Two Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center employees were recognized for their outstanding leadership while three others were honored for 40 years of service as Sierra Vista recently recognized 116 long-term employees at its annual Employee Service Awards Dinner.

The 2009 Sierra Vista Leadership Awards went to Judy Taylor, a physical therapist and Christina Newsom, unit secretary on the Critical Care Unit. Both were cited for: exemplifying leadership qualities and behavior work that motivates others; demonstrating self-confidence; finding creative solutions; demonstrating good communication skills, the ability to inspire others; a desire to lead; ability to make decisions; and, for having a positive influence on others.

"These employees exemplified the ability to identify a problem and find a solution while motivating and inspiring others around them," said Candy Markwith, Sierra Vistas’s Chief Executive Officer.

The year was 1970 and three Sierra Vista employees who were entertained by the Beatles "Let It Be" and Simon & Garfunkel’s "Bridge Over Troubled Water," while watching Patton and Mash at the movies, started work at the hospital. Janette Jones, RN (Emergency Department), Barbara Pruitt, RN (Medical/Surgical Unit) and Ruth Tonkin, RN (Recovery) were honored for 40 years of service at Sierra Vista, now in its 50th year of operation. In all, 113 other employees were recognized for years of service ranging from five to 35.

Sue Fortier, RN (Trauma Manager), was honored for her selection as a 2010 Tenet Hero, for her work educating local college and high school students on the dangers of driving while intoxicated and responsible drinking.

Fortier's recognition was announced last month at the annual Tenet Strategy Conference held in Dallas during the Circle of Excellence ceremony where Sierra Vista was also honored as a 2010 Tenet Circle of Excellence recipient.