Concord, NH -- The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) recently presented Tess Stack Kuenning, executive director of Bi-State Primary Care Association (BSPCA), with the 2009 Norton Wilson State Regional Leadership Award for excellence in the health care association arena. Kuenning currently chairs the NACHC Steering Committee for the State/Regional Primary Care Associations, which charts the legislative and policy goals for health centers and their state associations.

"Tess Kuenning represents the very best of health center leadership," said Tom Van Coverden, president and CEO of NACHC. "America's Health Centers would not be what they are today without the state/regional primary care associations and the people in them who work tirelessly to expand access to the medically underserved and ensure that health centers have the resources and state support that are critical to fostering growth."

"Every leadership role I have held throughout my career has spurred and fulfilled my passion, interest and personal commitment to advancing the health and well being of persons most at risk. I sincerely believe in the power and potential of people, taking action, leading and working to assure everyone has an equal right to access health care. It is a gift and blessing to work with organizations and people across the country, who are intensely dedicated, contribute to, and share in this vision," remarked Kuenning.

Kuenning began her distinguished career in health care as a Clinical Nurse Specialist; a nurse consultant, and community and public health specialist for the U.S. Public Health Service. Since 1995, she has held the position of executive director at Bi-State Primary Care Association (BSPCA), a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works with federal, state, and regional health policy organizations and policymakers, foundations, and payers to develop strategies, policies, and programs that promote and sustain community-based, primary health care services.

With offices in Concord, NH, and Montpelier, VT, BSPCA provides advocacy, technical assistance, and education for its 33 member organizations. The Leadership Award was presented in August at the NACHC Community Health Institute and Expo in Chicago, IL, attended by nearly 2000 Health Center representatives from across the country.