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Adair County Health System is proud to announce that our CEO, Catherine Hillestad, has been awarded the prestigious IHA Young Executive Award. This award recognizes and appreciates the exceptional contributions of a hospital Chief Executive Officer (CEO) under 40 whose innovative leadership has significantly affected their hospital or health system.
Established as a memorial to James Seaman II, a former IHA vice president, the Young Executive Achievement Award is presented each year to a young chief executive of an Iowa hospital or health system whose achievements are noteworthy. This award celebrates emerging leaders in healthcare who demonstrate exceptional vision, innovation, and dedication.
Catherine has exemplified these qualities since assuming the role of CEO in 2021. Under her leadership, ACHS has implemented numerous initiatives aimed at improving patient care, enhancing staff engagement, and fostering a culture of collaboration. Since starting at ACHS, she has successfully recruited a variety of providers, including specialists who bring essential services to our rural community. Additionally, she has taken charge of overseeing essential upgrades in our facility, optimizing our space, and ensuring smooth operations.
Hillestad received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Luther College in 2014. She continued her education and earned her master’s in healthcare administration from the University of Iowa in 2017. Before her career as the CEO of ACHS, Hillestad started her career at the Iowa Clinic as a practice administrator over primary care and urgent care.
“I love working at ACHS because everyone has the same goal of providing excellent patient care, close to home for those we serve. The people who work here make it the best place to work. We truly have the best employees, providers, and staff at ACHS, and I love being a part of that!” said Hillestad.
In the face of the EF4 tornado that passed through Greenfield in May 2024, Hillestad displayed remarkable leadership and resilience, guiding us through the storm’s devastation with unwavering determination. Hillestad and her team of executives, prioritized our staff’s safety and well-being, coordinating emergency responses and ensuring clear communication. In the aftermath, their vision and compassion fostered a strong sense of community, helping us rebuild not just our facilities but also our spirits. Under her guidance, we have grown stronger, united by the shared experience and inspired to move forward together.
“We are a small health system compared to others, but I consider it one of the best. This is more than a job, it is family, it is home. Catherine has shown genuine care for our rural hospital and a bigger love for our community. For these reasons, I am proud to nominate her for the Young Executive Achievement Award,” exclaimed Dr. Tim Piearson, DO, ACHS Medical Director.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition,” Hillestad said. “The last few months have been some of the hardest our community has had to endure. I could not be prouder to be a leader at this hospital. This award is not just a reflection of our efforts, but a testament to the incredible team we have at Adair County Health System. Together, we have made significant strides in delivering quality healthcare to our community, and I look forward to continuing this important work.”
As ACHS continues to grow and adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape, Hillestad remains committed to driving positive change and ensuring that quality care is accessible to all.