey, Anne Sinclair, Amanda Schoonmaker, Kristin Swinchoski, Hannah Shoup, Courtney Lorts, Shelly Kuhn, Gina Spurgeon, Cherry Estilo, Hannah Pflantz, Tabatha Ransom, Crystal Kuebler, Daniel Phillips, Jess Lane, Zachary Barnett, Justine Ruess, Shelly Schweer, Jacob Quigley, Pamela Nore, Taylor Fry, Kaitlyn Osman, Kayelee Booker, Jamie Long, Nicholas Lewis, Jersey Makhnovskiy, Lacey Brumley, Charlene Homan, Andrea Spratt, Amanda Parker, Liz Barnett, Jodi Hoss, Kiley McClendon, Trish Meyer, Carah Metscher, Cherie Pierce, Nick Giacalone, Desirae Trosper, Danielle Buse, TIna Woolf, Amy Werkmeister-Meeker, Cassandra Harris, Crista Parker, Breanna Jarvis, Carrie Benson, Jami Campbell, Jennifer Piatt, Neal Rosenburg, Hannah Haas, Kara Brewer, Mary Mikulecky, Kayla Weelborg, Teresa Cook, Vickie White, Cindy Scearce, Caroline Kester, Kerry Poindexter, Nick Crocker, Rhonda Hutsell, Nancy Tallant, Anita Harris and LeAnn Yowell

MHA received nearly 200 nominations for the 2026 Champions of Care, recognizing individuals or teams who demonstrate exceptional compassion, excellence and dedication. Winners will be announced during National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week. 

To support hospitals’ planning for National Hospital Week, AHA offers resources, including social media and engagement tools as well as official merchandise, to make celebrations meaningful. Hospitals are encouraged to incorporate this year’s theme, “Healing Happens Here,” into their activities. 

Resources also are available through AHA’s American Organization for Nursing Leadership to celebrate National Nurses Week, which has a theme this year of “Leadership in Every Moment.” 

Information about the selection criteria and submission process, as well as the online forms, for each award is available at the respective links. All awards will be presented during MHA's Annual Convention, Nov. 4-6, at Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center.

The deadline to apply and/or nominate is noon Friday, May 1.

MHA is currently accepting nominations for the 2026 Champions of Care, recognizing individuals or teams who demonstrate exceptional compassion, excellence and dedication. Nominations close Friday, March 27, and winners will be announced during National Hospital Week and National Nurses Week (May 6-12).

To support hospitals’ planning for National Hospital Week, the AHA offers resources, including social graphics, sample messages, event ideas and official merchandise, to make celebrations meaningful. Hospitals are encouraged to incorporate this year’s theme, “Healing Happens Here,” into their activities.

National Hospital Week is an opportunity to highlight the essential role hospitals play in strengthening communities.

Behind every patient story is a nurse who stayed late, a housekeeper who ensured a safe space to heal, a therapist who encouraged one more step, a technician who caught something critical, a leader who removed barriers so care could happen. Missouri’s hospitals are filled with individuals and teams whose compassion and commitment shape the health of our communities every single day.

Now it’s time to recognize them.

In celebration of National Nurses Week (May 6–12) and National Hospital Week (May 10–16), the Missouri Hospital Association is accepting nominations for the 2026 Champions of Care.

Nominate an individual or team who exemplifies excellence, compassion and dedication to patient care. Share their story and help us celebrate the difference they make.

The nomination period closes Friday, March 27. The winners will be selected by a majority vote from MHA staff with nominee identities kept anonymous. Recognition of winners will occur throughout May in the following ways.

• special feature in MHA newsletters, website and social media
• personalized certificate of appreciation
• a Champions of Care celebration package, courtesy of MHA

Congratulations to Christy Carel, director of membership services, on five years of service to MHA!

In her role, Christy wears many hats. “A large part of my time is spent on coordinating our political action committee campaign each year,” she said. “This PAC raises much needed funds to help us better advocate for our hospitals.”

Christy also assists with member outreach and inquiries, trustee education and overall coordination of MHA’s professional membership groups.

According to Christy, MHA is a great place to work because the organization puts the state’s hospitals first in every decision they make. “We are here to serve our member hospitals and that is our priority,” she said.

One of her proudest accomplishments during her tenure is the growth of the HEALTHPAC campaign over the years. “When I began in 2020, our members raised $77,449 for HEALTHPAC. This year, we have raised just over $150,000,” she said.

Christy has been married to her husband, Tim, for 23 years. They have two children, Brock, 17, and Maya, 7. “They keep life interesting,” she said. “We enjoy camping together with friends throughout the year.”

Congratulations to Marilyn Keilholz, legal assistant and contract specialist, on 10 years of service to MHA! 

Marilyn manages the life cycle of all contracts for MHA and is the sole subject matter expert for maintaining the electronic contract management software system. She also coordinates attorney meetings, manages continuing legal education credit processes and handles administrative tasks for the Office of Legal Affairs. 

“The quality of work provided to our Missouri member hospitals, the knowledgeable and remarkable staff, and our organization’s atmosphere are huge factors in what makes MHA a great place to work, and I am proud to be a small part of the success.” 

According to Marilyn, MHA has been a great career opportunity, and she feels blessed to have the connections that allow her to help the people who help the people in health care. 

One accomplishment she is most proud of during her tenure is helping select and implement an electronic contract management system for processing contracts from start to finish. Marilyn takes pride in doing her job timely and efficiently but will joke that she is still able to learn new “tricks” in reference to the ever-changing electronic world. 

Outside of work, Marilyn and her husband, Chris, have been married for more than 13 years. She loves playing piano, crafts, cats and landscaping with various perennial flowers. Marilyn has provided music for multiple choirs, weddings, and funerals over the years and continues to play for mass on assigned Sundays. She and Chris also enjoy doing home projects together. 

Marilyn has two grown daughters, Jessica and Kaylyn, one son-in-law, Nathan, and one grandson, Lachlan. “Lachlan is the biggest joy of my life. He keeps me hopping, shopping, and going all out with holiday decorations, especially for Halloween and Christmas.” 

A fun fact about Marilyn is that she was featured in a commercial, or at least, part of her was. “It was only my hand opening a car door for Carroll Rehma Motors.” 

Congratulations to Chris Conn, information services junior analyst, on 20 years of service to HIDI!

Chris is one of the Hospital Industry Data Institute's most versatile team members — a jack of all trades who has spent nearly 20 years growing within the organization. From building reports and creating maps to reviewing data and documentation, Chris is always ready to jump in wherever she’s needed.

