UP Health System – Marquette Names Jodi McCollum as 2026 Mercy Award Winner
June 11, 2026
UP Health System – Marquette (UPHS – Marquette) is proud to announce Jodi McCollum, trauma program manager, as its 2026 Mercy Award winner.
The Mercy Award recognizes one employee from each of Lifepoint Health's facilities who profoundly impacts the lives of others and exemplifies the company's founding principles of compassion, service and excellence.
Established in 2001, the Mercy Award is Lifepoint Health's highest honor. It is named in memory of Scott Mercy, the company's founding chairman and chief executive officer.
"Jodi is the kind of leader who quietly changes lives every day," said Tonya Darner, chief executive officer of UP Health System – Marquette. "Her compassion, clinical expertise and dedication to improving trauma care make her an extraordinary example of our mission in action."
McCollum brings a unique perspective to her role, having previously served as a trauma physician assistant before leading UPHS – Marquette's trauma program. Colleagues describe her as a steady, compassionate leader who always puts patients and staff first.
Throughout her career, McCollum has made a lasting impact on patients and families during some of their most difficult moments. She is known for her unwavering advocacy, her commitment to patient safety and her willingness to step in wherever needed to support both patients and care teams.
Under her leadership, UPHS – Marquette successfully maintained its Level II Trauma Center designation for another three years, ensuring patients across the Upper Peninsula continue to have access to high-quality trauma care close to home.
"Jodi's leadership strengthens not only our trauma program but our entire organization," Darner said. "She leads with humility, kindness and an unwavering commitment to doing what's right for patients. We are proud to recognize her as our 2026 Mercy Award recipient."
McCollum will be considered for Lifepoint Health's 2026 companywide Mercy Award. The national recipient will be announced this summer and honored during a ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee.
Jodi with our other Mercy Award nominees.
In addition to celebrating McCollum, UPHS – Marquette also recognizes the following 2026 Mercy Award nominees for their outstanding service, dedication and embodiment of the organization's core values: Ashley Longtine, Behavioral Health; Sarah Sommers, Pediatric Specialists; Amanda Vigneau, Health Information Management; Jae Wiedenhoefer, PAR/OPC; Kayla Sather, Medical/Surgical Unit; Courtney Mager, Behavioral Health; Jennifer Thompson, Cancer Center; Danielle Sandstrom, Palliative Care; Cherylynn Erickson, ICU/IMCU/Cardiac; Linda Carilli, Medical Records; Lindsay Williams, Digestive and Liver Specialists; and Melissa DellAngelo, CT.
Thank you to each nominee for the incredible work you do every day to serve our patients, support your colleagues and strengthen our community.