IPHCA Annual Awards - Champions of Healthcare

The Annual IPHCA Champions of Health Care and Quality Awards acknowledge and celebrate you and your commitment to our mission of providing healthcare to all Hoosiers.

Every one of you is a healthcare champion, day in and day out. Your diligent work continues to improve the health of all Hoosiers and is moving the needle regarding healthcare quality in Indiana. This year we have the honor of recognizing a few of the champions among us who make a difference in the lives of Hoosiers.

See below to find out about the categories and all of our winners for 2025.

Award Categories

Provider of the Year Award 

This award recognizes an outstanding provider who has demonstrated excellence in clinical leadership through:  1) advocacy; 2) innovative programs/services that have increased access, improved health care services to the community, or decreased disparities; or 3) collaborative efforts to reach high-risk populations in the community.
• A provider is defined as any provider who can directly bill hours for clinical services, including but not limited to MD, DDS, NP, PA, Dental Hygienist, Psychologist, MSW, CNW, and CNS.
• The primary health care provider must have practiced at the health center for a minimum of three years.

Dental Provider of the Year 2025

Isaac Zeckel, DDS, HealthLinc

Dr. Zeckel, Chief Dental Officer at HealthLinc, a passionate leader and advocate for integrating oral health into broader public health initiatives. He has been instrumental in advancing best practices for HPV prevention within dental settings and has presented on the topic both locally and nationally. His dedication to preventive care and cancer prevention reflects his commitment to high-impact, evidence-based dentistry that extends far beyond the operatory.

Medical Provider of the Year 2025

Rob Dawson, DNP, FPN-C, IHC

Since joining IHC in 2005, Rob has proven himself to be a kind and compassionate leader and proponent of community health centers. As a family nurse practitioner, he has consistently provided education to other clinical staff members and strives to collaborate with his peers, all while advocating for patients to provide the most beneficial healthcare. Rob serves as the Dean of the School of Nursing at Indiana Wesleyan full-time but still makes time to see patients at IHC three days a week and volunteers at the free healthcare clinic in Marion (Bridges to Health). Rob has served our migrant community for years by providing care at farm camps via our mobile unit as well.

Behavioral Health Provider of the Year

Dick Donovan, LCSW, Neighborhood Health

Dick has been a tireless advocate for tobacco cessation, a challenge that disproportionately impacts underserved and high-risk communities. His recognition as the 2023 Tobacco Recovery Champion by Tobacco Free Allen County underscores his ability to combine clinical excellence with community advocacy. He has also advanced the conversation on youth vaping by attending regional and national seminars, ensuring Neighborhood Health remains at the forefront of emerging behavioral health challenges. In July 2025, he launched Neighborhood Health’s first structured smoking cessation groups, which have quickly proven highly effective by combining peer support, clinical expertise, and ongoing accountability.

Employee of the Year Award

This award recognizes a primary health employee (non-practitioner) who has demonstrated excellence through: 1) patient advocacy; 2) innovative programs / services / systems; or 3) collaborative efforts.
• The primary health care employee must have worked for the health center for a minimum of two years.

Employee of the Year 2025

Stephanie Jeffery, Valley Professionals CHC

Stephanie Jeffery, Vice President and Chief Quality Officer at Valley Professionals Community Health Center. From guiding Valley’s first site to achieving Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) recognition in 2013 to supporting every location in achieving the same standard, Stephanie has made it her mission to ensure that patients receive care that is not only effective but also personal and respectful. She believes deeply in seeing the whole person—not just their diagnosis—and that belief is now a core part of how Valley delivers care.

Champions - Stephanie Jeffery, Valley Professionals

Volunteer of the Year Award
This award recognizes a primary health volunteer who has demonstrated excellence through: 1) patient advocacy; 2) innovative programs/services/systems; or 3) collaborative efforts. • The primary health care volunteer must have volunteered for the health center for a minimum of two years.

Volunteer of the Year 2025

Aaron Robles, Board Member, Neighborhood Health

A lifelong resident of Fort Wayne and a proud DACA recipient, he brings an invaluable perspective to his work. Aaron has been a powerful advocate for patients. He traveled to Washington, D.C. to help present Senator Banks’ office with the IPHCA Champion of Change Award, ensuring that the voices of underserved populations were heard on a national stage. He bravely shares his own story and amplifies those of other consumers to legislators—particularly in opposition to the PRWORA public health benefit changes that would harm vulnerable patients. His willingness to take personal risks for the sake of protecting others is a true hallmark of patient advocacy.

Champions - Aaron Robles, Neighborhood Health

Volunteer of the Year 2025

David Newgent, Former Board Member, IHC

A proud resident of Owen County, who dedicated his life to advancing the mission of Indiana’s Community Health Centers. As a longtime Board Member of Indiana Health Centers, Dave tirelessly traveled across the state to advocate for access to high-quality, affordable, integrated care in both rural and urban communities. He was instrumental in bringing a Community Health Center to Spencer, Indiana, while continually pushing for improved facilities, integrated pharmacies, and workforce support, enabling providers to continue serving patients with dignity and compassion despite limited resources.

David Newgent sadly died in June 2025. His award was accepted by his wife Toni, on his behalf.

Legislator of the Year Award

This award recognizes a state or national elected official who has championed access to health care and supported safety net infrastructure.

Legislator of the Year 2025

Todd Young, US Senator

Serving Indiana since 2017, Senator Young’s advocacy goes beyond words. He has toured CHCs in his district, engaged with staff and patients, and taken the time to understand the critical role these centers play in Indiana’s health care landscape. He regularly meets with CHC leaders to discuss pressing health policy issues and continues to be a thoughtful, solutions-oriented partner in advancing access to care across the state.

