Parking: We recommend the Iowa Memorial Union Ramp which is just across the street from the east side of the Iowa Memorial Union

Keynote Speaker

Michelle Niermannn, MA ’94

Michelle Niermann is a healthcare leader with extensive experience in healthcare system operations, strategic planning and organizational development.  Michelle recently concluded her 30-year tenure at UnityPoint Health, having last served as Chief Operating Officer for UnityPoint Health with a focus on hospital operations across the system’s eight geographic markets.   Prior to joining the system senior team, Michelle served as President & Chief Executive Officer for UnityPoint Health – Cedar Rapids from 2019-2023, where she earlier served as Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer with responsibility for all major clinical, professional and support services.  From 2013-2016, Michelle held a dual appointment as Vice President – Clinic Operations for UnityPoint Clinic Cedar Rapids, which is comprised of over 200 primary care, specialty care and hospital-based physicians and advanced practitioners. 

Michelle’s professional career began at UnityPoint Health when she joined St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids as an Administrative Fellow in 1994.  She has held both staff and operations positions through the years, always with a close focus on the organization’s mission and the engagement of team members. 

Some of Michelle’s key accomplishments include focusing the organization on strong performance across its strategic framework, strengthening and growing multiple service lines and, with the entire St. Luke’s team, achieving the status of a Top 100 Hospital in the nation eight times.  Supporting leaders and team members in achieving their highest potential in service to patients and community is where Michelle has found the greatest joy in her work. 

Michelle holds a BA from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois and an MA in hospital and healthcare administration from the University of Iowa.  She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).  Michelle was named the Corridor Business Journal’s Most Influential Leader in 2021.

Michelle has served as a board member for several community organizations and is the immediate past chair of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation.  She is also a past president of both ACHE of Iowa and the University of Iowa Health Management and Policy Department Alumni Board and has had the privilege of mentoring many rising healthcare administrators.