CRMC Social Worker Pietz receives Fire Starter Award

Cuyuna Regional Medical Center Director of Care Management KariLee Pietz of Deerwood on January 18 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, “This leader’s passion for others is infectious and it is evident in the energy she puts into her daily work. This leader always wants what is best for patients, believing deeply that they get the appropriate care at CRMC and when they discharge. She does this by being collaborative with other departments and bringing her peers together to discuss difficult situations that require extra attention to build trust. I love her spirit; she is so uplifting! She has a heart to serve which expands beyond the walls of CRMC, building relationships with our community members to ensure our patients have access to not just care but food and other resources.” 

Pietz has served as Director of Care Management since August 2021. She oversees Palliative Care, Spiritual Services, Inpatient and Swing Bed Care Management, Social Services and CRMC’s connection with community patient resources. Pietz also worked as CRMC’s Emergency Department and Outpatient Social Worker for two years. A Minnesota licensed social worker, Pietz earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Bemidji State University. She is a graduate of Aitkin High School.