Jean Shelton, administrator at Iowa Health - Des Moines, has recently been recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) the nation's leading professional society for healthcare leaders.

"Because healthcare management ultimately affects the people in our communities, it is critically important to have a standard of excellence promoted by a professional organization," says Thomas C. Dolan, PhD, FACHE, CAE, president and chief executive officer of American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). "By becoming an ACHE Fellow and simultaneously earning board certification from ACHE, healthcare leaders can show that they are committed to providing high-quality service to their patients and community."

Fellow status at the American College of Healthcare Executives represents continued achievement in meeting high standards of professional development, excellence and leadership as a healthcare executive. Shelton is one of only 7,500 healthcare executives to hold this distinction. To obtain fellow status, healthcare executives must fulfill multiple requirements, including passing a comprehensive examination, meeting academic and experiential criteria, earning continuing education credits and demonstrating professional and community involvement. Fellow must also be committed to ongoing professional development and undergo recertification every three years.

"Jean has accomplished many great things, but has done it all humbly-always recognizing others for the success," said Dr. Steve Stephenson, Executive Vice President and COO at Iowa Health - Des Moines. "We are very fortunate to have her here in leadership at Iowa Health - Des Moines as we benefit from her experience and determination to improve our organization and community."

Shelton was honored at the American College of Healthcare Executives' Convocation Ceremony on March 18, 2012 to acknowledge the duties of Fellow.