WHA Awards

For more than 55 years, the Wisconsin Hospital Association has honored individuals who have served the health care community. WHA’s annual awards have recognized a broad array of distinguished health care leaders throughout Wisconsin including health care executives, public officials, health care trustees, auxilians, clergy, educators and physicians for their extensive service in support of health care.

 


Health Care Advocate Award: presented in recognition of partnership with WHA in supporting issues that enable the delivery of high-quality, high-value health care in Wisconsin.

State
Sen. Tim Carpenter Receives 2024 Advocate of the Year Award from WHA

WHA has recognized Sen. Tim Carpenter with the Association’s 2024 Health Care Advocate of the Year Award.
 
Carpenter was honored at WHA’s annual Advocacy Day event on Wednesday, March 20 for his service to the Wisconsin people through his support of Wisconsin’s health care system. In presenting Sen. Carpenter the 2024 Health Care Advocate of the Year, WHA President and CEO Eric Borgerding cited Carpenter’s work modernizing the state’s mental health records, bringing reform to Wisconsin’s hospital regulations, advancing the Health Care Data Modernization Act, and voting in favor of legislation that would help discharge patients to appropriate post-acute care settings. Read more.

 

Advocacy All-Star Award: recognizes one hospital or health care system each year that exemplifies dedication to grassroots advocacy.

Bellin
Bellin and Gundersen Health System Receives 2024 Advocacy All-Star Award from WHA

Bellin and Gundersen Health System received the 2024 Advocacy All-Star Award at WHA’s annual Advocacy Day event on March 20 attended by more than 700 hospital advocates. Presented by WHA Vice President of External Affairs Kari Hofer, the award recognizes one hospital or health care system that exemplifies a dedication to grassroots advocacy.
 
“Bellin and Gundersen Health System has a strong commitment to the grassroots process, all year long, making sure their advocates contact their lawmakers on both state and federal issues,” said Hofer. “Bellin and Gundersen Health System always has a strong showing at WHA's Advocacy Day, making participating in this event an annual priority.”
 
CEO of Bellin and Gundersen Health System Dr. Scott Rathgaber accepted the award on behalf of the organization. “Bellin and Gundersen Health System helps our patients and communities amplify their voices to improve health and wellbeing, minimize the cost of care, and help everyone thrive,” said Rathgaber. “Advocacy isn’t about titles; it’s about commitment and passion.”

 

The AHA Grassroots Champion Award was created to recognize those hospital leaders who most effectively educate elected officials on how major issues affect the hospital’s vital role in the community, who have done an exemplary job in broadening the base of community support for the hospital and who are tireless advocates for hospitals and their patients.

Robert
Reedsburg Area Medical Center's Bob Van Meeteren Receives AHA Grassroots Champion Award

Every year, one individual in each state is honored as a “Grassroots Champion” by the American Hospital Association (AHA) in consultation with state hospital associations. This year, WHA nominated Reedsburg Area Medical Center’s (RAMC) President and CEO Bob Van Meeteren to receive the AHA Grassroots Champion Award for his service and efforts.
 
Van Meeteren regularly participates in WHA grassroots advocacy initiatives, including responding to Hospitals Education & Advocacy Team (HEAT) Action Alerts, attending WHA's Advocacy Day in Madison and making trips to Washington, D.C. for Capitol Hills. Van Meeteren is also active in the Wisconsin Hospitals State PAC & Conduit, personally contributing to the program, explaining the importance of this type of advocacy to others and engaging with candidates through special events.
 
WHA President and CEO Eric Borgerding presented the award to Van Meeteren in Reedsburg on July 18.

“Bob has done an exemplary job educating elected officials on the public policy issues affecting hospitals across the country and in Wisconsin,” said Borgerding. “WHA was pleased to nominate Bob for this well-deserved award, and we know he will continue to be an advocacy model for others.” Read more.

 

WHA Lifetime Achievement Award:  given to a member in recognition of leadership, service and partnership with WHA in advocating for better health care for Wisconsin communities.

Gerald
Jerry Worrick Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award

The President and CEO of Door County Medical Center, Gerald “Jerry” Worrick, was honored with WHA’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2018 Rural Health conference.  Door County Medical Center is a critical access facility serving approximately 29,000 people from Door and Kewaunee counties year-round. That number explodes when more than 1.25 million visitors descend upon Door County every summer.

Worrick received the award in recognition of his leadership, service, and partnership with WHA in advocating for better health care for Wisconsin communities—serving a combined 45 years for WHA.  He served on the WHA Board for eight years, including serving as chair in 2003.  Worrick has been part of the Nominating and Awards, Council on Public Policy, the Property, Financial Solutions and Advocacy committees—and last but certainly not least, on the Council on Rural Health for 14 years.

 

WHA Distinguished Service Award: honors senior health care executives who have made an exemplary commitment to WHA and the communities they serve.

Daniel
Stoughton Health’s DeGroot Recognized with WHA 2024 Distinguished Service Award

Dan DeGroot, President and CEO of Stoughton Health, received WHA’s 2024 Distinguished Service Award for his impactful leadership and commitment to advancing health care in Wisconsin. Presented by WHA General Counsel Matthew Stanford on November 25, the award recognizes DeGroot’s achievements, including expanding access to healthcare services with projects like the McFarland Urgent Care Clinic, a new cardiology clinic, and a 56,000-square-foot Medical Outpatient Center set to open in 2025. DeGroot has also played a vital role in fostering collaboration through initiatives like community touch-base meetings started during the COVID-19 pandemic.

An active WHA member since 2020, DeGroot has contributed to multiple WHA councils and committees, offering valuable leadership and insights. Read more.​

 

WHA Distinguished Service Award: honors senior health care executives who have made an exemplary commitment to WHA and the communities they serve.

Michael
Spooner Health's Schafer Recognized with WHA 2024 Distinguished Service Award

Mike Schafer, CEO of Spooner Health, has received the 2024 Distinguished Service Award from the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA). The award, presented by WHA President and CEO Eric Borgerding, recognizes Schafer’s long-standing dedication to advancing health care both statewide and in his community.

Borgerding praised Schafer’s impactful leadership, noting his 34 years at Spooner Health, 20 years of service on the WHA board, and his role as board chair in 2009. Schafer expressed gratitude to his team and WHA for their support in advocating for rural health care. Read more.​

 

WHA Trustee Award: honors trustees of WHA member organizations who have made an exemplary commitment to their hospital and to the community they serve.

Jim
Gundersen St. Joseph’s Jim Mlsna Receives WHA 2024 Trustee Award

Jim Mlsna, Board Chair of Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital and Clinics, received the 2024 Trustee Award from the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) on November 21.
 
The award, presented by WHA General Counsel Matthew Stanford, recognizes Mlsna’s 25 years of exemplary leadership and commitment to sustaining health care in his community through both celebratory and challenging times.
 
Mlsna was praised for his critical decision-making and dedication to the hospital, its staff, and the Hillsboro community, including his role in the construction of a new facility. Gundersen St. Joseph’s VP Kristie McCoic nominated Mlsna for his impactful contributions as a board leader. Read more.