IHA Recognizes Outstanding Individuals in Healthcare During Annual Meeting

The Indiana Hospital Association (IHA) honored several individuals for excellence in healthcare during its 105^th Annual Meeting, a celebration of the dedication of Indiana’s hospitals to Hoosier patients.

“Each of these honorees has made a meaningful difference for Hoosiers and for the communities they serve," said IHA President Scott B. Tittle. “And through the Ken and Cindy Stella Scholarship, we’re also investing in the next generation of healthcare leaders. It’s an honor to recognize their contributions and celebrate the people who make Indiana’s healthcare system stronger every day.”

The John C. Render Award for Health Policy was created in 2011 and is presented to individuals who have had a significant influence on healthcare policy affecting Indiana hospitals. The award was named after John Render, one of Indiana’s most highly respected healthcare attorneys, for his steadfast leadership, courage, and perseverance advocating for health policy that impacted Hoosiers in every corner of our state.  

This year's recipient was Rep. Brad Barrett, MD, (R-Richmond) a retired general surgeon from Richmond, Ind. who has served in the Indiana House of Representatives since 2018 and chairs the House Public Health Committee.  

“As a retired general surgeon, Dr. Barrett brought a unique, patient-first perspective to the general assembly,” said Tittle. “His professional background and expertise in the healthcare industry garnered immediate respect from his peers on very complex issues.”

Tittle remarked how Dr. Barrett’s tenure in the legislature led to or contributed to the passage of landmark legislation, including prior authorization reforms and good faith estimates that have improved access and transparency for patients.

Past honorees of the John C. Render Award for Health Policy include retired Community Health Network President and CEO Bryan Mills (2025), former Gov. Mike Pence (2015) and Dr. Kris Box, former State Health Commissioner (2020).

Other award recipients announced during IHA’s Annual Meeting included the following:

Michael Schroyer, president of Baptist Health Floyd in New Albany, received the Distinguished Service Award, IHA’s highest honor for a hospital executive. The award recognizes the outstanding contributions of an executive officer to their organization, patients, community, and healthcare profession.

Chris Ryan, director of Women’s and Children’s Center of Excellence, Deaconess Health System, and the former CEO of The Women’s Hospital in Newburgh, received the Award of Merit, which recognizes outstanding personal achievement in support of the humanitarian and management goals of Indiana healthcare institutions.

Caitlin Burns was this year’s recipient of the Ken and Cindy Stella Scholarship Fund in Health Administration, which offers financial support for students in the graduate program in health administration at Indiana University.

In addition, IHA recognized the following healthcare professionals whose awards were announced earlier this year:

The Douglas J. Leonard Indiana Caregiver of the Year Award recognizes an individual in the health care industry whose performance in the delivery of care is considered exemplary by patients and peers. This year, IHA honored two recipients: Brooke Randol, a clinical nurse specialist who specializes in wound care at Parkview Noble Hospital, and Anthony “Tony” Pope, retired Chief of Police for Columbus Regional Health.

Sharon Kramer, executive assistant at Hancock Health, was this year’s recipient of the Administrative Professional Excellence Award, which honors excellence in administrative professional service. The award honors the legacy of Mikell Rose Brown, who set high standards of service to Hoosier hospitals during her 25 years as an IHA administrative assistant.  

To view photos of the recipients and detail of each award, please visit our Awards page.