What makes MHA/HIDI feel like home? For Chris, it’s the people. “It truly feels like a second family,” she says, reflecting on a journey that began in the mailroom and evolved into her current role as a junior analyst, thanks to mentorship, encouragement and a lot of hard-earned experience.

One of her proudest accomplishments? Having a vice president see her potential, offering support that empowered her to grow in confidence and capability — a perfect example of how HIDI nurtures its talent from within.

Outside the office, Chris is a proud mom and grandma. She’s been married to her husband, Richard, for 28 years and together they’ve raised two grown sons — one in the Army and one who served in the Air Force — and a young cousin and her 4-year-old son now living with her, she stays busy. When she’s not cheering at basketball games, you’ll likely find her crafting away in her project room.

Fun Fact: Chris built her first engine before the age of 12 and installed it in a dune buggy — and yes, it started right up!

William Mahoney, President of Cox Medical Center Branson and Senior Vice President of the Community Hospital Group at CoxHealth in Springfield, Mo., has been honored with the Missouri Hospital Association’s highest award, the Distinguished Service Award. The award, established in 1975, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to hospitals, health systems, communities, health care and MHA. The award was presented Nov. 5 at MHA’s 103rd Annual Convention in St. Charles, Mo.

“William understands the power of engagement,” said Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO. “As a leader of people, he encourages team members to be their best and supports their growth. In addition, he provides leadership in the communities he serves — as a booster for local and regional health, and as a voice in policy that supports the state’s hospital community broadly.”  

Since arriving in Missouri in 2011, he has served in numerous governance- and policy-related roles at MHA and beyond. He served as an American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board Delegate from 2015-2017, and as a member of the MHA Board of Trustees from 2015-2022. His visionary leadership and strategic guidance have helped shape and advance the Hospital Industry Data Institute’s data analytics mission and impact. He has been a member of the Rural Hospital Council, MHA Behavioral Health Network and served on the Health Equity Committee and Nominating Committee. He has served as a continuous member of MHA’s Finance and Budget Committee since 2012.

“What has always stood out to me about Cox Branson is the culture, which flows directly from William’s leadership,” says Max Buetow, President and CEO of CoxHealth. “William’s true superpower is his heart for service. He loves people, and he gives the best of himself to improve the lives of our patients and our colleagues.”

In every community he serves, he focuses his energy on harnessing local leadership to build support for the hospital and invest in the systems and services that improve both care and health locally. From his work at rural hospitals in Kansas to his leadership in Branson and among the CoxHealth community hospitals in southwest Missouri, he understands and builds on the character of the communities to improve health. 

Mahoney’s values drive his leadership and service. Whether he is lifting up a member of his team or helping guide the future of health care in the state, his focus is always on advancing and improving.

A video honoring Mahoney is available here.

Photo caption: Craig Thompson, P.T., FACHE, CEO of Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare in Clinton, Mo., and 2025 MHA Board Chair, (left) and Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO of the Missouri Hospital Association (right), present William Mahoney, President of Cox Medical Center Branson and Senior Vice President of the Community Hospital Group at CoxHealth in Springfield, Mo., MHA’s 2025 Distinguished Service Award.

Laura S. Kaiser, FACHE, President and CEO of SSM Health in St. Louis, has been honored with the Missouri Hospital Association’s Visionary Leadership Award. The award, established in 1999, recognizes hospital executives who have taken innovative approaches to improving health in Missouri. The award was presented Nov. 5 at MHA’s 103rd Annual Convention in St. Charles, Mo.

“Laura’s vision for improving health in the communities SSM Health serves extends beyond providing the best care,” said Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO. “Her leadership is grounded in the health system’s mission and powered by a vision for improved health through clinical and nonclinical investments using the strength of the health system and its partners to support wellness and opportunity. We are honored that she has chosen MHA as a key partner to advance our mutual missions in so many ways.”  

To strengthen local economic opportunities and create value, Kaiser forged a partnership with BJC HealthCare to build a shared laundry facility for the health systems. The facility, located in downtown St. Louis, creates investment and jobs locally. Similarly, during her tenure, SSM Health has made significant investments in the city of St. Louis. It opened the new SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital in 2020 and currently is constructing a new SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. 

Kaiser’s vision includes identifying gaps and filling them. She has invested in SSM Health’s behavioral health urgent care system and is committed to a strong referral system for patients to help them access ongoing care and wellness support. In addition, she’s joined other community partners to collaborate with the St. Louis Community Credit Union to expand access to capital for small businesses in underserved areas.

“Laura is an outstanding servant leader. But more than that, she is a shining example of somebody who cares,” said Samuel Ross, M.D., M.S., Board Chair of SSM Health. “And when someone cares, they go above and beyond to bring other like-minded people together to make a difference. Laura’s leadership is about the commitment to making a difference in the region and the nation for those we in health care are called to serve.”

Photo caption: Craig Thompson, P.T., FACHE, CEO of Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare in Clinton, Mo., and 2025 MHA Board Chair, (left) and Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO of the Missouri Hospital Association (right), present Laura Kaiser, President and CEO of SSM Health in St. Louis, with a 2025 Visionary Leadership Award.

Jenna Hicks, R.N., MBA, Director of Quality and Population Health at Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar, Mo., has been honored with the Missouri Hospital Association’s Visionary Leadership Award. The award, established in 1999, recognizes hospital executives who have taken innovative approaches to improving health in Missouri. The award was presented Nov. 5 at MHA’s 103rd Annual Convention in St. Charles, Mo.

“Jenna understands that improving individual and community health requires great clinical care,” said Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO. “Her vision for mobile integrated health services supports care continuity in the home while connecting patients with the community support they need to heal and lead healthier lives. Together with her teammates throughout CMH, Jenna catalyzes excellent whole-person care.” 

Hicks helped establish CMH’s Mobile Integrated Health program in July 2023 to provide whole-person care to homebound residents who are not eligible for home health services in Polk and surrounding counties. The MIH extends a patient’s primary care team into the community — providing a range of health care services and bridging care and social gaps to address each patient’s needs and reduce the risk for rehospitalization. Since inception, the team has made more than 1,200 visits and grown from its initial staff of two community paramedics to include a certified lactation consultant and a behavioral health provider. 

Hicks also leads CMH’s participation in MO HealthNet’s Transformation of Rural Community Health program. As one of six Missouri hospitals engaging in the demonstration, CMH is using the program to strengthen and deliver resources to local partners to address disparities related to lack of transportation, food insecurity, financial insecurity, health literacy and more. 

