In an announcement earlier this month, the American Hospital Association recognized Eric Lewis (at left), Olympic Medical Center chief executive officer, with the Grassroots Champion Award for the state of Washington.

The honor is bestowed upon leaders who effectively deliver the hospital message to elected officials, broaden the base of community support for hospitals and advocate tirelessly on behalf of patients, hospitals and communities, according to Richard Pollack, president and executive officer of the association.

The Washington State Hospital Association nominated Lewis for the Grassroots Champion award for his dedication to the hospital mission on both local and national levels. Lewis spearheaded the effort to ensure board members, executives and other key team members at Olympic Medical Center made numerous trips to Washington, D.C., and Olympia throughout 2015 to meet with elected officials.

“I can’t think of anyone who deserves this award more,” said John Nutter, 2016 board president and active member of the board’s Legislative Advocacy Committee.