DES MOINES, Iowa—Joe Smith, Boone County Hospital CEO, was presented this week with the 2018 Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) Excellence in Leadership Award. The presentation was made during the IHA Annual Conference in Des Moines. The award is presented annually to an outstanding Iowa hospital or health system executive who shows achievement in local, state and national health care affairs, leadership among peers and contributions to the community. It is recognition of proven dedication to excellence.
During the presentation, Smith was described as an asset to “the community, the county, the state and the health care nation.” In his 25-year tenure, the hospital has seen downturns, expansions, celebrations and heartache, but through it all there has always been steady, compassionate, courageous and community-oriented leadership. One hospital leader wrote that Smith has a relentless focus on what is important and what is necessary, an ability that has benefited the hospital as well as IHA. Yet even more important, he seemingly knows the strength of every hospital employee and brings out the best in everyone. More than one letter writer stated that the hospital has survived and thrived directly because of this CEO’s exceptional leadership and dedication.
(contributed article and photo, BCH)
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