CalvertHealth names Lankford and Johnson Employees of the Year, Celebrates 100 Years of Caring at 44th Annual Employee Awards Banquet

At the 44th Annual Employee Awards Banquet held earlier this month, top awards for service and leadership, as well as a nod to the hospital’s longevity, culminated in a “Cheers to 100 Years” themed celebration.

In his opening remarks, President and CEO Dean Teague commented on the hospital’s more than 100 year history, “As we face an unprecedented transformation in healthcare – I am proud of our workforce and your ability to change, adapt, and embrace the future. The hospital was formed because of the vision of four physicians – and 100 years later, we choose to carry on their legacy, adapting to our community’s needs – while providing exceptional care.”

Emergency Department Charge Nurse Chad Lankford and Food Service Worker Crystal “Chrissy” Johnson were named Co-Employees of the Year at the annual awards banquet. Lankford joined CalvertHealth in 1995 and is a skilled clinician known for building a great rapport with colleagues and patients alike. Johnson, who joined the CalvertHealth team in 2010, is credited for increasing breakfast sales by more than 300% and finds a way to connect with each guest in a personal way.

In addition to Lankford and Johnson, the other nominees for Employee of the Year were Robert Blackwell, CoraJo Tozzolo, John Gleissner, Todd Mattingly, Loree Magtutu, Dan Lewis, Paula Wills, Debbie Cuthrell and Stacey Bittner.

Nicole Hedderich, executive director of quality and risk management, received the medical center’s Leadership in Excellence Award, presented to a department head who exemplifies outstanding leadership skills and inspires others. Hedderich, who joined CalvertHealth in 2015, was recognized for her contributions to providing a safer environment for patients as well as demonstrating excellent leadership skills. Six other leaders were also nominated. They are Jessica Barker, Jennifer Beall, Greg Matthews, Shelley Morgan, Rich Pellegrino and Bobbie Vess.

The program, held at the Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort, also celebrated years of service. In all, 158 employees were honored for their combined 2,205 years of service to CalvertHealth. This includes nine retirees who together contributed 235 years. The top service award went to Marilyn Montgomery for 45 years of service.

In honor of the hospital’s 100th Anniversary, Teague also recognized several individuals who’ve had a significant impact on the hospital’s growth. Marine Thomas retired from CalvertHealth in 1995. She was honored in 1975 at the very first employee awards banquet, also held at the Rod ‘N’ Reel. Helen Marcellas, who celebrated her 99th birthday in March, was also recognized. She served as the hospital’s chief nurse and then administrator from 1942 until 1967. She and Bernie Fowler, Sr., also in attendance, are credited with facilitating many of the hospitals technological and physical advancements over the years. “As a County Commissioner, Bernie knew the need for exceptional health care in Calvert. When the hospital board didn’t have the funds to build the three-story facility in the 70s, Bernie Fowler found a way to make it happen,” said Teague.