CHAMPS Awards - CHAMPS

For the past three decades, CHAMPS has presented awards to staff and board members of Region VIII Health Centers and related organizations to recognize exceptional contributions to the health center community. This has allowed CHAMPS to honor numerous highly deserving individuals from across the region for their exceptional advocacy, leadership, and dedication to the health center mission. Please read on for more information about the upcoming call for nominations, the most recent year’s awardees, and for lists of prior awardees in each category.

Questions about CHAMPS Awards? Please contact the CHAMPS Workforce Development & Member Services Director.

Please click or scroll down for:
2024 CHAMPS Awardees
CHAMPS Award Categories
Prior CHAMPS Awardees

2024 CHAMPS AWARDEES

CHAMPS is pleased to recognize our 2024 CHAMPS Awards winners, each significant for their outstanding leadership, achievements, and contributions to their organizations, communities, and Region VIII.

The 2024 CHAMPS Awardees were honored at a live, in-person ceremony at The Westin Denver Downtown in Denver, CO during the CHAMPS/NWRPCA Fall Primary Care Conference on Sunday, October 27, 2024. Explore the 2024 Awards Photo Journal for photos of the awardees and a look at the ceremony.

Please click or scroll down for each award category and more information about 2024’s CHAMPS awardees:
Emerging Star Award
Excellence in Innovation Award
Exceptional Administrative Leadership Award
Exceptional Board Leadership Award
Exceptional Clinical Leadership Award
Outstanding Advocate of the Underserved Award
Outstanding Legislative Leadership Award
Stanley J. Brasher Legacy Award

Emerging Star Award

The CHAMPS Emerging Star Award recognizes an outstanding up-and-coming staff member whose exceptional promise, dedication, and work have significantly enriched a health center and its outcomes and/or advanced the mission and goals of the Community Health Center Movement.

2024 CHAMPS EMERGING STAR AWARDEE:

Melissa Myers, Director of Accounting, Health West, ID, UT, WY
For Her Graceful Leadership & Meaningful Contributions To Health West & The CHC Movement

Melissa’s ability to navigate complex challenges highlights her outstanding leadership and commitment to her team’s success. Please click HERE for Melissa’s nomination statement.

“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.”
– Nelson Henderson

Excellence In Innovation Award

The CHAMPS Excellence in Innovation Award honors a health center which showcases innovation, effectiveness, creativity, and adaptability in addressing needs within the organization or the broader community it serves.

2024 CHAMPS EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION AWARDEE:

Salud Family Health, Special Procedure Clinic, CO
For Unwavering Dedication To Caring For Their Communities & Ensuring Access To Affordable Cancer Screening

Salud Family Health’s creative approaches to establishing GI endoscopy services have significantly reduced delayed cancer diagnoses and promoted preventative care in its community. Please click HERE for Salud Family Health’s nomination statement.

Salud Family Health Special Procedures Clinic

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
– Margaret Mead

Exceptional Administrative Leadership Award

The CHAMPS Exceptional Administrative Leadership Award honors individuals who demonstrate innovative and effective strategies that strengthen their health centers and communities.

2024 CHAMPS EXCEPTIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP AWARDEE:

Lander Cooney, Executive Vice President, One Health, MT
In Recognition Of Her Innovative, Passionate & Resilient Leadership

Lander’s tenacity and thoughtful leadership have ensured ongoing service for patients while also implementing inventive ways to support her team. Please click HERE for Lander’s nomination statement.

“Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it.”
– Buddha

Exceptional Board Leadership Award

The CHAMPS Exceptional Board Leadership Award recognizes health center board of directors members who exemplify dedication to and excellence within community-led governance.

2024 CHAMPS EXCEPTIONAL BOARD LEADERSHIP AWARDEE:

Jeanne Galbraith Board Member, Complete Health, SD
For Her Compassionate Commitment To Complete Health & Patient Advocacy

Jeanne passionately advocates for underserved populations, and her invaluable leadership has been vital to fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Please click HERE for Jeanne’s nomination statement.

