Forty-Five Years of Saying “Thank You”: A Tradition That Defines Our Hospital
January 15, 2026Wilson Memorial Hospital launched its Employee of the Month program in fall 1980 to recognize staff members whose performance reflected “the true spirit of the ideal Wilson Memorial Hospital employee.” Over the years, the program evolved to honor employees who make significant contributions to the hospital’s mission of providing competent, courteous, and compassionate care to the community.
The program endures because of the people and community that define Wilson Medical Center’s culture. Celebrating a staff member each month elevates individual stories of purpose and reinforces the organization’s commitment to appreciation and connection.
Some of the most powerful forces shaping what is now Wilson Medical Center’s culture are in our people and community. This program has stood the test of time because our community and our people are what makes us great. Showing our appreciation for each other, and every month amplifying a personal story, strengthens our purpose, and purpose strengthens our care.
In the 45 years since its creation, hundreds of employees have been recognized. Several have received the honor more than once. Nominations come from peers and providers. Leaders at the director level and above are not eligible; honorees are the people who do the daily work operating our hospital. A committee reviews nominations and selects each month’s honoree. Winners have received plaques memorializing the month of their recognition, gift cards, and Wilson Medical Center-branded items.
Earlier this month, Wilson Medical Center honored the 2025 Employees of the Month during the annual banquet, a longstanding tradition. Honorees represented every corner of the organization, from the Intensive Care Unit to Organizational Development, and from Labor and Delivery to Plant Operations.
Some honorees have been with us for a year, others for decades. Each nomination told a unique story, but all of them showed the same commitment to compassion, teamwork, and service to each other, our patients and their families.
Our 2025 winners are:
January – Donald Parrish, Plant Operations
February – Micaela Whoolery, Organizational Development
March – Betty Williams, Telemetry
April – Stefka Sibbett, Radiology Services
May – Della Davis, Plant Operations
June – Mable Carter, Central Sterile
July – Lori McCall, Materials Management
August – Sarah Nagle-Johnson, Information Services
September – Michelle Rosario-Garcia, Intensive Care Unit
October – Dhara Patel, Labor & Delivery
November – Haley Pearce, Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
December – Lorenzo Archer, Intensive Care Unit
What has not changed is the remarkable experience of reading the nomination forms. Some nominees are surprised that they’ve been noticed doing what comes naturally to them – playing their part in providing the best care to our patients, in ways large and small. We’re delighted for them, and that the spirit of gratitude continues to be shared, as evidenced by the volume of nominations, and the diversity of ways and acts of simple kindness that we recognize in each other.
Fellow employees are quick to point out how their colleagues demonstrate leadership and innovation. They use words such as “inspiring”, “tireless”, and point out examples of how collaboration, respect and inclusiveness demonstrated daily help foster an exceptional work culture here.
While our patients and community members can recognize our team through Google reviews, or surveys sent out after receiving care here, reading the words of other Wilson Medical Center employees about our own is a timeless experience, and one of my most gratifying roles as a leader here.
Heather Baker is Director of Health Information Management and Privacy.