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on 9/16/2021
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St. Anthony Regional Hospital congratulates Lisa Kouri, Director of Materials Management and Housekeeping, for being named a 2021 Iowa Hospital Hero by the Iowa Hospital Association (IHA). Lisa, began her career at St. Anthony in 1987 as a Certified Nurse Assistant. Over the years, she worked as a messenger, surgical, and pharmacy technician as well as supply purchasing agent. This experience provided her with the unique skillset to recognize the various departmental needs of the hospital, and in 2002, was promoted to her current position.
Since 2007, IHA’s Hospital Heroes program has celebrated employees who have acted courageously in a moment’s crisis or who have selflessly served their hospitals and communities throughout their careers. Last year, IHA recognized all hospital employees for their heroic efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and in response to the derecho windstorm in August 2020. On October 6th, IHA will recognize ten hospital employees from across the state at their annual meeting. These awardees exemplify the passion and purpose of the community hospital mission every day.
“I am so honored and surprised to receive this award! There are so many others who are deserving and I’m glad to be among them,” said Lisa. “We have such a great team at St. Anthony.”
The Iowa Hospital Heroes award is presented to those who have performed a heroic deed or tirelessly given of their time, talent, and expertise to improve their organization and the world around them. These leaders exemplify honesty, integrity, humility, courage, and commitment.
During Lisa’s tenure as Director of Materials Management, St. Anthony underwent the major remodel of the Community Health Center and Café St. Anthony, as well as extensive construction projects of the Surgery Center, Garden View Assisted Living, and most recently, St. Anthony Regional Cancer Center, all of which, Lisa played a major leadership role.
Lisa’s nomination stated in part:
“When COVID hit, it was Lisa that people turned to for leadership. She made sure we procured PPE and other necessary supplies with creativity. She would never accept no for an answer. She set up agreements with other organizations, governmental agencies, and vendors. She did all this while overseeing the construction of a new $17.5 million regional cancer center. She coordinated with contractors in a time of great uncertainty and ended the cancer center project on time and under budget. Her fingerprints are all over the design and construction of an amazing building that brings hope to our community.”
“When I think of who is the most irreplaceable person at our hospital, Lisa comes to mind. It’s impossible to recognize all that she does for our organization,” said John Munson, Chief Financial Officer. “She runs our materials management and housekeeping departments, but that simply identifies her official roles. Lisa Kouri means so much more to St. Anthony than what her job description states. We deeply appreciate her commitment.”
Lisa is the daughter of Lyle and Lorraine Vonnahme, grew up in Arcadia and graduated from Kuemper High School and received a BA in Industrial Technology Management from University of Northern Iowa. She has two children, three step-children and nine grandchildren. Lisa and her husband, Tom enjoy their off-the-grid home in Idaho, horseback riding, traveling, and their Labrador and two wirehaired Pointing Griffon dogs.
Iowa Hospital Hero Award presentation in its entirety. (Lisa's presentation begins at the 9:19 mark)
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