This award is presented to an individual deserving of recognition for their efforts in rural health in Michigan. An individual, by nomination by their peers, has carried out exemplary work in promoting health in rural areas, shown excellent leadership in the improvement of health care services to the rural areas of Michigan, and has made worthy contributions to the improvement of health for the people in rural Michigan.

Nominations for the 2026 Rural Health Professional of the Year will open in January.

Though many are worthy, MCRH will announce the winner at our Michigan Rural Health Conference on April 24th, 2026, at Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort.

2025 Rural Health Professional of the Year Winner

On April 24, 2025, Kari Granz, Program and Communication Specialist for the Thumb Community Health Partnership (TCHP), was honored with the 2025 Rural Health Professional of the Year Award at the 28th Annual Michigan Rural Health Conference.

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Previous Award Winners:

2024 - Laura Glenn, COO, of Munson Healthcare
2023 - Mariah Hesse, CNO, of Sparrow Clinton Hospital
2022 - Emily Bergquist, MDHHS Bureau of EMS, Trauma and Preparedness & Sam Watson, Michigan Health & Hospital Association & Julie Novak, Michigan State Medical Society & Philip Bergquist, Michigan Primary Care Association & Keisha Sexton, Michigan Rural Health Clinic Network & Kris Nicholoff, Michigan Osteopathic Association & Norm Hess, Michigan Association of Local Public Health
2021 - No Award
2020 - Duke Anderson, President, CEO, Hillsdale Community Health Center
Full List of Winners

Questions? Contact:
Michigan Center for Rural Health
Administrative Assistant
517.355.7979
com.mcrhaa@msu.edu

29th Annual Michigan Rural Health Conference

Navigating the Next Era of Rural Health

Additional Information 29th Annual MI Rural Health Conference