Staff Member Recognized as Employee of the Year by Governor’s Committee
9/19/2024
Gadsden, AL, September 19, 2024 - Hunter Davis, a patient transporter at Gadsden Regional Medical Center, has been named Employee of the Year for Large Business by the Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities in conjunction with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services.
“It’s truly inspiring to have dedicated individuals like Hunter on our team at Gadsden Regional,” stated Mark Dooley, FACHE, CEO of Gadsden Regional Medical Center. “The commitment of our staff significantly enhances the experiences of both our patients and visitors. We take pride in having Hunter as a valued member of our team.”
During an annual October ceremony in Montgomery, AL, in recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Davis will be presented the award by Governor Kay Ivey where he will also be joined by leadership from Gadsden Regional. Hunter graduated from the 2021-2022 Project SEARCH class with a strong aspiration to work at Gadsden Regional. During the program, he completed his first rotation in the cafeteria and his second as a patient transporter. He was offered a job in transport only two months after his second rotation began.
"I will always remember the day he was offered the job—he was glowing with joy, and I felt the same! It has been a pleasure to witness his growth into the remarkable person and employee he has become today. All it takes is an opportunity, and I am incredibly thankful to those who provided Hunter with that chance." said Katie Browning, BSW, skills training instructor/WIOA case manager with Etowah County Project SEARCH.
Project SEARCH is a free unique business-led transition program for young adults ages 18-24 who are currently experiencing life with a developmental or physical disability. It provides individuals who want to work a chance to explore careers and develop transferable job skills through an internship at Gadsden Regional Medical Center. Project SEARCH places young adults in real-world situations where they learn all aspects of gaining and maintaining a job. This process of immersion facilitates the teaching and learning of new work skills on a real worksite.
“His genuine care and dedication were evident from day one, and it quickly became clear that he had a special gift for making patients feel at ease. Whether it was a reassuring smile or a few kind words, Hunter always knew how to connect and brighten someone's day,” said Penny Dobbins, director of imaging and transport. “Over these past 2 ½ years, he has grown into a cornerstone of our team, consistently going above and beyond to ensure that patients receive the best possible care during their transport.”
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