“Dream more than others think practical…Expect more than others think possible.”
– Howard Schultz

Exceptional Clinical Leadership Award

The CHAMPS Exceptional Clinical Leadership Award is bestowed upon medical, dental, behavioral health, and other clinical staff members who display outstanding service and commitment to improving the health and well-being of their patients and communities.

2024 CHAMPS EXCEPTIONAL CLINICAL LEADERSHIP AWARDEE:

Rhina Rodriguez, PA-C, Physician Assistant, Salud Family Health, CO
For Her Inspiring Service & Dedication To Providing Quality Health Care For All

Rhina’s commitment to providing compassionate care for over two decades has significantly advanced health equity at Salud Family Health, inspiring patients and colleagues alike. Please click HERE for Rhina’s nomination statement.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
– Mahatma Gandhi

Outstanding Advocate of the Underserved Award

The CHAMPS Outstanding Advocate of the Underserved Award acknowledges those who champion the populations served by Region VIII health centers, going above and beyond to improve access and reduce disparities.

2024 CHAMPS OUTSTANDING ADVOCATE OF THE UNDERSERVED AWARDEE:

Janice Harris, RN, Registered Nurse, Complete Health, SD
For Her Exceptional Contributions To Improving Health Care Access For Underserved Communities

Janice is commended for her pivotal role in launching South Dakota’s first school-based clinic, greatly enhancing access to healthcare for vulnerable children and families. Please click HERE for Janice’s nomination statement.

“As we lose ourselves in the service of others we discover our own lives and our own happiness.”
– Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Outstanding Legislative Leadership Award

The CHAMPS Outstanding Legislative Leadership Award is presented to leaders in local, state, or national government, at a public or private agency, or within a health center or related organization, who make significant efforts to advance community health policy.

2024 CHAMPS OUTSTANDING LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP AWARDEE:

Maureen Maxwell, Senior Manager of Federal Policy and Communications, Colorado Community Health Network, CO
For Her Exceptional Expertise & Dedication To Advancing The Community Health Center Mission

Maureen is recognized for strengthening relationships between Colorado’s health centers and Congress through her extraordinary guidance and expertise in federal policy and advocacy. Please click HERE for Maureen’s nomination statement.

“Without service, we would not have a strong quality of life. It’s important to the person who serves as well as the recipient. It’s the way in which we ourselves grow and develop.”
– Dr. Dorothy Height

Stanley J. Brasher Legacy Award

The Stanley J. Brasher Legacy Award was created by the CHAMPS Executive Committee in 2013 in honor of Stanley J. “Jerry” Brasher, a CHAMPS founder and Chief Executive Officer of Salud Family Health Centers, CO, to honor individuals who have dedicated their careers to solving the problems of health, poverty, and human rights and who have contributed toward the mission and recognition of community and migrant health centers in the Mountain/Plains States.

2024 CHAMPS STANLEY J. BRASHER LEGACY AWARDEE:

Annette Kowal, Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Community Health Network, CO
For Her Dedication To Advancing The Mission & Recognition Of Community Health Centers In Colorado & The Mountain/Plains States

Annette has dedicated her career to service, devoting nearly three decades to ensuring access to healthcare for all Coloradans and championing the Community Health Center Movement. Please click HERE for Annette’s nomination statement.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”
– Martin Luther King, Jr.

CHAMPS AWARDS CATEGORIES

CHAMPS Awards nominations are typically accepted in the following categories:

Emerging Star: The CHAMPS Emerging Star Award recognizes an outstanding up-and-coming staff member whose exceptional promise, dedication, and work have significantly enriched a health center and its outcomes and/or advanced the mission and goals of the Community Health Center Movement.

Eligible individuals include Region VIII CHC or PCA representatives with five or fewer years of CHC/PCA experience. The CHAMPS Emerging Star Awardee will receive a registration scholarship to the CHAMPS/NWRPCA Annual Primary Care Conference.

Excellence in Innovation: The CHAMPS Excellence in Innovation Award honors a health center which showcases innovation, effectiveness, creativity, and adaptability in addressing needs within the organization or the broader community it serves.

Examples of areas of innovation may include, but are not limited to, those focusing on:
i. Addressing structural injustices.
ii. Committing to environmental resiliency and responsibility.
iii. Leveraging community resources to enhance sustainability.
iv. Fostering a skilled and resilient current and/or future workforce.

