RMC CEO Danette Kramer Honored with IHA Excellence in Leadership Award

RMC CEO Danette Kramer Honored with IHA Excellence in Leadership Award

October 20, 2026 in News, Regional Medical Center

Danette Kramer, Chief Executive Officer of Regional Medical Center (RMC) in Manchester, has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2026 Excellence in Leadership Award by the Iowa Hospital Association (IHA). Presented at the IHA Annual Conference in Des Moines, the award honors an Iowa healthcare executive who demonstrates exceptional leadership, operational excellence and dedication to community health.

Kramer’s leadership extends far beyond RMC, leaving a lasting mark on healthcare policy across Iowa. Over her 30-year tenure at RMC–rising from Cost Accountant to Chief Financial Officer and ultimately CEO–she has guided the hospital through transformative growth while serving as an IHA Trustee advocating for rural healthcare, state committees, industry boards and local Manchester civic organizations. 

“Danette’s vision, financial expertise and heart for our staff have positioned RMC for decades of success,” said Cathy Lilenthal, Chairperson of RMC Governing Board of Trustees. “This recognition is a fitting tribute to an extraordinary career spent strengthening rural healthcare.” 

“Receiving this award is an honor that belongs to our entire team,” shared Kramer. “Every milestone over the last 30 years was made possible by our dedicated staff, providers and trustees. Serving RMC and our community has been the privilege of my career.” 

The statewide recognition arrives as Kramer prepares to retire this December after three decades of service, capping a distinguished career that has helped shape the future of both RMC and our community. 

Pictured: Robin Schluter (IHA Board Chair and CEO of Regional Health Services of Howard County) Danette Kramer (RMC CEO and Recipient of 2026 IHA Excellence in Leadership Award), Chris Mitchell (IHA President and CEO)