Tracy Kregel, Community Care Coordinator at the Family Resource Center has received one of the Iowa Hospital Association’s Hospital Heroes awards for demonstrating exceptional commitment to care and service. Tracy was one of 11 employees of Iowa hospitals to receive the 2025 recognition.
The Iowa Hospital Association’s Hospital Heroes Awards celebrate employees who have acted courageously in a crisis or have selflessly served their hospitals and communities throughout their careers. The awards were presented at the association’s annual meeting Oct. 7-8 in Des Moines.
Tracy Kregel was nominated for the prestigious Iowa Hospital Hero Award for her extraordinary leadership and compassion at the Family Resource Center. Guided by the belief that everyone deserves support, dignity, and hope, Tracy has transformed services for families across Clayton County and beyond since joining the center in 2019.
What sets Tracy apart is her ability to dream boldly and act decisively. In 2022, she led the successful application for a $2.7 million state grant to build a new Community Resource Center—home of the Family Resource Center, turning a pandemic-era idea into a modern facility that doubled space and expanded capacity.
Tracy’s leadership goes far beyond grant writing. She built systems to track client needs, streamlined processes, and fostered partnerships with agencies and volunteers. Most importantly, she ensures that no client leaves with “just a phone number.” Every person is supported from beginning to end, with successes shared and celebrated. Colleagues and volunteers alike describe Tracy as a visionary, a problem-solver and an asset to her community. Through her dedication, collaboration and heart, Tracy has changed countless lives, and in doing so, she has embodied the very spirit of an Iowa Hospital Hero.
“Tracy’s leadership is rooted in compassion and vision,” reflected Tim Ahlers, CEO of Guttenberg Municipal Hospital & Clinics. “She sees what’s possible for our community and has the determination to make it happen.”
The Iowa Hospital Association is a voluntary membership organization representing hospital and health system interests to business, government and consumer audiences.