Kevin Neef, facilities management supervisor at Mercy Cedar Rapids, has received one of the Iowa Hospital Association’s Hospital Hero awards for demonstrating exceptional commitment to care and service. Mr. Neef was one of only 10 employees of Iowa hospitals to receive the 2023 recognition.
Since 2007, the Hospital Heroes program has celebrated employees who have acted courageously in a moment’s crisis or who have selflessly served their hospitals and communities throughout their careers. Hospital Heroes are nominated by their peers – more than 30 nominations were submitted this year – and award recipients are selected by other state hospital associations. Hospital Heroes are recognized during the Iowa Hospital Association’s annual meeting in October.
A Mercy employee for 23 years, Mr. Neef oversees, organizes, and completes repairs and improvements for the hospital. Because of his expertise and experience, his colleagues look to him for guidance, describing him as a compassionate and trustworthy leader.
“Kevin is exceptional in his job because he cares so much about Mercy and always shows up in times of crisis,” said Tony Delaney, facilities director at Mercy, in a release. “He is a quality leader and mentor to many and is valued as reliable and trustworthy. He strives for excellence in all he does.”
Mr. Delaney added that when the derecho hit Cedar Rapids in August 2020, Mr. Neef lost the roof of his house, but he still came to work early each morning and stayed until all hospital matters were addressed.
The Iowa Hospital Association is a voluntary membership organization representing hospital and health system interests to business, government and consumer audiences. There are 117 association members from community hospitals throughout the state.