“Jenna’s passion for serving others and her innovative approach to care are truly transforming how CMH supports our communities,” said Michael Calhoun, CEO and executive director of Citizens Memorial Hospital and Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation. “Through her leadership, we’re reaching more people, closing gaps in care and making a lasting difference in the health and well-being of our region.”

A video honoring Hicks is available here.

Photo caption: Craig Thompson, P.T., FACHE, CEO of Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare in Clinton, Mo., and 2025 MHA Board Chair, (left) and Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO of the Missouri Hospital Association (right), present Jenna Hicks, R.N., MBA, Director of Quality and Population Health at Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar, Mo., with a 2025 Visionary Leadership Award. 

MU Health Care’s Capital Region Medical Center, in Jefferson City, Mo., has been honored with the Missouri Hospital Association’s Aim for Excellence Award. Established in 2016, the Aim for Excellence Award recognizes hospital innovation that improves patient outcomes. The award was presented Nov. 5 at MHA’s 103rd Annual Convention in St. Charles, Mo.

“A hospital’s emergency department is often the ‘front door’ of the hospital for patients,” said Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO. “When the ED is crowded, and the environment is challenging for patients, families and front-line staff, it can be difficult to achieve healing.”

Capital Region Medical Center’s ED leaders identified that the hospital’s leave-without-being-seen rate was significantly higher than the national benchmark. This gap was inconsistent with quality goals and unacceptable to hospital leaders. To address the challenge, the Capital Region Medical Center ED Throughput Committee reviewed key metrics such as LWBS rates, door-to-doctor times, patient arrival heat maps and patient experience data. To reduce LWBS rates, stakeholders throughout the hospital worked to reorganize ED capacity — including additional beds and condition-specific space — and adjust the staffing matrix focusing on empowerment and multidisciplinary collaboration. The project resulted in a nearly 50% decrease in LWBS, with positive reverberations throughout the hospital and significant patient satisfaction score gains. 

“This award is truly a team accomplishment — a testament to what happens when nurses, physicians and leaders across our system come together with a shared purpose,” said MU Health Care CEO Ric Ransom.

Photo caption: Craig Thompson, P.T., FACHE, CEO of Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare in Clinton, Mo., and 2025 MHA Board Chair, (left) and Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO of the Missouri Hospital Association (right), present Shanon Fucik, R.N., MBA, Chief Nurse Executive at MU Health Care Health System in Columbia, Mo., a 2025 Aim for Excellence Award.  

Two organizations, Bothwell Regional Health Center, in Sedalia, Mo., and SSM Health in St. Louis, were recognized with Aim For Excellence Award Honorable Mentions.  

Community Hospital – Fairfax has been honored with the Missouri Hospital Association’s Aim for Excellence Award. Established in 2016, the Aim for Excellence Award recognizes hospital innovation that improves patient outcomes. The award was presented Nov. 5 at MHA’s 103rd Annual Convention in St. Charles, Mo.

“In the northwest Missouri communities around Fairfax, only 20% of Medicare beneficiaries were taking advantage of the program’s annual wellness visit,” said Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO. “What started as a program to improve engagement and increase participation has grown into a window to understand and address the drivers of good health.” 

Using an evolving set of outreach tactics, Community Hospital – Fairfax built awareness of Medicare’s annual wellness screening. In addition, they reinvented the visit — allowing for additional clinician-patient time and expanding the discussion to include not only wellness and chronic disease management, but nonclinical drivers of poor health. Chronic care management and screening rates improved, resulting in better lives for community members. In addition, the hospital’s increased engagement with community partners has allowed it to connect patients with the nonclinical services and support they need to maintain their health. By 2024, two-thirds of the hospital’s Medicare beneficiaries participated in an annual wellness visit. 

“It has been a joy to see the work of this team unfold and the tremendous impact it has had on our patients,” said Ann Schlueter, CEO of Community Hospital – Fairfax. “We believe medicine was meant to be delivered neighbor to neighbor working together to improve health. This program has given us the opportunity to deliver on that passion and do our part to improve the lives of those we serve. We are grateful to MHA for recognizing these efforts and to our community whose support makes the work we do possible.”

Photo caption: Craig Thompson, P.T., FACHE, CEO of Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare in Clinton, Mo., and 2025 MHA Board Chair (left), and Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO (right), present a 2025 Aim For Excellence Award to Heather Olson, R.N., Director of Primary Care Services at Community Hospital – Fairfax. 

Two organizations, Bothwell Regional Health Center, in Sedalia, Mo., and SSM Health in St. Louis, were recognized with Aim For Excellence Award Honorable Mentions.  

NKC Health, in North Kansas City, Mo., has been honored with the Missouri Hospital Association’s Aim for Excellence Award. Established in 2016, the Aim for Excellence Award recognizes hospital innovation that improves patient outcomes. The award was presented Nov. 5 at MHA’s 103rd Annual Convention in St. Charles, Mo.

“Every patient deserves the highest quality of care,” said Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO. “Data helps hospitals pinpoint where improvement is possible and helps teams — at the front line of care and those who support them — build systems to meet and exceed quality benchmarks. The NKC Health team built stronger systems that are improving cardiac care and patient outcomes.” 

NKC Health identified that only 28% of patients experiencing a cardiac arrest with ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia were receiving American Heart Association recommended care within AHA’s two-minute clinical guidance. The hospital’s Code Blue Committee, recognizing the critical value of reducing delays in defibrillation, identified and implemented several evidence-based interventions aimed at optimizing time-to-shock performance. Among the core elements were efforts to streamline workflow efficiencies for bedside staff, enhance team-based training for nurses, standardize protocols and implement real-time performance monitoring. 

“This award showcases the power of our collective drive to optimize clinical performance,” said Stephen Reintjes Sr., M.D., president and CEO of NKC Health. “The tremendous growth and success our team has achieved in improving patient outcomes speaks to our unwavering commitment and teamwork.”

Between January 2023, when the project was launched, and December 2024, adherence to the AHA-recommended care increased by approximately 43%. The interventions led to decreased length of stay and, most importantly, measurable increases in post-cardiac arrest survival to discharge.

Photo caption: Craig Thompson, P.T., FACHE, CEO of Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare in Clinton, Mo., and 2025 MHA Board Chair, (left) and Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO of the Missouri Hospital Association (right), present a 2025 Aim For Excellence Award to (left to right) Morgan Swearingin, R.N., MSN-Ed, Critical Care Clinical Education Specialist, Abby Burstert, R.N., BSN, Nursing Manager, Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, and Jennah Irsik, R.N., Performance Improvement Specialist, at NKC Health in North Kansas City, Mo. 

