Saint Joseph Hospital Honors Outstanding Staff With Employee, Leader of the Year Awards for 2020

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 1, 2020) – Saint Joseph Hospital has announced its 2020 Employee of the Year and Leader of the Year award recipients. Andrea Maynard, of Lexington, supervisor of Rehab Therapy Services, and Christy Browning, RN, CEN, of Wellington, were presented with Employee of the Year awards. Vickie Heierman, of Lexington, director of Rehab Services, was named Leader of the Year. Vickie Heierman was also named CHI Saint Joseph Health’s overall Leader of the Year for 2020.

Saint Joseph Hospital annually recognizes one outstanding Employee of the Year who demonstrates the core values of reverence, integrity, compassion and excellence. This year, there were two recipients.

“Andrea is driven to do her best as an individual, in patient care, as a team leader and as a mentor,” a nominator said. “She communicates well with co-workers and staff. She is a good steward and encourages others to be as well.”

Maynard’s colleagues say she leads by example, treating all employees and patients with dignity and respect regardless of gender, race, age or socioeconomic status. Of particular note is Maynard’s dedication to the Haitian community. She has participated in several mission trips to Haiti to help build homes, teach and provide medical services, and has even learned to speak Creole to improve her ability to communicate.

Browning was also a recipient of an Employee of the Year award.

“Christy never fails to show compassion to her patients, their families, visitors and her co-workers,” a nominator said. “She sees and treats people holistically, always finds a silver lining, demonstrates perpetual patience and respect, and never fails to find a kind word or action to soothe her patients and families in crisis. She truly has a heart of gold.”

Browning is the only Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) on her floor, and actively works to educate patients on the processes and procedures taking place. Her colleagues say her dedication to education and collaboration also means that she is an excellent resource for new members of the team.

Similarly, Saint Joseph Hospital annually presents one employee serving in a managerial position with the Leader of the Year award. Selection criteria include an outstanding demonstration of leadership led by CHI Saint Joseph Health’s core values of reverence, integrity, compassion and excellence. This year, the hospital recognizes Vickie Heierman.

“Vickie always complies to our mission and does what is asked of her,” said a nominator. “Recently the rehab director at Saint Joseph East retired, and when asked, Vickie started filling in with their Rehabilitation Department as well. Even though she now works at various facilities, you never hear her complain. Vickie does all that is asked of her and truly shines our mission.”

Even after 41 years at Saint Joseph Hospital, Heierman continues to take on new roles and supports the community in a variety of ways. Whether she’s playing the flute in a band during Spirit Week or collecting canned goods for a local giving program, Heierman is eager to be a leader who is active in all areas of the community.

All award winners were recognized during a special virtual ceremony.

About CHI Saint Joseph Health
CHI Saint Joseph Health, part of Catholic Health Initiatives, is one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with 135 locations in 20 counties, including hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes and home health agencies. In total, the health system serves patients in 35 counties statewide. CHI Saint Joseph Health is dedicated to building healthier communities by elevating patient care through an integrated physical and behavioral health delivery system. CHI Saint Joseph Health embodies a strong mission and faith-based heritage and works through local partnerships to expand access to care in the communities it serves.

About Saint Joseph Hospital
Saint Joseph Hospital is a 433-bed hospital located in Lexington, KY. Established in 1877 by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in Kentucky, the facility serves residents of central and eastern Kentucky and is a nationally recognized tertiary medical center. Saint Joseph Hospital is Lexington’s first hospital. The hospital’s original mission was to provide compassionate care to the poor and underserved – a tradition still carried out today.

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