Martin “Marty” Guthmiller, CEO of Orange City Area Health System (OCAHS), was recently named a finalist for the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Shirley Ann Munroe Leadership Award, which recognizes the accomplishments of small or rural hospital leaders who have improved health care delivery in their communities through innovative and progressive efforts. 

Given that there are thousands of small and rural hospitals all over the country (and more than 90 in Iowa), this is a great accomplishment that underscores the key role hospitals and their leaders play in their communities. 

Over the last 16 years, Guthmiller has transformed OCAHS, most notably in 2006 when the hospital replaced itself with a beautiful and modern facility.  But just as significant, Guthmiller has been a leader for the community as a whole, including chairing a special task force of the local development board that was convened to revitalize a large swath of downtown Orange City that was destroyed by a 2009 fire.  The “Phoenix Project” won the support of Orange City residents, who supported a $4 million bond issue. 

What Marty Guthmiller has accomplished is outstanding, but it also comes with the territory.  Hospitals, even those in urban areas, are high-profile entities that require leaders with an unusual combination of business acumen and community minded-ness.  It’s no coincidence that hospital leaders are constantly chosen to head up boards and committees for important community organizations and events.  And it follows that those who are especially successful (and based on the press we see here at IHA, many of them are) receive their due recognition, like Marty Guthmiller. 

But it’s more than the CEOs.  The expectations that surround medical care are always high – no other entity, public or private, can begin to take on the roles and responsibilities put upon the local hospital.  Hospital leaders are often the community “face” of their hospitals, but those expectations follow all hospital employees.  Today, the most effective and successful hospitals embrace that kind of culture, where every employee is equally responsible for upholding the hospital’s mission. 

That mission, which in Iowa focuses on patients, the community and service excellence, is at the heart of IHA’s existence and its advocacy.  By providing Iowa’s hospitals with the support, education and information they need to accomplish their goals, IHA advances health care for everyone.