IHA honors 3 Kootenai Health leaders

BOISE — The Idaho Hospital Association announced the recipients of three notable awards, all of whom hail from Kootenai Health System. 

The IHA is recognizing Katie Brodie as the Trustee of the Year, John Edgar with the Leader of Volunteer Excellence Award and Hazel Howard as the Junior Volunteer of the Year.

"These individuals have demonstrated exceptional commitment, leadership, and service, making significant contributions to both Kootenai Health and the broader North Idaho community," a press release said.

Brian Whitlock, president and CEO of the Idaho Hospital Association, expressed his appreciation for the awardees.

“It is a rare and extraordinary honor to have three individuals from a single health care system be recognized for their outstanding contributions," he said. 

Trustee of the Year: Katie Brodie

For over a decade, Brodie has been a pivotal figure on the board of Kootenai Health, serving as board chair for the past three years. Her leadership, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been marked by decisive action and a commitment to patient and staff safety, the release said. 

Under her guidance, Kootenai Health successfully transitioned from a district hospital to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, a move that has secured the hospital’s future growth and sustainability.

“Katie’s dedication to fostering a culture of excellence and compassion at Kootenai Health is truly remarkable,” said Brian Whitlock. “Her contributions have had a profound and lasting impact on the health care community in Idaho.”

Leader of Volunteer Excellence Award: John Edgar

Edgar, a volunteer at Kootenai Health for over 20 years, has been awarded the Leader of Volunteer Excellence Award for his decades of selfless service. 

"John is particularly recognized for his role as a Mended Hearts volunteer, where he has provided invaluable support to heart patients undergoing surgery," the release said. "His efforts led to the establishment of the first Mended Hearts Chapter in Idaho at Kootenai Health, which has since helped thousands of patients and their families."

Junior Volunteer of the Year: Hazel Howard

Howard's dedication to Kootenai Health is evident in her exemplary service record, despite only recently joining the hospital’s volunteer program. In just over a year, Howard has logged 188 hours, primarily in the hospital’s gift shop, where her efforts have helped generate funding for critical hospital programs and equipment like Neonatal Intensive Care Unit ventilators and lactation pods. 

Her enthusiasm, professionalism and ability to inspire others have made her a standout among her peers, according to the release.

“Hazel’s commitment to volunteerism at such a young age is truly inspiring,” Whitlock said. “Her contributions have already had a meaningful impact, and her future in both health care and community service is incredibly bright.”