Two organizations, Bothwell Regional Health Center, in Sedalia, Mo., and SSM Health in St. Louis, were recognized with Aim For Excellence Award Honorable Mentions.  

Renee Fordyce, Board Treasurer at Harrison County Community Hospital in Bethany, Mo., has been honored by the Missouri Hospital Association as a 2025 Trustee of the Year. The award was presented Nov. 5 at MHA’s 103rd Annual Convention in St. Charles, Mo.

“Renee’s energy, coupled with her understanding of the clinical and operational aspects of health care, make her an extraordinary board leader,” said Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO. “She is a frequent contributor to MHA events who is deeply committed to improving health in Harrison County and, indeed, throughout the state.” 

Fordyce was elected to the Harrison County Community Hospital Board of Directors in 2011 and has served as board treasurer since 2018. She is a Licensed Practical Nurse, which informs her thinking as a board member. Fordyce has been deeply involved in progress toward the replacement hospital, which is currently under construction.

“Renee has a deep passion for our community and an unwavering commitment to our hospital,” said Tina Gillespie, CEO of Harrison County Community Hospital. “She has long been a strong advocate for growth and continuous improvement in patient care. As a respected member of our board, Renee not only provides thoughtful leadership but also stands side by side with our health care workers, understanding firsthand how meaningful — and at times challenging — their work can be. We are truly honored and proud to have Renee recognized as Trustee of the Year.” 

Photo caption: Craig Thompson, P.T., FACHE, CEO of Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare in Clinton, Mo., and 2025 MHA Board Chair, (left) and Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO of the Missouri Hospital Association (right), present Renee Fordyce Board Treasurer at Harrison County Community Hospital in Bethany, Mo., (center) a 2025 Trustee of the Year Award. 

Mike Hoffman, Board Chair of Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital, has been honored by the Missouri Hospital Association as a 2025 Trustee of the Year. The award was presented Nov. 5 at MHA’s 103rd Annual Convention in St. Charles, Mo.

“Mike is committed to a strong hospital and health care system that serves Sullivan and the region,” said Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO. “He connects his board service to his role as CEO of Sullivan Bank, and his leadership extends the reach of the hospital through engagement with local schools, and community health improvement and economic partners.” 

Hoffman joined the Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital board in 2007 and has served as board chair since 2015. During his tenure as board chair, the hospital has expanded significantly, adding important service lines, renewing the hospital facility and expanding increasing employment by 50%. As board chair, he provides a trusted voice for hospital leadership and his fellow board members. 

“Mike’s dedication to both Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital and the Sullivan community is truly inspiring,” said Lisa Lochner, president of Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital. “His leadership reflects the heart of what it means to serve.” 

Photo caption: Caption: Craig Thompson, P.T., FACHE, CEO of Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare in Clinton, Mo., and 2025 MHA Board Chair (left), and Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO of the Missouri Hospital Association (right), present Mike Hoffman, Board Chair at Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital (center) a 2025 Trustee of the Year Award.

During the Celebration of Achievement Awards dinner Nov. 5, MHA presented the Distinguished Service Award — MHA’s highest honor — as well as the Visionary Leadership, Aim for Excellence and Trustee of the Year awards.

“These awards honor organizations and individuals who go above and beyond for their communities and who support the continuous improvement of health and care in Missouri,” said Jon D. Doolittle, MHA president and CEO.

William Mahoney, president of Cox Branson and senior vice president of CoxHealth’s Community Hospital Group, received the Distinguished Service Award. This award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to hospitals, health systems, communities, health care and MHA.

Two visionary health care leaders also were honored for taking innovative approaches to managing the health of the communities they serve. Jenna Hicks, director of quality and population health at Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar, Mo., and Laura Kaiser, president and CEO of SSM Health, both were recognized with the Visionary Leadership Award.

The Aim for Excellence Award was presented to three organizations: MU Health Care's Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City, Mo., Community Hospital-Fairfax and NKC Health in North Kansas City, Mo. This award recognizes Missouri hospitals’ innovation and outcomes.

Additionally, Renee Fordyce, treasurer of the Harrison County Community Hospital Board in Bethany, Mo., and Mike Hoffman, board chair of Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital, each received the Trustee of the Year Award, which recognizes hospital trustees for their leadership skills, grassroots advocacy, community involvement, meeting participation and personal development.

In addition to the Distinguished Service Award, MHA will honor recipients of the Trustee of the Year Award, Aim for Excellence Award and Visionary Leadership Award. Join your peers to celebrate these milestones with the winners at the awards dinner. 

In addition to the Visionary Leadership Award, MHA will honor recipients of the Trustee of the Year Award, Aim for Excellence Award and Distinguished Service Award. Join your peers to celebrate these milestones with the winners at the awards dinner. 

The Missouri Hospital Association is proud to announce the graduating class of the 22nd Annual Health Care Leadership Series, a comprehensive leadership training curriculum designed to assist hospitals in developing effective internal leaders.

In 2025, a total of 44 leaders from 19 hospitals and health organizations completed the series.

“In health care, standing still means falling behind. Professional development ensures leaders evolve as fast as the system demands,” said Daphney Partridge, MHA's vice president of education. “The Health Care Leadership Series gives future leaders the tools they need to help their hospitals successfully navigate the significant challenges they face.”

Congratulations to the following graduates!

In addition to the Aim for Excellence Award, MHA will honor recipients of the Trustee of the Year Award, Visionary Leadership Award and Distinguished Service Award. Join your peers to celebrate these milestones with the winners at the awards dinner. 

In addition to the Trustee of the Year Award, MHA will honor recipients of the Aim for Excellence Award, Visionary Leadership Award and Distinguished Service Award. Join your peers to celebrate these milestones with the winners at the awards dinner. 

At the Hospital Industry Data Institute, Holly Heckman plays a key role in supporting and modernizing the enterprise applications used by both HIDI and Missouri Hospital Association staff as a senior software engineer. She’s led several impactful projects, including enhancements to the customer relationship management platform, the ongoing overhaul of the membership dues application and the implementation of Power BI across the organization.

