Lower Keys Medical Center Recognizes Award Winners

2/15/2023

On February 2, 2023, Lower Keys Medical Center recognized the 2022 Annual Award winners and honored employees with milestone years of service.

Ayberk Ozger, senior system analyst, was named the Employee of the Year. David Clay, CEO shared comments from Oz's colleagues, which described him as "a caring, respected, committed, dedicated, honest, empathetic, innovative, humble, intelligent, responsible, inspiring and loyal co-worker, leader and educator." Oz was recognized for successfully managing the conversion of the hospital's phone system, and creating educational videos to help colleagues get familiar with the new system. "Oz not only comes to work with a smile, he goes above and beyond to make sure that end-users have what they need to do their jobs."

Jolene Evans, director of women's services, was the recipient of the Frank Houtman Award, named in honor of a long-serving hospital volunteer who was known to say, "I look for people who shine." Jolene was presented the award for her volunteerism and her support of the community, her colleagues and patients, and the hospital. She supports many causes in the community, including Lower Keys Women's Club, Peacock House, Max's Angels, One Athletics, Big Pine Academy PTO, and Wesley House Family Services. In 2022, Jolene also spearheaded efforts to design and create Lower Keys Medical Center float in the Key West Holiday Parade, bringing joy and smiles to many along the parade route.

Audra Brock, director of pharmacy, was named the Clinical Director of the Year, for her steadfast leadership, planning, communication, calm demeanor, approachable personality, positivity, and professionalism. Co-workers said, "Audra is very easy to work with. The way she communicates with staff, physicians and fellow leaders allows her to always represent her department and the hospital in a professional and positive manner. (Her) terrific communication leads to great collaboration between her department and all others. Audra goes well beyond the normal call of duty to ensure that patients and front line staff are never left without the resources they need."

Elizabeth Hume, chief quality officer, was named the Nonclinical Director of the Year, with colleagues noting her strong sense of teamwork between departments and her ability to drive positive change in patient outcomes. Elizabeth is a highly effective mentor and leader within her department as well as with colleagues, providing guidance and education to help all succeed. She is involved in - or leads - many teams in the hospital, including Quality Improvement Council, Peer Review Committee, Emergency/Trauma/Disaster/Critical Care Committee, Environment of Care Committee, Safety Function Team, HazMat Function Team, Infection Control Committee, OB/GYN/Peds Committee, Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, Psychiatry Committee, Radiation Safety Committee, Surgical Committee and the Tumor Board.

Lower Keys Medical Center administration also recognized employees who had reached milestone years of service:

Forty Years:
Jeanne Ochman

Thirty-Five Years:
Joanne Teixeira, Julianne Sagan, Irene Fernandez

Thirty Years:
Jennifer LeClaire

Twenty Years:
Mayra Gaitan

Fifteen Years:
Theresa Gates, Jerry Butler, Carolyn Schaal, Albert Hall, Maria Pellon, Tom Lock

Ten Years:
Mirta Caridad Lopez, Samuel Pierre-Remy, Jean Pierre, Marie Jean Baptiste, Marisela Morales, Lacey Martin, Melissa Lyons, Celie Merisier, Janna Hawkins, Kevin Quon, Tracie Wardlow

Five Years:
Lynn Corbett-Winn, Kathy Waller, Natalie Sutherin, Natasha Gowens, Janis Adams, Olesia Dolgoniuk, Brandie Adamson, Peggy Schiro, Lorraine Salt, Kimberly Smith, Kimberly Smith, Michelle Gibson, William Walcott, Patrick Pritchett, Colbert Pierre, Ayberk Ozger, Melanie Williams, Christina Wright, Susie Delaune, Jamie Cooke, Angela Blanco

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