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Outstanding Alumnus Award
David B. Jahn, a 1990 graduate of LSSU’s MBA program, was the recipient of the 2017 Outstanding Alumnus Award. Jahn is the president and chief executive officer of Chippewa County War Memorial Hospital, a facility with more than 950 employees and 60 physicians.Born and raised in Manistique, Mich., Jahn pursued his educational goals within the confines of the Upper Peninsula.
“LSSU has played a major role in my education and my professional life. If it weren’t for LSSU and its off-campus MBA program, I probably would have never been able to advance my education since my undergrad at Michigan Tech,” said Jahn. “I went right into the workforce, got married and started to have a family. The LSSU program allowed me to go to class on the weekends for more than two years, and obtain an MBA that has really helped me along my career path.”
Prior to becoming CEO of War Memorial, Jahn was vice president of marketing for MHA Insurance, Lansing, from 2004 to 2005. From 1982-2004 he was chief executive officer and chief financial officer for Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital in Manistique. His first job out of college was as a staff accountant for Marquette General Hospital.
Jahn has led a financial turnaround for War Memorial, which went from losing more than $1 million annually to making more than a $3 million profit in 2008. He has also moved major capital projects such as a $5 million expansion and renovation of the emergency department; a $7.7 million addition to the radiology department; a $6 million 30,000 square-foot rehabilitation department; a $10 million 40,000 square-foot medical office building; a $4 million skywalk/new entrance; and the addition of an inpatient behavioral health unit.
Jahn is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives; a board member of the Lake Superior State University Foundation; board member of the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, as well as of the MHHA Foundation. He is vice chairman of the Michigan Center for Rural Health board; board member for the Upper Peninsula Health Plan and the Upper Peninsula Health Care network. He is also a board member for the Medical Protective Hospital Advisory Committee and for Central Savings Bank. He is an avid and skilled golfer, often supporting and playing in charitable events for causes like the United Way and Laker Athletics.
Jahn has been married 35 years to his wife Judy. They have four children: Dennis (41); Denise (39), Heidi (34); and Ashley (32). They also have four grandchildren.
The Outstanding Alumnus Award, established in 1968, is the highest honor that the association presents. It recognizes recipients for their personal and professional accomplishments and their involvement with LSSU, highlighting the significant achievements of alumni who serve as leaders in our region, state and nations.