Bronson Healthcare President and CEO Bill Manns Receives 2026 MHA Healthcare Leadership Award
Statewide honor recognizes Manns’ leadership, innovation and commitment to improving health across Southwest Michigan
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Bronson Healthcare President and CEO Bill Manns received the 2026 Healthcare Leadership Award from the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) on June 25 during the association’s Annual Membership Meeting.
The award recognizes outstanding individuals who have provided remarkable leadership to healthcare organizations and to the health and well-being of the communities they serve. Manns was honored for guiding Bronson through a period of significant disruption while strengthening the health system’s long-term sustainability, expanding access to care and advancing innovation across Southwest Michigan.
Manns joined Bronson Healthcare in 2020 and has led the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, workforce challenges, rising patient demand and ongoing financial pressures affecting hospitals and health systems nationwide. Under his leadership, Bronson has expanded ambulatory access, strengthened key service lines and invested in digital tools that reduce administrative burden, improve efficiency and allow care teams to spend more time with patients.
He has also advanced collaboration between administration and medical staff through expanded shared governance and greater physician involvement in strategic and operational decision-making. Beyond the walls of the health system, Manns has championed partnerships that address socioeconomic issues such as food insecurity, mental health, maternal and infant health outcomes, and other barriers to care.
Manns also served as chair of the MHA Board of Trustees for the 2025–26 program year, providing leadership and strategic direction for hospitals and health systems across the state. As part of the award, the MHA will donate $1,000 to a charity of Manns’ choice. Manns selected the Fatherhood Network in Kalamazoo, an organization that supports fathers, families and children through mentorship, education and community connection.
