Manatee Chamber to Honor Healthcare Heroes at 11th Annual Champions of Healthcare Awards
The Manatee Chamber of Commerce will host the 11th Annual Champions of Healthcare Awards on Thursday, June 12, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at GROVE in Lakewood Ranch. The event will celebrate the dedication, innovation, and service of individuals and organizations contributing to the health and well-being of the community.
This year, nearly 70 nominations were submitted for outstanding healthcare professionals, businesses, and programs. The awards will recognize excellence across nine categories, with the winners of seven categories announced live during the event.
Two honorees have already been revealed. Daniel Friedrich will receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring a career of impact and commitment. Quynh Tran, a student at Braden River High School, has been named the Youth Volunteer Award winner for exemplary service and leadership.
Finalists in other categories include:
Adult Volunteer:
Jeffrey Gelber, MD (Turning Points), Carol Lynch (HCA Florida Blake Hospital), and Lin Oakerson (Empath Health / Tidewell Hospice).
Allied Health Professional:
Liz Brown (Manatee Memorial Hospital), Megan Hawkins (HCA Florida Blake Hospital), and Shirley Parrado (LECOM).
Individual of Merit:
Claudia Glover (Step Up Suncoast, Inc.), Trudy Moon (Air & Energy), and Melvin Price, DPM (MCR Health).
Innovation/Research:
CAN Community Health, the Heart & Cardiovascular Center at Manatee Memorial Hospital, and Darlene Lobel, MD (NeuroSpinal Associates).
Institution/Program:
Academy at Bradenton, the C.A.T.C.H. Program from Step Up Suncoast, and We Care Manatee.
Nurse:
Diane Aubrey, APRN (Manatee Memorial Hospital), Neshia McClendon, DNP (CAN Community Health), and Melissa Tunc, DNP (HCA Florida Blake Hospital).
Physician/Dentist:
Christopher Cooper, DO (Lakewood Ranch Medical Center), Fabian Ramos, MD (Ramos Center), and Stellios Rekkas, MD (Manatee Physician Alliance).
Attendees will enjoy networking opportunities, inspiring stories, and a celebration of those who make a difference in healthcare. Tickets, tables, and sponsorships are available through the Manatee Chamber website.