Exceptional Administrative Leadership: The CHAMPS Exceptional Administrative Leadership Award honors individuals who demonstrate innovative and effective strategies that strengthen their health centers and communities.

Exceptional Board Leadership: The CHAMPS Exceptional Board Leadership Award recognizes health center board of directors members who exemplify dedication to and excellence within community-led governance.

Exceptional Clinical Leadership: The CHAMPS Exceptional Clinical Leadership Award is bestowed upon medical, dental, behavioral health, and other clinical staff members who display outstanding service and commitment to improving the health and well-being of their patients and communities.

Outstanding Advocate of the Underserved: The CHAMPS Outstanding Advocate of the Underserved Award acknowledges those who champion the populations served by Region VIII health centers, going above and beyond to improve access and reduce disparities.

Outstanding Legislative Leadership: The CHAMPS Outstanding Legislative Leadership Award is presented to leaders in local, state, or national government, at a public or private agency, or within a health center or related organization, who make significant efforts to advance community health policy.

Nominees for the Outstanding Legislative Leadership Award need not meet the CHAMPS Organizational Membership requirement.

Stanley J. Brasher Legacy: The CHAMPS Stanley J. Brasher Legacy Award was created by the CHAMPS Executive Committee in 2013 to honor individuals who have dedicated their careers to solving the problems of health, poverty, and human rights and who have contributed toward the mission and recognition of community and migrant health centers in the Mountain/Plains States.

PRIOR CHAMPS AWARDEES

PRIOR EXCEPTIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP AWARDEES:

2023: Betsy Seglem, Glacier Community Health Center, MT
2022: Lori Wright, Family Healthcare, UT
2021: Annette Franta, Mountain Family Health Centers, CO
2020: Breann Streck, RiverStone Health, MT
2019: Angela Green, PsyD, STRIDE Community Health Center, CO
2018: Christina Konechne, Horizon Health Care, Inc., SD
2017: Rebecca McCay, Peak Vista Community Health Centers, CO
2016: Maria Clemons, Northwest Community Health Center, MT
2015: Michael Welch, DO, Peak Vista Community Health Centers, CO
2014: Robert “Jay” Brooke, High Plains Community Health Center, CO
2013: Nancy Taylor, RiverStone Health, MT
2012: Pam Locken, Prairie Community Health, SD
2011: Patricia Patrón, Family HealthCare Center, ND
2010: Paul Melinkovich, MD, Denver Health Community Health Services, CO
2009: Ramona Larsen, Wayne Community Health Center, UT
2008: Mitzi Moran, Sunrise Community Health, Inc., CO
2007: Byron Geer, Pueblo Community Health Center, CO
2006: LaVal B. Jensen, Bear Lake Community Health Center, UT
2006: Dianne Smith, Dove Creek Community Health Clinic, CO
2005: Elizabeth “Bette” Vierra, Association for Utah Community Health, UT
2004: Robert “Jay” Brooke, High Plains Community Health Center, CO
2004: Gina Flanagan, Wayne Community Health Center, UT
2003: Donald Moore, Pueblo Community Health Center, CO

PRIOR EXCEPTIONAL BOARD LEADERSHIP AWARDEES:

2023: Arthur Yarbrough, Jr., Pueblo Community Health Center, CO
2022: Carol Lewis, Denver Health Community Health Services, CO
2021: Jesus Tijerina, Salud Family Health Centers, CO
2020: Marge Gavenda, Summit Community Care Clinic, CO
2019: Tom Bibbey, Heritage Health Center, WY
2018: Lionel Tapia, MD, RiverStone Health, MT
2017: Linda Hughes, Salud Family Health Centers, CO
2016: Richard “Dick” Bair, Horizon Health Care, Inc., SD
2015: Melissa Robins, Wayne Community Health Center, UT
2014: Kenneth Floyd, Denver Health Community Health Services, CO
2013: Jen Knellinger, Peak Vista Community Health Centers, CO
2012: Frank Taylor and Wally Wesener, Metro Community Provider Network, CO
2011: Doug Follick, Community Health Center of Central Wyoming, WY
2010: Echo Petersen, Horizon Health Care, Inc., SD
2009: Elbert “Dean” Brown, Denver Health Community Health Services, CO
2007: Caroline Sweiter, Salud Family Health Centers, CO
2006: Carolyn Wenger, Yellowstone City-County Health Department, MT
2005: Lewis Reyes, Clinica Campesina Family Health Services, CO
2004: Daniel Hacking, Community Health Centers, Inc., UT
2004: Michael Hurtado, DDS, Pueblo Community Health Center, CO
2004: Jim Nybo, Cooperative Health Center, MT
2003: Ivan McCourt, Carbon Medical Service Association, UT

