Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics Announces First-Ever Sunshine Award Honoree
Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics (GMHC) is proud to recognize Lana Troester, Patient Accounts Coordinator, Financial Counselor, and Pre-Authorization Specialist, as the recipient of the inaugural 2026 Sunshine Award, honoring a non-clinical professional for outstanding commitment to excellence, positive attitude, kindness and encouragement they bring to others each day.
The Sunshine Award was established to recognize the behind-the-scenes team members whose exceptional service, teamwork and dedication make a meaningful difference every day. Patients, visitors and employees were invited to nominate a non-clinical team member whose kindness and commitment exemplify the spirit of GMHC.
“Lana exemplifies everything the Sunshine Award represents,” said GMHC CEO Tim Ahlers. “Her compassion, willingness to help others, and commitment to making every patient and coworker feel valued truly set her apart. We are grateful to have her on our team.”
Lana received multiple nominations recognizing her exceptional service and unwavering commitment to both patients and coworkers.
Kari Harbaugh, Family Resource Center Coordinator, shared these words in her nomination of Lana:
“Lana consistently embodies a positive attitude, takes initiative even when tasks fall outside her formal responsibilities, and demonstrates genuine kindness and compassion in all that she does. She goes out of her way to support patients facing challenges beyond their immediate care, ensuring they are connected to the help they need. GMHC is incredibly fortunate to have Lana on staff. She makes our organization a better place to work and strengthens the community we serve.”
2026 Sunshine Award Nominees
GMHC also recognizes this year’s nominees whose daily efforts help make our organization a welcoming and caring place for all.
- Tricia Hoffmann, Rehab Medical Secretary
- Jane Parker, Plant Operations Coordinator
- Laura Kolbet, Patient Access Specialist
- Nancy Witham, Dietary Cook
- Randy Hoeger, Plant Operations Technician
- Samantha Clefisch, Health Information Specialist – Coder
- Whitney Klein, Environmental Services Coordinator
- Amy Speed, Marketing & Development Director
Each nominee was honored during the Sunshine Award ceremony and received a nomination certificate, a sunflower pin, and copies of their nomination letters.
GMHC extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who took the time to complete a nomination. Your thoughtful words help recognize the incredible work happening every day across our organization.
At Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics, we believe every team member plays an important role in providing exceptional care and service. To celebrate the unique contributions of our employees, GMHC offers three recognition programs:
- The DAISY Award honors nurses who provide extraordinary, compassionate care to patients and families.
- The Rose Award recognizes non-nursing clinical professionals whose expertise, dedication and compassionate care make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients.
- The Sunshine Award celebrates non-clinical employees whose exceptional service, teamwork and positive attitude help create a welcoming, supportive experience for patients and fellow employees.
Together, these awards ensure that every member of the GMHC team has the opportunity to be recognized for making a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.
Nominations for all three recognition programs can be submitted online at https://www.guttenberghospital.org/patients-visitors/daisy-nomination/ or paper forms can be picked up at GMHC.