OGALLALA, Neb. — The top financial leader at Ogallala Community Hospital received the Nebraska Hospital Association’s 2016 Meritorious Service Award at that group’s banquet Wednesday, Oct. 12, in La Vista, Neb.

Co-workers, Banner Health financial leaders and a member of the Ogallala Community Hospital Authority Board nominated Chief Financial Officer Dena Klockman. The award recognizes a recipient’s longevity and breadth of service to the facility and to health care in Nebraska.

Klockman’s list of projects in Ogallala to which she contributed includes planning and construction of the existing hospital, the Banner Health Clinic, the Outpatient and Infusion Clinic and the hospital’s status as a critical access facility.

Leaders wrote that she is looked to as a leader the hospital and in Banner Health. She has served as interim chief executive officer and as a mentor for finance employees in the system.

“She is truly an asset to Ogallala Community Hospital, Ogallala and Keith County,” wrote Mary McCabe, Banner Health Western Region vice president of financial operations and CFO.

Drew Dostal, CEO, said Klockman leads by example in all situations including coming in at night to serve meals to employees for special functions and seeking volunteer opportunities. She has been present in the community in Keith County Chamber of Commerce, Sandhills Crisis Intervention Program, Rotary Club and other organizations.