The Lawrence General family came together earlier this month during Hospital Week to present the hospital’s highest honor, the Excellence Above All Award, to Executive Assistant Henry Baez. Selected from more than a dozen nominated employees for exhibiting outstanding professionalism, a positive attitude, achievement, and exemplary service excellence, eight-year Lawrence General employee Baez worked his way up through roles at the coffee shop, Emergency Center and Hospital Operations Center before settling into his current role in our Administration office.
It is there where Henry met Deanna Dague, a fellow executive assistant, who nominated him for the prestigious award.
At a ceremony attended by hospital leadership and Henry’s colleagues, now-retired President and CEO Deb Wilson read from Deanna’s nomination letter.
“A huge undertaking Henry is in the process of is working full-time in a demanding role while attending school part-time for nursing. While that is the norm for many adults these days, I see what he does every day at LGH and then to attend night classes is astounding,” Deanna wrote of her colleague and friend. “His patience and kindness will be an asset in pursuing a nursing degree and his patients will be very lucky to have him as their nurse.”
As Baez’s father, Henry, and sister, Yanille, looked on, Wilson – through the nomination letter – praised the Excellence Above All winner’s work ethic and ability to make the day of visitors, staff, and vendors alike.
“I can attest that I get to see his smiling face every day and it’s the best part of the day,” Wilson said.
Enveloped in hugs from Wilson and Interim CEO Robin Hynds, Henry was indeed all smiles as he accepted the award.
“It’s an honor to receive this award, and I’m so grateful. I’m thrilled that Lawrence General has supported me through all these years," Henry said. "This award is a reassurance and a reminder that staying true to yourself is what matters. Like mythologist Joseph Campbell once said, 'The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.' I am positive that LGH will continue to defy the doubters with excellence, authenticity, and compassion, and I am overjoyed I can be a part of its story. I couldn’t do it without every one of you. I’m so happy to be the future of LGH!”
Also nominated for this year’s award were:
- Tracy Armstrong, benefits administrator, Human Resources
- Noel Badia, network security engineer, Information Systems
- Joseph Bouchard, certified pharmacy technician, Pharmacy
- Robert Celeste, electrician supervisor, Facilities
- Stephen Flynn, registered nurse, Endoscopy
- Lisa Hedrick, C-Med supervisor, Pre-Hospital EMS
- Mary Hefferan, registered nurse, PACU
- Adair Hosmer, clinical informaticist, Information Systems
- Timothy Lindeman, paramedic, Pre-hospital EMS
- Michael Loux, carpenter, Engineering
- Eva Luciano, financial clearance supervisor, Patient Access
- Nick Massa, carpenter, Engineering
- Danielle Palen, clinical wound care specialist, Wound Ostomy Clinic
- Kathleen Shea, registered nurse, PACU
- Matthew White, lead carpenter, Engineering
- Euthemia Zakaki, unit secretary coordinator, Labor and Delivery