Holly enjoys working for an organization whose mission is to collaborate with hospitals to improve the quality of care. Holly appreciates that MHA and HIDI prioritize continuous improvement and genuinely care about their people. She values the organization’s flexibility and work-life balance, which allows her to be present for her family. As a member of the Employee Engagement Committee, Holly helps review anonymous staff feedback and is proud to be part of a culture that listens, adapts and evolves to better serve its employees.

One of Holly’s proudest accomplishments is leading the modernization of multiple enterprise applications to streamline workflows and reduce redundancy. Her work on the CRM platform significantly improved data management and she single-handedly migrated and loaded all the data over a single weekend.

Outside of work, Holly leads a vibrant life on her family farm with her husband, three children and a lively mix of pets – including dogs, cats, chickens and cattle. She enjoys working out, running, camping and spending time on the river. Recently, she returned to school to pursue a master's degree in information management systems, embracing the challenge of learning again after earning her bachelor’s degree through a decade of night classes.

A fun fact about Holly? She’s a DIY enthusiast who loves remodeling, crafting and building things with her dad. Together, they’ve been transforming her basement and hope to renovate an old schoolhouse on the family property into a workshop or she- shed. Holly also tends a large summer garden and enjoys canning vegetables – with dreams of adding a greenhouse to extend her growing season.

Congratulations to Becki Orscheln, payroll and benefits manager, on five years of service to MHA!

In February of 2025, Becki took on her current role, where she is responsible for MHA and HIDI staff’s payroll. She also processes invoices for employee benefits and calculates pension deposits and 401(k) contributions for MHA and its companies. In addition, she helps with managing and reviewing registrations for MHA’s Annual Convention.

Two things come to mind when Becki is asked about what makes MHA a great place to work: the people and culture. “This place truly cares about its staff, and my co-workers are like family.”

Becki is most proud of the work she’s done to find ways to enhance processes and procedures that include more automation and technology for the Finance and Operations department.

Becki and her husband, William, will be married for 19 years in September. They have three very active children, ages 16, 13 and 9.

“Outside of work, I spend most of my time spectating (aka “loud mom cheering”) at high school tracks and cross-country courses, baseball fields, and most recently, volleyball courts.”

Additionally, Becki is involved with her family’s church and school, where she serves on the parish pastoral council, as well as multiple home and school committees.

The American Hospital Association, in partnership with the Missouri Hospital Association, has recognized Eric Ammons, regional president of Mercy Southeast Missouri Communities in Cape Girardeau, Mo., with the Partnership for Action Grassroots Champion Award. As a Grassroots Champion, Ammons was honored for his exceptional leadership in advocating for and supporting hospitals’ and health systems’ missions through grassroots activities. 

The Grassroots Champion Award recognizes one hospital or health system leader from each state. The award celebrates leaders who effectively educate elected officials on major issues affecting hospitals’ or health systems’ vital role in the community, who have done an exemplary job in broadening the base of community support and who stand as a tireless advocate for hospitals and patients.

In announcing the award, Rick Pollack, AHA president and CEO, said, “your leadership and dedication to advancing the mission of America’s hospitals and health systems has made a difference for the patients and communities we serve. This special recognition acknowledges the hard work you have demonstrated as an advocate for advancing health in America.”

Ammons has served as regional president for Mercy Southeast Missouri Communities since October 2023. He started his health care career as a physical therapist and went on to serve in leadership positions for more than 30 years at Mercy hospitals in Fort Scott and Independence, Kan., and Jefferson County, Mo. Ammons earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Mid-America Nazarene University and a graduate degree in physical therapy from the University of Kansas.

“Eric is committed to helping connect hospitals’ work to improve lives and health care locally to the policies that shape the health care system in southeast Missouri, statewide and nationally,” said Jon D. Doolittle, MHA president and CEO. “His engagement with law and policymakers builds their understanding of how their decisions influence care and health.” 

Ammons has attended MHA-sponsored advocacy trips to Washington, D.C., and is active in policy discussions at MHA’s district level. He has supported AHA and MHA political action committees that work to educate, elect and reelect leaders who support hospitals’ community-focused missions.  

“To say I am humbled and honored is a huge understatement, and truth be told, this award really belongs to a vast number of Mercy leaders, caregivers and board members across our communities throughout southeast Missouri who made this happen,” said Ammons. “Working with lawmakers has been an important part of my role with Mercy as it helps them make more informed decisions about health care. I always advocate they visit the hospitals, see the people who care for patients and how their choices at the state and federal level can impact patients’ and health care workers’ day-to-day lives.” 

Ammons leads Mercy hospitals from Jefferson County down into southeast Missouri including Mercy Jefferson in Crystal City, Mercy Perry in Perryville, Mercy Stoddard in Dexter and Mercy Southeast in Cape Girardeau, where he also serves as hospital president. He was instrumental in these hospitals' decisions to join Mercy to help bring high-quality care close to home for rural patients. 

Eric Ammons, regional president of Mercy Southeast Missouri Communities in Cape Girardeau, Mo., (left) receives the 2025 Partnership for Action Grassroots Champion Award from Jon D. Doolittle, Missouri Hospital Association president and CEO (right).

The American Hospital Association (AHA) is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the health improvement of their communities. The AHA advocates on behalf of our nearly 5,000 member hospitals, health systems and other health care organizations, our clinician partners – including more than 270,000 affiliated physicians, 2 million nurses and other caregivers – and the 43,000 health care leaders who belong to our professional membership groups. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides insight and education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. 

Mercy Contact: Kate Shupert
kate.shupert@mercy.net
573-519-4908

MHA’s Statewide Patient and Family Advisory Council now is accepting applications for the fourth annual Compass Honor recognition. This award recognizes individuals and teams at Missouri hospitals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving patient engagement, experience, and outcomes through innovative programs and initiatives.

This important honor recognizes Missouri hospitals for outstanding efforts in successfully engaging and integrating a PFAC throughout their organization. By recognizing and spotlighting a model PFAC, MHA works to encourage the adoption of PFAC best practices and advance the health care experience for patients and providers.

This year, two Compass Honors will be awarded based on hospital size — one for small hospitals with less than 100 beds and a second for larger hospitals with 100 beds or more. To apply, please complete the online application by Monday, Sept. 8.

The selected hospitals will receive a plaque, press kit and an on-site celebration to share this prestigious recognition. View past Compass Honor awardees at MoHospitals.org.

Congratulations to Stephen Njenga, director of quality measurement and population health improvement, on 10 years of service to MHA!

Stephen works closely with MHA-member hospitals and health systems, and partners on a wide variety of community and population health activities, including community health needs assessments and implementation plans, population health assessments, the statewide diabetes shared learning network, and cardiovascular initiatives.

