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 leadership and dedication to the health center mission. Please read on for more information about the most recent year’s awardees, the upcoming call for nominations and award categories, 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:
2025 CHAMPS Awardees
CHAMPS Call for Nominations & Award Categories
Prior CHAMPS Awardees

2025 CHAMPS AWARDEES

CHAMPS is pleased to recognize our 2025 CHAMPS Awards winners, each significant for their outstanding leadership, achievements, and contributions to their organizations, communities, and Region VIII.

The 2025 CHAMPS Awardees were honored during a live, virtual ceremony immediately preceding the Annual CHAMPS Board of Directors meeting on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. You are welcome to view a recording of the entire ceremony and download the ceremony slides. Video clips of each award presentation and awardee acceptance remarks are available below.

Please click or scroll down for each award category and more information about 2025’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.

2025 CHAMPS EMERGING STAR AWARDEE:

Marisa Borchardt, DMD, Chief Dental Director, River Valley Family Health Centers, CO
For Her Outstanding Contributions To Advancing High-Quality Dental Care & Strengthening The CHC Workforce

Dr. Borchardt’s thoughtful, patient-centered leadership has strengthened her team and elevated oral health care services across rural Western Colorado. Please click HERE for Dr. Borchardt’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.

2025 CHAMPS EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION AWARDEE:

Coal Country Community Health Center, Scrubs Camp Program, ND
For Its Outstanding Commitment & Visionary Approach To Fostering The Future Healthcare Workforce

Coal Country Community Health Center’s immersive Scrubs Camp program has inspired students to envision futures in healthcare through hands-on, skill-building experiences. Please click HERE for Coal Country Community Health Center’s nomination statement.

Pictured below: Kayla Olson, PA-C; Kara Pulver, Director of Marketing; Amber Brady, RN, Assistant Director of Nursing

“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.

2025 CHAMPS EXCEPTIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP AWARDEE:

Tim Trithart, Chief Executive Officer, Complete Health, SD
In Recognition Of His Thoughtful Leadership That Fosters Trust, Innovation, & Collaboration

Tim’s composed leadership, visionary thinking, and enduring commitment to his team have left a lasting impact on Complete Health and those around him. Please click HERE for Tim’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.

2025 CHAMPS EXCEPTIONAL BOARD LEADERSHIP AWARDEE:

Jim Morton, Board Chair, Sapphire Community Health, Inc., MT
For His Visionary Leadership & Unwavering Dedication To Expanding Access To Care

Jim’s vision and perseverance brought a new primary care clinic to life, overcoming numerous challenges to expand access to care in his community. Please click HERE for Jim’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.

2025 CHAMPS EXCEPTIONAL CLINICAL LEADERSHIP AWARDEE:

Lynelle Huseby, RN, BSN, Director of Clinical Services, Family HealthCare, ND
In Recognition Of Her Devotion To Family HealthCare’s Mission, Patients, & Care Teams

Lynelle’s collaborative and proactive leadership has strengthened clinical operations, supported staff across departments, and ensured the ongoing success of Family HealthCare. Please click HERE for Lynelle’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 increase access and improve health outcomes.

2025 CHAMPS OUTSTANDING ADVOCATE OF THE UNDERSERVED AWARDEE:

Araceli Calderon, Immigrant & Refugee Center Director, Sunrise Community Health, CO
In Recognition Of Her Exceptional Work Uplifting Communities Through Compassion & Collaboration

Araceli’s lifelong commitment to empowering underrepresented communities has broadened Sunrise’s reach and fostered lasting change across Northern Colorado. Please click HERE for Araceli’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.

2025 CHAMPS OUTSTANDING LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP AWARDEE:

Nadine Boe, Chief Executive Officer, Northland Health Centers, ND
For Her Remarkable Dedication To Amplifying The Mission & Voice of Community Health Centers

Nadine’s dedicated leadership and engagement with elected officials have bolstered support for Community Health Centers in North Dakota. Please click HERE for Nadine’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 health centers in the Mountain/Plains States.

2025 CHAMPS STANLEY J. BRASHER LEGACY AWARDEE:

Jim Garcia, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Tepeyac Community Health Center, CO
For His Enduring Contributions To Community Health In Colorado & The Mountain/Plains States

Jim has dedicated his career to service, devoting three decades to expanding access to care and improving the wellbeing of communities across Colorado. Please click HERE for Jim’s nomination statement.

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

CHAMPS CALL FOR NOMINATIONS & AWARD CATEGORIES

The Call for Nominations for 2026 CHAMPS Awards will open in the summer of 2026. Nominations will be accepted in the following award 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 patient needs via non-traditional programs.
ii. Committing to operational resiliency and responsibility.
iii. Leveraging community resources to enhance sustainability.
iv. Fostering a skilled and resilient current and/or future workforce.

Nominations for the Excellence in Innovation Award will be accepted for health center organizations only.

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 increase access and improve health outcomes.

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 health centers in the Mountain/Plains States.

All nominees must be affiliated with a current CHAMPS Organizational Member, apart from nominees for the Outstanding Legislative Leadership Award. Please contact the CHAMPS Workforce Development & Member Services Director with any questions.

PRIOR CHAMPS AWARDEES

PRIOR EMERGING STAR AWARDEES:

  • 2024: Melissa Myers, Health West, ID, UT, WY

PRIOR EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION AWARDEES:

  • 2024: Salud Family Health, Special Procedure Clinic, CO

PRIOR EXCEPTIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP AWARDEES:

  • 2024: Lander Cooney, One Health, MT
  • 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:

  • 2024: Jeanne Galbraith, Complete Health, SD
  • 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:

  • 2024: Rhina Rodriguez, PA-C, Salud Family Health, CO
  • 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:

  • 2024: Janice Harris, RN, Complete Health, SD
  • 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, 4th Street Clinic, UT
  • 2003: Yvonne Jensen, Carbon Medical Service Association, UT

PRIOR OUTSTANDING LEGISLATIVE LEADERSHIP AWARDEES:

  • 2024: Maureen Maxwell, Colorado Community Health Network, CO
  • 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:

  • 2024: Annette Kowal, Colorado Community Health Network, CO
  • 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