Administrators Honored with James Decker Munson Award

Two retiring Munson administrators have received special recognition for their years of commitment and achievement.

The James Decker Munson Award was presented to former Munson Healthcare President and CEO John M. Rockwood, and former Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation President Jay Zrimec. Rockwood retired on Dec. 31 and Zrimec retired on Jan. 10.

John Rockwood

Rockwood was honored for his “achievements in leadership for the betterment of the hospital and the community, setting a high standard of quality patient care, dedication, and commitment for all to follow.” He began his 22-year Munson career as Munson Medical Center’s chief financial officer in 1983 and served as Munson Healthcare President and CEO for the past 12 years.

Jay Zrimec

Zrimec was honored for his “achievements and leadership in fund development.” He joined Munson in 1984 and was instrumental in developing marketing and communication concepts within the organization in addition to his efforts in five major fund-raising campaigns that raised more than $25 million.

The James Decker Munson Award recognizes and honors the career achievements of those who have worked to create the environment, develop the plans, raise the funding,

foster the spirit, and lead the way for an organization successful in realizing its goals of excellence.

The award is named after James Decker Munson, MD, who combined the talents of a caring physician, administrator, environmental visionary, and politician.

When Traverse City’s only community hospital burned to the ground in 1915, Dr. Munson gave local doctors a cottage at the corner of 11th and Elmwood to use as a 22-bed hospital. Ten years later, in 1925, the 55-bed James Decker Munson Hospital was opened on the current medical center site.