The Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) honored Memorial Hospital CEO Ada Bair with its first-ever “Pat Schou Legacy of Leadership Award” at its Annual Conference held November 14 at the I-Hotel and Conference Center, Champaign.
Named for former ICAHN CEO Pat Schou, the award recognizes an individual who demonstrates extraordinary contributions to an ICAHN member hospital and a global contribution to rural health.
Bair is known for her unwavering dedication to patients, staff, and rural healthcare. As a trailblazer, she tirelessly advocates for patient-centered care. Her infectious energy and visionary leadership have galvanized her team, fostering a culture of unity, collaboration, and service excellence. Under Bair’s guidance, Memorial Hospital has improved patient outcomes and has been nominated for awards nationwide.
Bair strives to be curious before critical and always sees things with her glass half-full. Her advocacy for rural healthcare is another cornerstone of her leadership. She has cultivated strong relationships with legislators at both local and national levels, passionately lobbying for the needs of rural health.
Her collaboration with the Illinois Health and Hospital Association ensures that local voices are heard in broader conversations about healthcare policy. Her strategic foresight led Memorial Hospital to join ICAHN and IRRCO early on, where she has remained an active participant and board member.
In 2023, Memorial Hospital was selected as an NRHA Outstanding Rural Health Organization, a testament to Ada’s vision and leadership. Bair’s initiatives have extended beyond traditional healthcare services. Bair’s transformative leadership has reshaped Memorial Hospital into a vital healthcare resource for the community. Her legacy is marked by a transformative impact on healthcare delivery, community engagement, and employee morale.
ABOUT ICAHN – Located in Princeton, IL, ICAHN is a network of 60 small, rural hospitals dedicated to strengthening the operations of its member hospitals through collaboration. The organization is composed of Illinois hospitals that have earned critical access hospital designation by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and is recognized nationally for its work with rural healthcare. Learn more at ICAHN.ORG
Pictured: Memorial Hospital CEO Ada Bair (left) accepting the first-ever Pat Schou Legacy of Leadership Award from ICAHN Executive Director Tracy Warner (right) at the Annual ICAHN conference on November 14, 2024.
