Beth Atwood Director Communications and Marketing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 3, 2008
See enclosed 2008 THA Awards of Excellence booklet for additional information about each award recipient.
THA Announces 2008 Award Recipients
The Tennessee Hospital Association (THA) honored 24 individuals and organizations during its 70th annual meeting at Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center this week.
Distinguished Service Award
Joe Carobene, retired deputy commissioner, Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, Nashville, was the recipient of the distinguished service award, the highest award that is presented by THA. The award recognizes leadership and service by an individual member to THA throughout his career, in addition to his achievements and contributions to the healthcare industry. Carobene was honored for his leadership in mental health services and programs during his 36-year career with the state of Tennessee.
President’s Award
Clayton McWhorter, founder and principal, Clayton Associates, LLC, Nashville, received the President’s Award for his service and leadership as chairman of the Rolling Hills Group, which was formed by THA last year to develop a healthcare reform plan for
Tennessee that can serve as a model for other state and federal reform efforts. The award, given at the discretion of the THA president, is presented to individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty on behalf of the association.
Community Service Award for Public Service
State Representative Randy Rinks, Savannah, received the community service award for public service for his support and advocacy on behalf of hospitals and healthcare issues.
Healthcare Hero Award
Latise Jones, nurse manager, Macon County General Hospital, Lafayette, received the healthcare hero award for rescuing several tornado victims before coming to the hospital to help treat the 80 to 90 individuals injured during the storm that hit Macon county earlier this year. This award honors individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty on behalf of his or her hospital and their patients.
Meritorious Service Awards
Meritorious service awards recognize leadership and service by individuals in support of their hospitals and health systems. Chief Executive Officer Anthony Spezia, president, Covenant Health, Knoxville, received the meritorious service award for chief executive officer. He was honored for his unwavering
commitment to outstanding care, excellent outcomes and unsurpassed customer service. Executive Staff Paul Korth, chief financial officer, Cookeville Regional Medical Center, received the meritorious service award for executive staff. He was recognized for his managerial skills regarding the hospitals financial matters, and being a driving force in the field of information technology. Department Head Penny Romeo, director of quality resources, Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center, Kingsport, received the meritorious service award for department head. She was honored for her 40 years of service as a registered nurse, case manager and quality director at the hospital. Governance James Bush, chairman of the board emeritus, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, Knoxville, received the meritorious service award for governance. He was honored for working tirelessly to provide the best possible care and facilities for the children of that region. W.E. Hawkins, Jr., retired chairman of the board of directors, Mountain States Health Alliance, Johnson City, also received the meritorious service award for governance. He was honored for being a driving force on the board during its past 10 years of tremendous growth. Virginia Anne Sharber, board member, Memorial Health Care System Foundation board of directors, Chattanooga, also received the meritorious service
award for governance. She was recognized for being a role model for active community leadership and successful board development at Memorial Health Care System Foundation. Medical Staff Julie Dunn, MD, director of trauma services, Mountain States Health Alliance, Johnson City, received the meritorious service award for medical staff. She was honored for her limitless dedication and tireless advocacy for Tennessee trauma centers. Volunteer Clasteen Wardlaw, volunteer, Methodist Healthcare-South Hospital, Memphis, received the meritorious service award for a volunteer. She was honored for her tireless dedication and commitment to volunteer service at the hospital. Lou Tuck, volunteer, Cumberland Medical Center, Crossville, also received the meritorious service award for a volunteer. She was recognized for being a “career volunteer” during her past 57 years of service.
Community Service Awards
Community service awards recognize leadership and service by organizations in their local communities in association with member institutions of THA. Volunteer Organization Mended Hearts Chapter 127, Cookeville, received the community service award for a volunteer organization. The auxiliary was honored for tirelessly serving the heart patients at Cookeville Regional Medical Center on a volunteer basis since 1997.
Daily Newspaper The Commercial Appeal, nominated by Methodist Healthcare-Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center, Memphis, received the community service award for a daily newspaper. It was recognized for its extensive coverage of the hospital on cutting edge and human interest topics. Nondaily Newspaper The Tri-State Defender, nominated by Methodist Healthcare-Methodist South Hospital, Memphis, received the community service award for a nondaily newspaper. It was recognized for its support of the hospital and its programs, services and renovation project. Television WATE-TV, Knoxville, nominated by Peninsula Hospital, Knoxville, received the community service award for television. It was honored for its series of prime time interviews and a one-hour special titled “Mental Illness: The Silent Disorder.” WREG, News Channel 3, nominated by Methodist Healthcare-Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center, Memphis, also received the community service award for television. It was recognized for being an outstanding partner on the “Go Jim Go” program, which has raised more than $60,000 for the new hospital funding campaign. Radio Star 102.1, nominated by East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, Knoxville, received the community service award for radio. It was recognized for its radiothon event, sponsorship of numerous fundraisers for the hospital and commitment to children in the region.
THA Nurse of Distinction Awards
The nurse of distinction awards recognize outstanding contributions to nursing by registered nurses employed at a THA member hospital or health system. Executive Nurse of Distinction Award Laura Barnes, vice president for patient care services, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, Knoxville, received the executive nurse of distinction award. She was honored for her tireless efforts to provide the best care possible for children in the east Tennessee region for more than 30 years. Clinical Nurse of Distinction Award Craig Armstrong, a registered nurse at Centennial Medical Center-Parthenon Pavilion, Nashville, received the clinical nurse of distinction award. He was recognized for his daily commitment to provide exceptional health care for patients at Parthenon Pavilion and his giving spirit.
ACHE Awards
Senior-Level Healthcare Executive Award William Gracey, executive vice president, LifePoint Hospitals, Inc., Brentwood, received the Senior-Level Healthcare Executive Award from the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). He was honored for his strong leadership in health care in Tennessee and support of ACHE. Vanda Scott, EdD, chief executive officer, Select Specialty HospitalsKnoxville, North Knoxville and UT Campus, also received the Senior-Level
Healthcare Executive Award from ACHE. She was honored for her support and leadership in the East Tennessee Chapter of Healthcare Executives and ACHE. Early Career Healthcare Executive Award Daniel Stanton, administrator, Transplant Institute, Methodist HealthcareUniversity Hospital, Memphis, received the Early Career Healthcare Executive Award. This award is presented to an individual under 40 years old and recognizes their active participation and support of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Stanton was recognized for his active participation in the Mid-South Healthcare Executives and ACHE. THA, founded in 1938, serves as an advocate for hospitals, health systems, home health agencies and other healthcare organizations and the patients they serve. ###