(L-R) Jim Lindenmayer, Ph.D., President, IHCC and Daren Relph, CEO, WCH
Daren Relph, chief executive officer of Wayne County Hospital and Clinic System, was recognized as the Outstanding Alumnus. In the early 90’s, he worked as an EMT and housekeeper for Wayne County Hospital and began taking arts and sciences courses and continuing education credit for paramedic certification at Indian Hills. From 1996 to 2000, he worked for investment firms then returned to the health care field becoming a staff paramedic. In 2005, as the associate administrator of Wayne County Hospital he provided senior-level leadership and strategic vision to the 25-bed critical access hospital and was involved in all facets of a $7.3 million hospital renovation project. In 2010, he was named the hospital’s CEO. During his tenure, the organization has grown to include the county-wide clinic system, has expanded from 169 to 251 employees and has increased from $25 million to $40 million in projected revenues for 2013-14.
“This is quite an honor and I am truly humbled. It goes to show that even if pursuing your education takes a while it is worth it. IHCC provided me with the foundation to get where I am today and I am sincerely grateful,” commented Daren Relph, WCH CEO.
Other recipients included: Ron Oswalt as this year’s Outstanding Retiree; Bob Perkins was chosen as the recipient of the Outstanding Lay Citizen award; Roxanne Denner, aviation programs secretary, and Shelle Harvey, secretary to the vice president of academic affairs, were presented with the Outstanding Service Awards given annually to current Indian Hills employees. Since 1979, 164 people have received these special awards at Indian Hills.