The Wisconsin Health Information Management Association (WHIMA) is proud to announce that Susan Summerfield, MePD, RHIA, has been named the recipient of the 2026 WHIMA Distinguished Service Award. The award was presented during the 2026 WHIMA Annual Conference on May 12, 2026, at the Glacier Canyon Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.
The WHIMA Distinguished Service Award recognizes WHIMA members and non-members who have made significant, commendable, and long-standing contributions through service to the Association. Recipients exemplify excellence, innovation, and leadership while advancing WHIMA’s mission, vision, values, strategic priorities, and the health information profession through dedicated volunteer service.
Susan is exceptionally deserving of this recognition. With more than 40 years of service to the health information management profession and nearly three decades of volunteer leadership with WHIMA, she has made a lasting impact on the Association and its members. Since becoming actively involved with WHIMA in 1998, Susan has served in numerous leadership roles, including WHIMA President (2012), Board Member (2008–2014), and Annual Conference and VIP Team Co-Lead for many years. Her collaborative leadership, innovative thinking, and unwavering commitment have strengthened WHIMA while inspiring countless volunteers and future leaders.
As an educator and mentor, Susan has also influenced generations of health information professionals. She has encouraged students to become involved in WHIMA, demonstrated the value of volunteer service, and created opportunities for students to engage in the Annual Conference and experience the profession beyond the classroom. Her mentorship has helped cultivate future leaders and strengthen the health information community throughout Wisconsin.
Susan’s many years of faithful service embody the qualities the Distinguished Service Award was created to recognize. Her dedication, professionalism, integrity, and leadership have left a lasting legacy within WHIMA and the health information profession.
Please join WHIMA in congratulating Susan Summerfield on this well-deserved honor and thanking her for her extraordinary contributions to the Association and the health information profession.
Congratulations may be sent to summerfields@westerntc.edu.