PRIOR EXCEPTIONAL CLINICAL LEADERSHIP AWARDEES:

2023: Stephanie Low, MD, Community Health Service Inc., MN, ND
2022: Michelle Scholtz, DDS, Horizon Health Care, Inc., SD
2021: Megan Littlefield, MD, RiverStone Health, MT
2021: Karen Miller, DDS, Pueblo Community Health Center, CO
2020: Chad Hess, PA-C, Pueblo Community Health Center, CO
2019: Jonathan Muther, PhD, Salud Family Health Centers, CO
2018: Eva Poulson, DDS, Salud Family Health Centers, CO
2017: Ricardo Velasquez, MD, Valley-Wide Health Systems, Inc., CO
2016: Elias Hernandez, MD, Salud Family Health Centers, CO
2015: Chastity Dolbec, RN, BSN, Coal Country Community Health Center, ND
2014: Keith Horwood, MD, Community Health Centers, Inc.
2014: Stephen Stemm, DMD, Northland Community Health Center, ND
2013: Lucy Loomis, MD, Denver Health Community Health Services, CO
2012: Julie Wood, MD, Community HealthCare Center, Inc., MT
2011: Hans Elzinga, MD, Salud Family Health Centers, CO
2011: Carolyn Shepherd, MD, Clinica Family Health Services, CO
2010: Martin Ellbogen, MD, Community Health Center of Central Wyoming, WY
2009: Christopher Tonozzi, MD, Mountain Family Health Centers, CO
2008: Ed Farrell, MD, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, CO
2007: Noreen O’Shea, DO, Union County Health Foundation, SD
2006: Barry Martin, MD, Metro Community Provider Network, CO
2004: Cindy Erwin, PA-C, Rural Health Care, Inc., SD
2004: Mike Welch, DO, Peak Vista Community Health Centers, CO
2003: James “Jim” McNeely, III, CFNP, Rural Health Care, Inc., SD
2003: Douglas Moore, MD, MPH, Deering Community Health Center, MT

PRIOR OUTSTANDING ADVOCATE OF THE UNDERSERVED AWARDEES:

2023: Ross Brooks, Mountain Family Health Centers, CO
2022: Tiffany Klein, One Health, MT
2021: Shawna Yates, DO, Southwest Montana Community Health Center, MT
2020: Juanita Sapp, MD, Heritage Health Center, WY
2019: Anne Beer, Peak Vista Community Health Centers, CO
2018: Diana Bird, RN, HealthWorks, WY
2017: Alan Pruhs, Association for Utah Community Health, UT
2016: Delfina Merino, Summit Community Care Clinic, CO
2015: Jennifer Morse, Salud Family Health Centers, CO
2014: Greg Morris, PA-C, Peak Vista Community Health Centers, CO
2012: Janet Fieldman, Pueblo Community Health Center, CO
2011: Donna Singer, Utah Navajo Health System, Inc., UT
2010: Ricardo Velasquez, MD, Valley-Wide Health Systems, Inc., CO
2009: Dennis “Denny” Royal, Community Action Partnership of Natrona County, WY
2008: Jennifer Thomas, Community Health Centers, Inc., UT
2007: Julie Lehman, DO, Cheyenne Health and Wellness Center, WY
2006: Ken Kamis, Cheyenne Health and Wellness Center, WY
2005: Donna Singer, Utah Navajo Health Systems, Inc., UT
2004: Adi V. Gundlapalli, MD, PhD, 4^th Street Clinic, UT
2003: Yvonne Jensen, Carbon Medical Service Association, UT

