Iowans Honored for Contributions to Community Health at 2025 Iowa Community Health Conference
Each year, the Iowa Primary Care Association recognizes individuals for their contributions to Iowa’s community health centers. Nominations are submitted by community health center peers and selected by a committee of community health supporters.
This year, the Iowa Primary Care Association honored six individuals during this year’s Iowa Community Health Conference to celebrate their dedication to the Health Center Movement and their extraordinary work on behalf of their peers, patients, and community.
Dr. Bery Engebretsen Visionary Award: Gina Throckmorton, Chief Operations Officer, River Hills Community Health Center
The Dr. Bery Engebretsen Visionary Award was established in 2024 in recognition of Dr. Engebretsen's outstanding contributions to the Health Center Movement as a co-founder of the Iowa Primary Care Association and the former Chief Executive Officer and current Chief Visionary for Primary Health Care, Inc. This award is presented to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to their organization or community and exemplifies leadership excellence, passion for community health, and dedication to addressing social drivers of health.
Outstanding Provider Award: Michelle Christensen, PA-C, Associate Medical Director & Physician Assistant, All Care Health Center
The Outstanding Provider Award recognizes a distinguished provider who exemplifies excellence in clinical practice and demonstrates a dedication to the health center mission and to the patients they serve.
Unsung Hero Award: Rosalinda Nehring, Patient Care Technician, United Community Health Center
Unsung Hero Award: Naomi Marroquín, Bilingual Health Team Lead, Proteus, Inc.
The Unsung Hero Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a level of excellence in their work which distinguishes their service and contributions during the past year. This year, we had the exciting opportunity to recognize two winners.
Exceptional Network Support Award: Erica Shannon Stueve, General Counsel, Iowa PCA
The Exceptional Network Support Award recognizes a member of the Iowa Primary Care Association team who demonstrates exceptional support for Iowa’s Health Center Movement. As a network champion of community health centers, this individual demonstrates collaboration and passion in their work to support Iowa’s community health centers.
Impact Award: Jeff Allen, Forvis Mazars
Our Impact Award recognizes an individual who has made an impact by partnering with Iowa’s community health centers. This award celebrates the nominee’s dedication to improving the lives and health of others. This year’s awardee is a long-time supporter and fan favorite of the health center movement.
Communicators of the Year Award: Promise Community Health Center
This award recognizes a community health center that has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in their ability to convey messages with clarity, creativity, and impact through patient engagement, social media, and other forms of communication.
Advocates of the Year Award: Siouxland Community Health Center
This award recognizes a community health center for its advocacy excellence, including performance on grassroots advocacy through the VoterVoice system, engagement with state and federal elected officials, community engagement, and more.
Congratulations to each awardee, and thank you for everything you do for Iowans!