In his role, Stephen convenes and facilitates meetings with various stakeholders to address a variety of community and population health topics. As part of the CHNA process, he assists with community forums to gather input to help inform hospitals and their partners about the gaps and opportunities to improve the health of their communities.

“I look forward to going to work every day because I see everyone as an extension of my family. Everyone is always willing to help, and MHA’s leadership has done an outstanding job creating a good work environment.” 

Since he began working at MHA, Stephen said he is most proud of the level of engagement and collaboration with member hospitals and health systems along with partners on different community and population health initiatives that seek to improve the health of Missourians. 

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and connecting with friends.  

“We stay busy between kids’ activities, such as soccer, track and golf. We also like traveling and engaging in other family-oriented activities that promote health and wellness.”  

Stephen’s hobbies include running and strength training, which have become part of his daily routine.

Meet Zac Kueffer, one of HIDI’s data visualization pros. As a Senior Business Intelligence Developer, Zac transforms complex health care data into clear, actionable dashboards that help hospitals make smarter, faster decisions.

For Zac, the best part of working at MHA and HIDI is the people: “Every day I come into the office, I’m surrounded by great teammates and I’m always learning something new from the knowledge shared across the organization.”

One of his proudest accomplishments? Playing a key role in HIDI’s successful transition from Cognos to Tableau — a major milestone that paved the way for the robust business intelligence tools that HIDI users rely on today.

Outside of work, Zac’s life is filled with kids’ sports, yard work and home renovation projects. And in true speed-lover fashion, Zac used to work on dirt track sprint cars in his spare time.

Join us in celebrating Zac and his dedication to HIDI’s mission for five years!

Health care isn’t just about treating illness; it’s about preventing illness and suffering before it begins. Led by Leslie Harris, Bothwell Regional Health Center’s Population Health team ensures vulnerable patients don’t slip through the cracks and receive care before a crisis strikes. As one of Missouri’s six ToRCH (Transformation of Rural Community Health) pilot sites, this team is a lifeline for Medicaid patients struggling to access care. 

They step in where the system falls short: helping patients find doctors before the emergency department is their only option, securing transportation and connecting people with a wide range of resources they may not realize are available. Their work changes lives. By focusing on prevention and breaking down barriers, this team creates a healthier community and a stronger Bothwell. Their impact reaches beyond hospital walls, ensuring people get the right care, at the right time, in the right place.

Hospitals don’t stop when the weather turns dangerous, and neither does Eric Rader. When freezing rain threatened to make roads impassable, Eric called ahead, came to the hospital overnight and worked through the early morning to ensure the hospital was safe and operational. In Champions of Care, people often think of those at the bedside. Eric sees himself as a care provider, too. By clearing parking lots, salting walkways and responding immediately to weather-related concerns, he ensured that staff could get inside, patients could access care and visitors could arrive without fear of injury. 

His actions weren’t just about logistics; they were about making sure Bothwell Regional Health Center could continue serving the community, no matter the conditions. Eric’s dedication proves that health care is a team effort, from those at the bedside to those working behind the scenes. His commitment to keeping the hospital running, even in the worst weather, ensures that care is not interrupted.

In the most vulnerable moments of a person’s life, the Ozarks Healthcare Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) team stands as a beacon of hope, healing and justice. These specialized nurses are more than medical professionals — they are fierce advocates, compassionate listeners and unwavering protectors of dignity. Before this team was formed, survivors of sexual violence in our region were forced to travel nearly 100 miles to receive the care and forensic exams they desperately needed — an added burden in an already traumatic time. 

Today, thanks to the dedication of our SANE team, expert care is available locally, around the clock, ensuring survivors are never alone in their time of need. These nurses do far more than collect evidence. They offer a safe space, compassionate presence and critical resources — providing holistic care that addresses both the physical and emotional trauma of assault. In every encounter, they prioritize the survivor’s voice, choices and healing journey. 

Their work doesn’t stop at the bedside. By collaborating closely with law enforcement, child and family services, and advocacy organizations across eight counties, the SANE team is transforming how communities respond to sexual violence — breaking barriers, building trust and delivering justice. Through their courage, empathy and relentless commitment to those they serve, Ozarks Healthcare’s SANE team exemplifies what it means to be Champions of Care. They don’t just serve — they empower, protect and change lives.

Estes retired at the end of 2023 as president and CEO of Saint Luke's Health System, wrapping up a nearly 35-year career in health care leadership. She was the AHA board chair in 2020 and served on several AHA committees.

“A physician leader with an unmatched and unshakable commitment to kindness and caring, Mindy has served her communities with dedication and led the health care field as AHA chair through incredibly challenging times, including the unprecedented COVID pandemic,” said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack. “Mindy’s efforts to improve patient care and access have had a significant impact at the national, state and local levels, and leave a lasting legacy that will be felt for years to come.”

Estes holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, and earned her medical degree from University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, where she also completed a neurology and neuropathology residency. She received a Master of Business Administration from Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management in 1995.

Laura Warren-Hughes remembers when the hospital she used to work for built a new facility, and all of the patients and staff were moved in a three-hour period. Two of the patients even gave birth, one before the relocation and one shortly after. 

“It was some of the hardest work I’ve ever done, but the rewards were so amazing,” said Warren-Hughes, who now serves as the Missouri Hospital Association’s director of maternal quality. 

She is one of several nurses on MHA’s team who we are proud to honor during National Nurses Week. May 6 marks the beginning of Nurses Week that culminates on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday. Nightingale was a British nurse, social reformer and statistician who is credited as the founder of modern nursing. 

We asked our nurses at MHA about what led them to a nursing career, what people should know about nurses, which moments were most memorable and what advice they have for future nurses.  

Their responses were inspiring, heartfelt and a powerful reminder of the strength and dedication of those within the nursing profession. 

Why did you decide to become a nurse? 

For Keri Winegar, MHA’s manager of substance use programming, the choice was simple. 

“My parents were both nurses, and I have always wanted to work in a field where I can help others,” she said. 

Warren-Hughes said she also chose to pursue a nursing career because of family.  

“My husband experienced a severe cardiac issue … I saw how much of an impact nurses made on their patients, and I wanted to do that, too,” she said. Her mother, an obstetrics nurse, also influenced her decision. 

Jessica Stultz, MHA’s director of clinical quality, had a different reason for wanting to become a nurse.  

