Cuyuna Regional Medical Center Clinical Nutrition Director Heather Erickson, R.D., of Deerwood on March 31 received the organization’s Fire Starter Award for her outstanding leadership. The Fire Starter Award recognizes leaders who, through their dedication and passion, guide and support CRMC's commitment to excellence while keeping the true spirit of their organization alive and flourishing.

Chief Nursing Officer Stacy Weldon presented the award saying, “Heather consistently confronts difficult conversations with an open mind. Heather respects the team and understands that forming allies about a decision is not beneficial, she comes to a person directly versus participating or spreading rumors. Heather truly reflects on feedback that is given and understands how things can be done differently, assumes positive intent in teams, forgives, is honest, open and willing. Staff are comfortable bringing concerns forward to her, she listens intently which has created a safe and trusting environment. Heather holds herself and staff accountable, supports organizational goals, treats others how they want to be treated and is kind.

Erickson consistently lives CRMC’s four commitments, Weldon said, to our patients, residents, and staff. As an example, she noted how during COVID, Heather recognized that the Care Center residents who wanted communion were not able to receive it because of visitor restrictions. She took it upon herself to gain education and the proper permission from her priest and has been volunteering her time on Sundays to deliver communion to Care Center residents.

A member of CRMC’s staff since 2003, Erickson holds a Bachelor of Science degree from North Dakota State University in Fargo in 1997. She became a Registered Dietitian in 1998, a Diabetes Care and Education Specialist in 2013 and is also certified in insulin therapy and continuous glucose monitoring. She and her husband, Vern, a CRMC Inventory Control Specialist, have two children, Megan and Max

---