JEFFERSON, Iowa – If you have enjoyed a great meal, a warm hello or a spotless space at Greene County Medical Center, chances are you have felt the impact of Molly Rowe, Director of Nutritional Services and Environmental Services. Rowe was recently honored with the UnityPoint Health Outstanding Rural Leadership Award (Non-Nursing), but she didn’t even know it was happening. “I was literally behind the kitchen carrying in supplies when I got the video,” Rowe laughed. While she kept things running at the medical center, CEO, Chad Butterfield, was accepting the award on her behalf. It is a fitting snapshot of a leader who puts patients, residents and staff first, even when it means missing her own moment.
Since joining Greene County Medical Center two years ago, Rowe has transformed what many think of as “behind-the-scenes departments” into cornerstones of patient and employee experiences. From real-time patient meal surveys to creative, ever-changing menus, her focus is simple; listen, improve and let people know they care.
That mindset led to one of her most popular ideas, an online meal pre-ordering system for staff. With employees working all hours and often having only short breaks, the new system guarantees their meal is ready when they arrive. “It’s about making their day just a little easier,” Rowe said. Staff agree and it is becoming a major satisfier across departments.
Creativity is another hallmark of her leadership. Menus feature foods you might not cook at home, special holiday meals bring Extended Care and Ever Greene Ridge residents and families together and “Donut Fridays” were born when an employee’s idea was met not with hesitation, but encouragement. “There’s never a bad idea,” her nominator wrote. “Molly always looks to see if it’s possible.”
That openness extends to her leadership style. Rowe is known for her integrity, follow-through and genuine kindness. When the Environmental Services department needed leadership, she volunteered, adding a second director role not for recognition, but because the team needed support. The result has been stronger connections, better communication and staff who feel valued and heard.
For Rowe, food has always been about more than nutrition. “I love seeing people sit together, talk and enjoy a meal,” she said. “That’s been important to me since I was a kid.” It is a philosophy that resonates deeply in a medical center setting, especially for Extended Care patients, where meals are often a highlight of the day.
Despite the award, Rowe is quick to deflect praise. “I couldn’t do any of this without my team,” she said. “They take the ideas and make them happen.” Her pride in Greene County Medical Center is evident, and mutual. “Whenever you see Molly, she’s smiling and saying hello,” said her nominator. Leadership, as it turns out, can look like a warm meal, a clean room and a smile in the hallway. And thanks to Molly Rowe, Greene County Medical Center is serving all three, every day.