The Emory Eye Center closed out 2023 with a new tradition whose time was long overdue: the announcement of Yearly Staff Awards. From Employee of the Year to the Hidden GEM, these awards recognized accomplishments big and small that might have gone overlooked in the hustle-and-bustle of providing vision care to more than 100,000 patients each year.
"It's no secret among the clinical and research faculty that our staff play an integral role in our success," said F. Phinizy Calhoun Sr. Chair Allen D. Beck, the director of the Emory Eye Center. "These awards make it clear that we are only as strong as our team members."
The Beckster: Named after the department chair, this de facto Employee of the Year award was bestowed on technical project manager Chris Kelley, "whose calm, can-do spirit has helped the department thrive through numerous technological evolutions over the last 28 years - from basic email, to three different electronic medical record systems, and the integration of eye photography and visual fields into the EMR. In awarding the honor, Beck commended Kelley for "being loyal, level-headed, devoted, service-focused and an invaluable mentor and teacher."
"No matter how complicated, Chris has demonstrated a great commitment to educating and empowering others. He has made a profound impact on the growth and development of every aspects of the department.”
The Beaker Half-Full Award: This award went to research laboratory manager Micah Chrenek, who was lauded for being "the heart and soul of our research department" and a staffer who "consistently demonstrates sound decision making, and reasoning." His ability to troubleshoot instrumentation and support several sponsored funding projects has kept the research division working to its full potential.
Excellence in Leadership Award. This honor was bestowed on human resources lead Laura Brewer, for her "outstanding efforts to contribute to the success of the Emory Eye Center through their leadership and service. " Brewer was lauded for promoting the Emory Eye Center's mission and vision at the department level, and for serving as a role model for others. She demonstrates transformative, innovative, and inclusive leadership skills by empowering groups and fostering effective change to contribute to the success of Emory Eye Center."
Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award. This award was given to residency coordinator Tracey Yancey for her tireless efforts to create an inclusive climate at the Emory Eye Center, characterized by organizational equity through leveraging the varied attributes of diversity in our community.”
Service Champion Award. This award was given to PSCII Malcolm Emerson in recognition of "excellence in service, collaboration with others, and dedication to Emory Eye Center's community values and exceptional performance."
Innovation Award. This award was given to fellowship and medical student coordinator KimberLe' Parker, for her efforts to “drive creativity and innovation in the areas of research, education, or clinical care, resulting in increased efficiency, decreased costs, or increased customer satisfaction at Emory Eye Center.
G.E.M. (Going the Extra Mile) Award. This award went to lead ophthalmic tech Nicole Covington, in recognition of her efforts to "go above and beyond the routine call of duty to make significant, positive impacts on the Emory Eye Center while exhibiting a commitment to excellence."
Patient Whisperer. This award went to visual fields tech Sergine Elekwa, in recognition of the "steady, calm, and focused attention she maintains while assisting upset patients or troubleshooting questions. Sergine is everyone's go-to for problem-solving and always finds a solution while ensuring the patient is receiving excellent care."
Unsung Hero: This award went to patient care coordinator Melanie Smith 'for positively impacting Emory Eye Center behind the scenes. She is consistently overachieving, but never demands recognition. She is always going above and beyond without being asked."
Team Player. This award went to a team of employees - Kanika Vaughn (patient care coordinator), Zina Robinson (vision associate), Shanice Barnes (ophthalmic assistant), Martin Reed (priority experience specialist), Shayla Russell (ophthalmic photographer) - who, collectively, "demonstrate a strong commitment to the team's goals, communicates effectively with other members, and willingly collaborates and cooperates to achieve common objectives. These employees are supportive, reliable, and willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done with a positive attitude."
Fast & Furious. This award went to orthoptist Peyton Hundley, whose dedication to learning and growing in her position was outstanding. "She is self-motivated, pro-active and always has a strong desire to succeed. From the day she started, she dove headfirst into making Emory Eye Center better. She is not deterred by challenges, but instead, uses them as opportunities for learning and development."