“I’ve always felt very passionate about helping people,” Stultz said. “I am a bit of an adrenaline junkie with an empathetic side, and nursing was the perfect career choice for me.” 

What should people know about nurses? 

There are different types of nurses; not all nurses provide direct patient care at the bedside.  

“You can work in a clinic, in an office or even in the field doing research,” Winegar said. 

Stultz agreed, adding that myriad opportunities are available in the nursing field. There are a variety of jobs and paths nurses can take, including advanced degree opportunities. 

“Nursing is what you make of it,” Stultz said. “There’s flexibility and you do impactful work.” 

Josette Bax, vice president of clinical operations with the Hospital Industry Data Institute founded by MHA, emphasized that nurses are partners in the care continuum. 

“Nurses work collaboratively with physicians and other medical professionals as part of a team to provide comprehensive patient care,” Bax said. “Their frequent interactions with patients enable them to closely monitor their conditions and promptly report any significant changes to the care team. In fact, registered nurses often make their own judgments regarding a patient’s diagnosis and outcome goals.” 

What are your favorite memories as a nurse? 

Bax remembers caring for a patient who was hospitalized for 18 months with a heart pump. Then, one day, her patient finally matched with a donor and received a much-needed heart transplant. 

Winegar said she remembers a lot of her patients — both the ones who “left too soon and the lives we saved.” She can still recall their faces and their appreciation.  

“Those are the memories that keep me going,” Winegar said. 

One of Stultz’s favorite memories was working with fellow nurses and all of the experiences they went through together. 

“Even though I haven’t worked with them for 13 years, I still consider them part of my family,” Stultz said. 

What advice do you have for future nurses? 

Warren-Hughes offered this advice for students pursuing a nursing career: When you graduate from nursing school, your learning days are not over. 

“Don’t expect to know everything in the first year or two of nursing. Do expect to be committed to lifelong learning,” she said. 

The job of a nurse can be tough at times, according to Bax. Nurses work long hours, weekends and holidays, and it can be difficult when their patients aren’t improving.  

“It is worth it though. You will make a huge difference in people’s lives,” Bax said. 

Winegar advised individuals who are considering becoming a nurse to stay focused on the passion and purpose that connected them to nursing.  

“When others are mean or frustrated with you, just remember why you chose to become a nurse and continue to follow your heart,” Winegar said. “I’ve witnessed the saddest days of human lives, but I’ve also witnessed the best, most glorious days of human lives. Nursing is one of the best career paths, in my opinion, even with the negatives that sometimes come with it.” 

In life’s most fragile moments, small gestures leave the deepest impact. Danielle Lind, R.N., embodies compassionate care, always honoring the humanity of her patients. Recently, she cared for an ICU patient nearing the end of her life. The patient’s granddaughter, unable to be there in time, shared that her grandmother always kept her toenails painted — just in case. She asked Danielle if she could ensure they were painted one last time.

Danielle sprang into action, rallying nurses to find polish. When none was available, a co-worker’s significant other delivered some from home — at 4 a.m. Thanks to Danielle’s determination, this patient’s final wish was honored. Her nails were painted. Her dignity was preserved. Her family found peace. Danielle didn’t just do her job — she reminded us all what it truly means to be a nurse.

Nate Blackford will begin his role as MHA’s new Senior Vice President of Membership Services, effective Sunday, May 4. He replaces Brett Moorehouse who is stepping into the position of Division Vice President of Membership Services to increase his member-facing opportunities. 

Blackford most recently served as president of Mosaic Medical Center – Maryville. Prior to that role, Blackford served as the vice president and COO of MPact Health in Parkville, Mo. Earlier in his career, he was the vice president and COO of Northwest Medical Center (now Mosaic Medical Center – Albany).

In addition, Blackford was the former director of strategic research and planning at Northwest Missouri State University and held various leadership positions at Cerner Corporation during his time there. He is a past chair of MHA’s North District Council and past member of MHA’s Bylaws Committee.

“I have worked with Nate in a variety of roles over the past 25 years, and he is a strong servant leader with deep experience in both network development and hospital operations,” said Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO. “I look forward to him joining our organization and leading our membership services.”

Meet Brian Waterman, Division Vice President of Solution Strategy and Development at the Hospital Industry Data Institute!

Leading the strategy and development of data-driven analytic solutions, Brian ensures hospitals and health care organizations have the insights they need to make informed decisions. His role blends business strategy, product innovation, and data science leadership, helping HIDI grow its portfolio of impactful products and services.

What makes MHA/HIDI a great place to work? Brian highlights the culture of collaboration and innovation, saying: “Our enterprise leadership fosters an environment where we work together to create meaningful solutions. HIDI’s unique affiliation with hospital associations allows us to develop distinctive data-driven solutions that make a real impact in health care.”

Over the past 10 years at HIDI, Brian has been proud to witness and contribute to its dramatic growth in size, sophistication and reach. While choosing a single accomplishment is tough, he is grateful to still be excited about what’s ahead for HIDI and MHA in the years to come.

Brian recently returned to St. Louis after years in Phoenix. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, playing guitar, socializing, and volunteering — and he shares his life with two quirky chihuahua mixes, Daisy and Libby, who keep him entertained (always) and reasonably sane (most of the time).

Join us in celebrating Brian and his dedication to HIDI’s mission for 10 years!

Congratulations to Tanya Lueckenotto, Senior Director of HIDI Program Operations, on 20 years of service!

In her role, Tanya oversees HIDI business operations to ensure things run smoothly and effectively. She directs and monitors HIDI service delivery planning activities, utilizing project management and Scaled Agile Framework environment (SAFe)^® processes and tools. 

“I’m responsible for executing program and project management and documentation processes within the HIDI project development life cycle. I collaborate closely with both management and staff users to define business requirements, operationalize work streams and drive program delivery progress. I provide expansive knowledge in client services and intercompany relations within HIDI.” 

Tanya said she has been blessed with the best co-workers and mentors throughout her career at MHA and HIDI. “I respect our mission and I’m proud of the work we do in health care. We work hard but enjoy positive collaboration and teamwork in HIDI.” 

One accomplishment she is most proud of during her tenure was assisting with building and implementing HIDI’s project management structure called SAFe^®. Tanya also takes pride in working with leadership to develop an operations board that tracks all of HIDI’s state partner business and deliverables. 

Outside of work, Tanya and her husband, James, have been married for more than 21 years. In addition to their jobs, they operate a family cattle farm. She loves being outside and enjoying the fresh air.  

