WHA Awards
Advocacy All-Star Award
Advocacy All-Star Award recognizes one hospital or health care system each year that exemplifies dedication to grassroots advocacy.
Beloit Health System
2025 Advocacy All-Star Award
WHA presented its Advocacy All-Star Award to Beloit Health System during the annual Advocacy Day event on April 9. WHA President and CEO Eric Borgerding, who presented the award, praised Beloit Health System for its outstanding leadership in advocacy, grassroots engagement, and commitment to strengthening health care policy, noting, “Their team doesn't just participate — they lead.” Accepting the award on behalf of the organization, Beloit Health System CEO Tim McKevett emphasized the health system’s deep commitment to its community and expressed gratitude to both his team and the 1,200 attendees for their advocacy efforts. He added, “Your efforts across the street ensure that we continue to keep our commitment to our community and the dedication to its health.” A strong WHA partner, Beloit Health System actively supports Wisconsin hospitals by serving on the WHA Board, testifying before the legislature, participating in WHA’s “Stronger Hospitals, Stronger Communities” campaign, and representing the state’s health care interests in Washington, D.C.
AHA Grassroots Champion Award
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.
Michael Schafer, Spooner Health
2024 AHA Grassroots Champion Award
Mike Schafer, CEO of Spooner Health, was honored with the American Hospital Association's (AHA) Grassroots Champion Award for his advocacy efforts. Nominated by WHA, Schafer has been actively involved in key advocacy activities, including Capitol Hill visits, WHA's Advocacy Day, and discussions on issues such as Medicare reimbursement and the 340B program. He has been a strong advocate for Wisconsin's public policy and serves on the WHA Board, setting an example for other hospital leaders. WHA President Eric Borgerding praised Schafer for his exemplary work in educating officials on healthcare issues.
Health Care Advocate Award
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.
Romaine Quinn
2025 Health Care Advocate Award
At its annual Advocacy Day on April 9, the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) named State Senator Romaine Quinn (R–Birchwood) the 2025 Health Care Advocate of the Year for his strong support of hospitals and rural health care. The award, presented by Spooner Health CEO and WHA Board member Mike Schafer, recognized Quinn’s leadership on critical issues, including workforce development, Medicaid reimbursement, and hospital discharge improvements. Representing a district with eight Critical Access Hospitals and serving on the Joint Finance Committee, Quinn has championed legislation to expand Wisconsin’s Graduate Medical Education program and strengthen rural health care infrastructure. Accepting the award, he reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring hospitals have the tools needed to serve their communities.
WHA Distinguished Service Award
WHA Distinguished Service Award honors senior health care executives who have made an exemplary commitment to WHA and the communities they serve.
Daniel DeGroot, Stoughton Health
2024 WHA 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.
Michael Schafer, Spooner Health
2024 WHA 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.
WHA Trustee Award
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 Mlsna, Gundersen St. Joseph's Hospital and Clinics
2024 WHA 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.
