UP Health System – Marquette Names Beth Riley as 2025 Mercy Award Winner

UP Health System – Marquette (UPHS – Marquette) is proud to announce Beth Riley, operating room business manager, as its 2025 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.

“Beth exemplifies the very best of who we are at UPHS – Marquette,” said Rory Lemanek, who nominated Riley for the award. “She is a visionary leader, a compassionate colleague and a true champion for our patients and staff. Her dedication to improving health care access across the Upper Peninsula is nothing short of inspiring.”

Riley has served UPHS – Marquette for eight years, bringing leadership and strategic vision to one of Michigan’s largest and most underserved regions. Her efforts support a population of more than 300,000 people across 15 counties, representing nearly 30% of the state’s landmass.

Through Riley’s leadership, UPHS – Marquette secured more than $10.5 million in targeted capital improvements and expanded eight specialty service lines, significantly improving surgical care across the region.

“Beth brings an extraordinary blend of clinical operations knowledge, financial insight and deep empathy to her work,” said a colleague. “She leads with kindness and humility while always keeping patients and staff at the center of every decision.”

In addition to her operational achievements, Riley is deeply engaged in community outreach. She has represented the hospital at more than 20 local events, building long-term partnerships and strengthening the hospital’s connection to the community.

“She’s the go-to person for support, advice and problem-solving,” Lemanek said. “Her calm presence and steady leadership have earned her the respect of executive leaders, providers and frontline staff alike.”

Riley is known for working late nights and weekends, stepping in wherever needed to ensure her team is supported and patient care remains a top priority.

“Beth Riley is not just a leader — she’s a lifeline,” a colleague said. “Her dedication, compassion and tireless work ethic make a lasting impact on everyone she meets.”

Riley will be considered for Lifepoint Health’s 2025 companywide Mercy Award. The national recipient will be announced this summer and honored during a ceremony in August in Nashville, Tennessee.

In addition to celebrating Riley, UPHS – Marquette also recognizes the following 2025 Mercy Award nominees for their outstanding service, dedication and embodiment of the organization’s core values: Jordan Emerick, Colleen Granato, Stacy Tomlin, Danielle Haanpaa, Olivia Koepp, Eric Wolf, Lisa Taylor, Nicole Mattila, Heather Jahfetson, Cayla Kent, Carrie Kalcich, Danielle Bailey, Emily Blandford, Kim O’Neill, Melissa Hill, Ronda Parkkonen, Joy Benz,  Jessica Veiht,  and Miranda Badour.

Thank you to each nominee for the incredible work you do every day to serve our patients, support your colleagues and uplift our community.