PRIOR OUTSTANDING LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP AWARDEES:

2022: Mary Lynne Shickich, Wyoming Primary Care Association, WY
2021: Jan Cartwright, Wyoming Primary Care Association, WY
2020: Tracy Johnson, PhD, Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, CO
2018: Daniel R. Hawkins, Jr., National Association of Community Health Centers
2017: David Pump, Peak Vista Community Health Centers, CO
2016: Bob Marsalli, Montana Primary Care Association, MT
2015: Pam McManus, Peak Vista Community Health Centers, CO
2012: Kent Conrad, United States Senate, ND

PRIOR STANLEY J. BRASHER LEGACY AWARDEES:

2023: John Felton, RiverStone Health, MT
2022: Laurie Francis, Partnership Health Center, MT
2021: Don Gutstadt, PA-C, Salud Family Health Centers, CO
2020: John Mengenhausen, Horizon Health Care, Inc., SD
2019: Julie Hulstein, Community Health Association of Mountain/Plains States
2018: Jeanne “Gigi” Darricades, Valley-Wide Health Systems, Inc., CO
2017: Eileen Flaherty, FNP, Salud Family Health Centers, CO
2016: Dave Myers, Metro Community Provider Network, CO
2015: Robert “Jay” Brooke, High Plains Community Health Center, CO
2014: John McFarland, DDS, Salud Family Health Centers, CO
2013: Pam Locken, Prairie Community Health, SD

PRIOR JOHN MENGENHAUSEN PRESIDENTIAL AWARDEES:

2020: Keith Horwood, MD, Community Health Centers, Inc., UT

PRIOR PRESIDENTIAL AWARDEES:

2016: John Mengenhausen, Horizon Health Care, Inc., SD
2013: Stanley J. Brasher, Salud Family Health Centers, CO
2012: Kate McIvor, Cooperative Health Center, Inc., MT
2007: Dan Euell, Denver Health Community Health Services, CO
2006: Pam Locken, Prairie Community Health, SD
2001: Thomas M. Olson, Sioux River Valley Community Health Center, SD

PRIOR AWARDEES IN ADDITIONAL CATEGORIES:

2020: Debby Myers, RDH, Salud Family Health Centers, CO – Outstanding Emergency Response Leadership Award
2015: Pam Locken, Prairie Community Health, SD – Mountain/Plains Legacy Award
2005: Susan Jaworowski, Health Resources and Services Administration – Exceptional Federal Partnership Award
2002: Alfred O’Brien, PA-C, Butte Community Health Center, MT – Mountain/Plains Clinical Network Award
2002: Bill Buckles, Community Action of Laramie County, WY – CHAMPS Award
2002: Dennis “Denny” Royal, Community Action Partnership of Natrona County, WY – CHAMPS Award
2002: Gary Dunckel, DDS, Salud Family Health Centers, CO – CHAMPS Award
2002: Jerry Wheeler, Health Resources and Services Administration – CHAMPS Award
2002: Joel Maes, DDS, Cooperative Health Center, MT – CHAMPS Award
2002: John McFarland, DDS, Salud Family Health Centers, CO – CHAMPS Award
2002: John Smith, DMD, Cooperative Health Center, MT – CHAMPS Award
2002: Mike Jones, DDS, Sunrise Community Health Center, CO – CHAMPS Award
2002: Pete Leibig, Clinical Campesina Family Health Services, CO – CHAMPS Award
2002: Rhina Rodriguez-Cernak, PA-C, Salud Family Health Centers, CO – CHAMPS Award
2001: Arda Morrell, Wayne County Clinic, UT – CHAMPS Award
2001: John Mengenhausen, Horizon Health Care, Inc., SD – CHAMPS Award
2001: Mary Lou DeZeeuw, Health Resources and Services Administration – CHAMPS Award
2001: Stanley J. Brasher, Salud Family Health Centers, CO – CHAMPS Award
2001: Vernon Maas, MD, Health Resources and Services Administration – CHAMPS Award