AHIMA Announces 2025 Triumph Award Winners: Celebrating Excellence in Health Information
CHICAGO – October 3, 2025 - The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is proud to announce the winners of the prestigious 2025 Triumph Awards, recognizing exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to the health information (HI) profession. The Triumph Awards honor leaders who advance the HI field, enhance educational opportunities, and inspire the next generation of health information professionals.
This year’s winners include:
- Advocacy Category: Alabama Association of Health Information Management
- Distinguished Member Category: Dr. Valerie Watzlaf, PhD, MPH, RHIA, FAHIMA
- Educator Category: Betty Rockendorf, MS, RHIA, CHPS
- Emerging Star Category: Mackenzie Higgins, RHIA
- Innovation Category: Dr. Shannan M Swafford, RHIT, CHDA, CCS
- Leadership Category: Connie Renda, MA, RHIA, CHDA
- Mentor Category: Madonna M. LeBlanc, MA, RHIA, FAHIMA
- Student Category: Charity L. Sari, RHIT, CCS
“We are honored to celebrate this year’s Triumph Award recipients, each of whom has made a lasting impact on the health information profession,” said Phillip Duong, Chair of the AHIMA Awards Committee. “Their achievements in leadership, innovation, mentorship, education, and advocacy reflect the best of what our profession represents. These individuals are not only shaping the future of health information but also inspiring the next generation of professionals through their passion and commitment.”
The Triumph Awards will be presented at the upcoming AHIMA Annual Conference, where these remarkable individuals will be honored for their contributions to the health information field.
For more information about the AHIMA Triumph Awards and 2025 winners, please visit
Triumph Awards | AHIMA.
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About the American Health Information Management Association
AHIMA is more than an association – we are a force for change in healthcare. We are the visionary architect at the center of health information equipping over 160,000 members and credential holders to uphold the highest professional standards through education and certification. We believe every patient deserves the best possible health care, and that starts with accurate, secure data. We represent the extraordinary individuals who work tirelessly to keep us all safe. Get to know us at ahima.org.