The couple has two boys, ages 17 and 12, whose interest in sports and agriculture events keeps everyone busy. “It’s so much fun to watch them grow and evolve into young men. Being a ‘boy mom’ has its challenges, but I always try to jump in and help.”

Congratulations to Terry Casey, Background Check Technician with MHA Management Services Corporation, on five years of service!

Working with Background Check Advantage^®, Terry helps complete employment background checks for member hospitals and many businesses in the community.

Having owned her own company for 30-plus years, Terry said she really enjoys the many opportunities MHA has given her. She credits a great supervisor and peers, learning through classes, celebrating together and having just about anything at her fingertips to be successful in her role.

Terry’s life is full of family, with her husband, seven children and their spouses, and 13 grandkids. They enjoy playing cards, working puzzles and being together. 

“I love nature. Most weekends I am dragging one or two kids on a car ride adventure, usually carrying lawn chairs along just in case nature needs a little longer look.”

Congratulations to Dave Dillon, Vice President of Public and Media Relations, on 20 years of service to MHA!

Throughout his tenure, Dave has focused on sharing the hospital story. He works with the media to generate inspiring stories about hospitals’ work on their campuses — and in the communities they serve — and he takes the tough questions to ensure hospitals have a voice in conversations about the health care system. In addition, Dave supports MHA’s grassroots advocacy efforts and acts as a sounding board for MHA and hospital public relations staff.

He loves working at MHA for the same reason others love working at a hospital — the opportunity to be surrounded every day by brilliant, values-driven people who believe we can always do better.

When asked about his biggest accomplishment during his 20 years with MHA, Dave said, “Being someone who gets invited to the meeting or to work on a project because we want the effort to connect with people and their values.”

Dave is a father-stepfather of six adult children, grandfather of six (soon to be seven), served in Iraq as a combat infantryman and finds peace sailing on his small sailboat. Three of his children are nurses, so when he hurts himself working on home improvement projects, he gets a lot of attention.

SSM Health’s Women and Infant Substance Help Center, or WISH Center, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital — St. Louis has been honored with the Missouri Hospital Association’s Aim for Excellence Award. Established in 2016, the Aim for Excellence Award recognizes hospital innovation that improves patient outcomes. The WISH Center received the award on Nov. 14 at MHA’s 102nd Annual Convention in Kansas City, Mo.

SSM Health’s WISH Center provides comprehensive, high-risk maternity care for pregnant individuals affected by substance use disorders. Between 2014 and 2023, the center served more than 3,000 women.

“Improving maternal health outcomes can be challenging for individuals with substance use disorders,” said Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO. “Through the WISH Center, expecting mothers are navigated through substance use harm mitigation services, as well as provided wrap-around clinical and social services to improve outcomes for the mother and child.”

Using medication-assisted therapy as part of a broad risk-based approach to care, the WISH Center meets patients where they are — providing them with connections to outside organizations for job skills, housing, life skills, parenting skills and more. Engagement is end-to-end, with social and clinical services during pregnancy and birthing services through the hospital. In addition, the WISH Center provides patients with an AfterCare program for two years after childbirth to continue essential support.

“Our patients receive a comprehensive and holistic experience that prioritizes their needs in a non-judgmental environment,” said Niraj Chavan, M.D., medical director of the WISH Center at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in St. Louis. “Mothers impacted by substance use and perinatal addiction often encounter numerous challenges, and we focus on addressing their overall well-being. This includes tackling unmet needs such as barriers to care, food and housing insecurity, psychosocial support, and the lack of family support. Our multilayered approach connects patients with the appropriate medical team members and support services, enhancing their chances of success.”

The program minimizes pregnancy-related complications and reduces the length of hospital stays for newborns. During that time, the average neonatal intensive care unit admission for children of WISH Center pregnancies dropped from 17.4 days to 6.9 days

Progress West Hospital in O’Fallon, Mo., has been honored with the Missouri Hospital Association’s Aim for Excellence Award for efforts to improve care for expecting mothers through their Maternal Hypertension Collaborative. Established in 2016, the Aim for Excellence Award recognizes hospital innovation that improves patient outcomes. Progress West Hospital received the award on Nov. 14 at MHA’s 102nd Annual Convention in Kansas City, Mo.

“Maternal health improvement is a priority for hospitals and other stakeholders, as Missouri’s rate of maternal mortality and long-term harm, are in the bottom fifth of states,” said Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO. “Identifying systems to better address and mitigate problems like high blood pressure during pregnancy are important to delivering better health outcomes.”

Despite maternal hypertension’s leading role in significant maternal mortality and morbidity, only about half of pregnant women in Missouri presenting with sustained high blood pressure levels receive care within the recommended 60 minutes.

Progress West Hospital built on BJC HealthCare’s Maternal Hypertension Collaborative to establish a hospital-specific collaborative designed around visual process improvement reminders, provider engagement and medical record notations.

“Ultimately, the success of the project is attributed to creating a culture of multidisciplinary collaboration and teamwork,” said Heather Decker, Program Manager of Women and Infants at Progress West Hospital. “Keeping the patient at the center of everything we do ensures that we give care that is not only  safe, but extraordinary.”

The hospital’s goal for severe hypertension care was to achieve 90% compliance with best practices. After implementing the six-step process — including K-card visualization of process and progress — the team achieved nearly 100% compliance with treatment goals.

Dennis Carter, Board Chair of Liberty Hospital, has been honored by the Missouri Hospital Association as a 2024 Trustee of the Year. Carter was presented the award on Nov. 14 at MHA’s 102nd Annual Convention in Kansas City, Mo.

“As a life-long resident of Liberty, Dennis understands this importance of Liberty Hospital as an essential community institution,” said Jon D. Doolittle, MHA President and CEO. “During his tenure on the board, he has provided a businessman’s eye to board decisions, while remaining focused on how the hospital supports health and care in the community.”

Carter was initially elected to the Liberty Hospital Board in 2013 and served as secretary and vice chair before being selected as chair. During his tenure, he has led the board through several important milestones, including system affiliation and a major cybersecurity incident.

“Dennis truly cares about Liberty Hospital, our employees, patients and community,” said Raghu Adiga, M.D., President and CEO of Liberty Hospital. “He makes a point to be visible and accessible to people, asking valuable questions and identifying barriers he can address as a trustee. His dedication makes this prestigious award a well-deserved one.”

In his regular support of the hospital’s core mission and values, he remains laser focused on the people who make that mission a reality. His mantra is, “a hospital is more about people than bricks and mortar.”