Ms. Gurley named Administrative Professional of Year at Cherry
By Bonnie Edwards
Published in News on April 30, 2006 2:04 AM
Kay Gurley was named Cherry Hospital's Administrative Professional of the Year for 2006.
The office assistant in the social work department is so popular three people nominated her for the honor, which was bestowed on her during an event last week at the hospital. This is the second year employees at Cherry have held the morning-long event, Administrative Professionals Day, which ended with lunch and information booths provided by area businesses.
There were 28 nominations for the honor this year.
One of the people who nominated Ms. Gurley praised her flair for decorating for special events and making homemade goodies for departmental meetings and other special occasions.
"Just last week she took photographs and within 24 hours had created a table top display on social work services for me to take to a career fair," said Janet Johnson, her program director. "Kay is always ready to lend a hand."
Ms. Gurley even involves her family, said Ms. Johnson. She has recruited her son several times to help with projects and her husband to bring coffee and donuts.
"Kay is truly a blessing to me, my department and to this hospital at large," she said. "I hope we never lose her."
Two co-workers also lauded Ms. Gurley's willingness to help out in whatever way she can.
"She has boundless energy and creativity," said June Waller, who praised her for her compassion and supportiveness. "She doesn't shy away from any task. She is a team player."
David White of staff development praised Ms. Gurley for her dedication.
"These are our unsung heroes of the hospital," he said. "They do so much that no one sees or hears about. Many perform tasks outside of their departments that only their supervisor, or maybe one other person knows about. These accomplishments are completed throughout the year, and some are forgotten when it comes time for nominations."