Merit Health Natchez Names Employee, Managers and Volunteer of the Year

1/31/2020

Highest Honors Given for 2019 Award Winners

NATCHEZ, Miss. –January 30, 2020 — Merit Health Natchez has named the following 2019 award winners: Johnny Guice, Planner, Facilities Management is Employee of the Year; Dianne Parker, Director of Health Information Management is Non-Clinical Manager of the Year; Shannon Russ, Nurse Director of Emergency Services is Clinical Manager of the Year; and Joyce Washington Ivery is Volunteer of the Year. These awards are the highest honors bestowed on a hospital employee and volunteer each year, and they were chosen from approximately 500 employees and 30 volunteers.

“These award winners truly represent service and operational excellence in their delivery of great patient care. People who work in health care share the common desire to help others and make a difference in people’s lives. It’s a pleasure to recognize Johnny, Dianne, Shannon and Mrs. Washington Ivery for all they do to provide a great environment of care for our patients and all of our providers - teamwork, dedication and compassion,” said Lance Boyd, CEO of Merit Health Natchez.

Johnny Guice has worked three years with the hospital, working to ensure the building and physical plant are in top condition. According to his co-workers, he is always willing to help employees with building and maintenance issues and does so with patience and a smile. He helps create a work environment that is fun and productive. Jason Lynch, Director of Facilities Management, concurs. “Johnny is instrumental in our success of keeping the facility operational, safe, and efficient; and he is a tremendous team player and ambassador for Merit Health Natchez.”

As Director of Health Information Management (HIM), Dianne Parker is well respected for her wealth of knowledge, expertise and performance drawn from her 35 years of medical records experience. Her employees and co-workers describe her as one of the smartest people they know, the best boss ever, a great teacher and highly professional and protective of patients privacy and protected health information. Amelia Conner, CFO of Merit Health Natchez, could not agree more. “Dianne is always humble about her knowledge, which makes employees feel comfortable asking questions. She is a compassionate director and a key asset to our team,” said Conner.

As Nurse Director of Emergency Services, Shannon Russ is highly respected among her employees for her leadership skills, support and willingness to roll up her sleeves and work side by side with them. With 32 years in the ER setting, medical professionals value Russ’ critical thinking skills and her ability to remain calm and provide leadership and teamwork in stressful situations. Lee Hinson, Chief Nursing Officer, credits Russ and her ability to lead by example for the retention of team members in her department. “Shannon’s staff is fiercely loyal to her, helping us create a staff of seasoned emergency room nurses. She is an integral part of our Emergency Management, Chest Pain, Stroke and Trauma teams, just to name a few; and we are fortunate to have her experience and knowledge leading our emergency services,” concluded Hinson.

Joyce Washington Ivery has been has been giving unselfishly of her time and talents as a hospital volunteer for the past 19 years, donating over 1,300 hours of her time to the hospital. As a retired social worker, 30 year breast cancer survivor and CEO and founder of the Edna B. and Joyce Fay Washington Breast Cancer Foundation, compassion, caring and giving back have always been key attributes in her life. “Ms. Joyce is very special to us and is faithful to helping in our hospital gift shop. She is known for her professional, refined appearance with a beautiful hat to match every outfit. Customers love her and we are so fortunate to have her,” said Yvonne Eidt, Gift Shop Coordinator.

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