Special Exemplary Project Award (x2 )

This award honors a notable project by a member organization that has demonstrated excellence through:
1) advocacy; 2) innovative programs/services/systems that have increased access, improved health care services to the community, or decreased disparities; or 3) collaborative efforts to reach high-risk populations in the community.
• The project must have been in effect for a minimum of one year.

Special Exemplary Dental Project 2025

Inclusive Dentistry, Neighborhood Health

The program, which began following staff training with the NYU School of Inclusive Dentistry, has now grown into a system-wide commitment and introduced a suite of strategies designed to make dental visits safer, more welcoming, and more effective. This includes the development of a “dental comfort menu” (offering patients choices such as dimmable lights, weighted blankets, and calming sensory tools), the use of trauma-informed approaches, and additional training for all dental staff. Patients who once avoided or feared dental visits are now returning consistently, with care plans tailored to their needs.

Angie Zaegel, Neighborhood Health CEO, and Michelle Hamlin, Sr Director of Dental Operations, with Karla Marin, IPHCA Oral Health Program Director and CEO Ben Harvey

Special Exemplary Operations Project 2025

Patient Service Center, led by Martha Campos, IHC

To address a critical gap in patient access, longtime IHC nurse and current Director of Patient Services, Martha Campos, launched the Patient Service Center. The outcomes from the PSC are remarkable and directly aligned with improving the patient experience, reducing preventable emergency room visits, and expanding access to Integrated Primary Care. On average, 87% of inbound calls are answered live. The PSC manages approximately 23,000 inbound calls per month—nearly 275,000 annually—and schedules roughly 22,000 appointments each month, with many being offered same-day to prevent unnecessary ED utilization. This translates to more than 166,000 appointments scheduled annually, ensuring patients are connected quickly to the right care at the right time.

Martha Campos of IHC accepting the award from IPHCA CEO Ben Harvey

Special Exemplary Medical Project 2025

Family Planning Counseling for Women of Reproductive Age, The Jane Pauley CHC

In partnership with Upstream USA, the program is dedicated to training staff and tracking data related to family planning counseling. This effort reaches across the organization, from a project champion to the EHR team. They have developed a unique quality improvement and training plan. To date they have trained 160 staff members, including 7 providers on Nexplanon insertion and removal, and two providers on IUD insertion and removal. This education has helped expand access to family planning services, such as LARCs, to new locations, thereby reaching new patients.

Champions - Special Exemplary award Marc Hackett, CEO of Jane Pauley

Marc Hackett, CEO of Jane Pauley, accepting the award from IPHCA CEO Ben Harvey

The Debra Meers Grassroots Advocacy Award

This award is given in honor of Debra Meers. Debbie was the office manager and Director of Membership at IPHCA until she passed away in 2005 from a long-term illness. Debbie is fondly remembered for her bright smile and her passion for grassroots advocacy.

The award honors a health center consumer, Board member, or a staff person of an IPHCA member organization who has been a strong voice for community health centers with the state and national legislature and within the local community.

Debra Meers Grassroots Advocacy Award 2025

Thomas R. Ruge, JD, Director, Lewis & Kappas

Tom’s extensive experience in immigration law includes assisting health centers in hiring foreign employees. Additionally, he has served as the Chief Legal Counsel for IPHCA as well as several of our community health centers. His representation has involved a wide range of matters, including corporate and tax compliance with state and federal healthcare regulations, licensing and credentialing, real estate, employment, HIPAA and Red Flag compliance, and advising on health center operations, among others. Thank you, Tom, for your dedication and commitment to the health centers and their patients for so many years.

Philip L. Morphew, Health Center Dedication
This award recognizes an individual who has championed the advancement of community health centers’ mission to deliver high quality, culturally competent, comprehensive primary care services regardless of patients’ ability to pay. They have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to supporting the growth of the community health center program through education, partnership, or service.
• Recipients may include employees, community partners, consultants, contractors, or an individual demonstrating long term support of community health centers.

Philip L. Morphew Dedication Award 2025

Terry (TJ) Warren, CEO, Valley Professional CHC

At Valley, TJ has been a driving force behind efforts to remove barriers and bring care closer to those who need it most. From opening new health center sites and expanding mobile health units to helping launch school-based clinics, his leadership has ensured that patients can more easily access timely, high-quality care. TJ’s commitment to access goes far beyond strategy. He builds trust, listens to the needs of patients and staff, and collaborates to create patient-centered, practical solutions. His work has not only expanded access but has also strengthened Valley Professionals’ mission to provide comprehensive, integrated healthcare to all individuals by aligning operational improvements with a deep commitment to quality, compassion, and service.

Also recognised at our Champions of Health care lunch

Navigator of the Year

Since 2013, Navigators have helped Americans understand their health insurance options and facilitated their enrollment in health insurance coverage. This award recognizes Indiana’s Navigators who exemplify the best skills in patient-centered healthcare navigation.

Navigator of the Year 2025 - Krista French, NorthShore Health

“We’re proud to nominate Krista French for the Navigator of the Year Award! Krista has been a vital part of NorthShore Health Centers, and her impact is felt every day by our patients, community partners, and colleagues. With over a decade of experience, Krista is known for providing clear, compassionate guidance to patients—ensuring they leave feeling confident and supported.”
Read more of the citations in our June IPHCA Monthly here.