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Cempa CEO, Dr. Shannon Burger, Named Thought Leader of the Year

Dr. Burger was recognized for her results-driven leadership at Cempa, as well as her statewide and national advocacy efforts. 

Cempa Community Care CEO Dr. Shannon Burger recently received a Silver Stevie® Award in the 23rd Annual American Business Awards®. Burger’s win came in the Thought Leadership category, primarily for her work leading and growing Cempa over the past decade, as well as for her statewide and national advocacy work protecting Ryan White 340B programming. 

“At the end of the day, nothing gives me a greater sense of accomplishment than seeing my work positively impact the lives of our patients, clients, and the team at Cempa,” said Dr. Burger. “It is also encouraging, however, for that work to be recognized from time to time in the form of an accolade, and I am very proud of this distinction from the American Business Awards. Though my name is on it, I see it as a collaborative win since the success of my efforts always depends on numerous individuals who share the same convictions and fight for the same results as me.”

Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word meaning “crowned,” the awards will be presented to winners at a gala ceremony in New York City on Tuesday, June 10. More than 3,600 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year for consideration in a wide range of categories, and more than 250 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this year’s Stevie Award winners.

“Organizations across the United States continue to demonstrate resilience and innovation,” said Stevie Awards president Maggie Miller. “The 2025 Stevie winners have helped drive that success through their innovation, persistence, and hard work. We congratulate all of the winners in the 2025 ABAs and look forward to celebrating their achievements during our June 10 gala event in New York.”

During Dr. Burger’s time at Cempa, the organization has earned numerous awards and distinctive recognitions, including:

  • Best Place to Work in Tennessee, Best Companies Group, 2025
  • Community Impact Award, Champions of Health Care, Chattanooga Times Free Press, 2023, 2019
  • Latino Community Champion Award, Latino Leadership Awards, La Paz Chattanooga, 2023
  • Best Places to Work, Edge Magazine, 2022
  • Nonprofit of the Year Award, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, 2022
  • Charles E. Darling Organization of Excellence Award, Tennessee Primary Care Association, 2021
  • Be More Awards, East Tennessee PBS, 2021
  • Governor’s Award of Excellence in Tennessee, 2020

Dr. Burger’s individual accolades include: 

  • Impact Award, TSCPApex Awards, Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants, 2024
  • Kathy Wood-Dobbins Executive Leadership Award, Tennessee Primary Care Association, 2023
  • 20 Under 40, Chatter Magazine, 2020
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Robert Morris

Robert Morris serves as Chief of Staff to the CEO at Cempa Community Care, where he drives organizational alignment, strategic execution, and a mission-driven culture. Since joining Cempa as a Senior Strategic Advisor in June 2025, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s future-ready structure, advancing leadership development, and guiding operational transformation. 

Robert brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across healthcare, aerospace and defense, utilities, and nonprofit sectors. His career includes senior roles at the Tennessee Valley Authority, where he served as Senior Strategic Advisor, Director of Communications Operations, and Senior Manager of Nuclear Materials, as well as Vice President of Program Management & Supply Chain at AAR Corporation. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for translating strategy into execution, leading large-scale transformations, and fostering inclusive, high-performing cultures. 

Deeply committed to service, Robert has dedicated his leadership beyond the workplace. He served as Chair of Cempa’s Board of Directors from 2019 to 2025, and has held leadership positions with the American Red Cross, Thrive Alabama, and the City of Huntsville’s Human Relations Commission. He is also a graduate of Leadership Chattanooga and currently serves as President-Elect of the Leadership Chattanooga Alumni Association. 

Morris earned an Executive Bachelor of Business degree from Faulkner University and has completed executive leadership programs with the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce. 

Guided by his personal why—to approach each day with empathy, curiosity, and purpose, cultivating a culture where genuine belonging fuels excellence and empowers everyone to thrive—Robert lives out the Cempa values as a compass for every decision, action, and interaction. Compassion means meeting people with empathy, seeing them fully as they are. Empowerment provides patients and staff with the tools to thrive and grow. Excellence pushes the organization to raise the bar every day. Integrity calls leaders to do the right thing, even when it is difficult. Unity reminds everyone that Cempa is strongest when it stands together. These values are not slogans—they are lived commitments to the community and to every person Robert encounters.