HCAM awards 2009 Heart of Minnesota Award to Ben Koppelman

Oct. 28, 2009

Ben Koppelman, president and chief executive officer of St. Joseph's Area Health Services in Park Rapids received the 2009 Heart of Minnesota Administrator Award during the auxiliary annual meeting on Oct. 27.

The award was established in 1993 to honor a facility administrator who demonstrates a "cooperative, supportive, enthusiastic and well-defined relationship with the auxiliary/volunteer group."

Nomination paperwork cites his accomplishments, work ethic and ability to work closely with employees and volunteers. He attends monthly auxiliary board meeting and special gatherings and provides meaningful up-to-date information about the hospital and about state and national health care information.

Koppelman's friendly, welcoming, positive, and approachable demeanor was also noted. He demonstrates strong relationships within communities in the area, lobbies for healthcare and is well versed in the state's political arena.

A 1995 graduate of Concordia College, Koppelman began his administrative career working for 11 years at Albany Area Hospital and Medical Center. He has served as president/CEO at St. Joseph's since 2007. He currently serves on Minnesota Hospital Association (MHA) Board of Directors.

Koppelman was recently named to Modern Healthcare's prestigious list of 2009 "Up and Comers in U.S. Health Care" a recognition reserved for administrators under 40 who are considered to be "rising young stars in the health care management field."

Striving for excellence in his work, the St. Joseph's Auxiliary President, Joyce Cowman, says, "He inspires us to be the best we can be." The group nominated this administrator with "much pride" and appreciates his wholehearted support of the work they do in helping to carry out the healing ministry of St. Joseph's.

Ben Koppelman