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Compiled by John Brieske, Pulse managing editor. Do you work with someone who’s an exceptional leader? If so, please send email to jbrieske@ajc.com.
Current job: Nurse manager of the ambulatory care and the post anesthesia care units at Piedmont Henry Hospital.
Family: Sons, Stephen, 24, and Benjamin, 22; daughter, Amanda, 19.
What makes a good leader? "Being a good leader is multifaceted. I believe it starts with a good foundation: education and skills to equip you with the knowledge you need to do your job and do it well. Building on this, you need a heartfelt commitment and a strong initiative to want to make a positive difference in those around you, maintaining focus even under the negative pressures and obstacles that come your way.
“Along with this comes respect… respect for those around you regardless of their position [or] title. I have the deepest respect for my staff and they know that I not only stand behind them, but beside them. Then you take every facet — the education, the skills, the initiative, the commitment, the respect — and you saturate the entirety with compassion and sprinkle a bit of light-heartedness on top. That makes a good leader.
“I cannot leave this question without adding that a good leader is never a single accomplishment. The inner guidance from my God, and the contributions and kinship from the awesome nurses and staff that I have been appointed to oversee, help to make me all the more better in my role as a leader. In addition, the support and encouragement from my director and administration have made a huge difference. I am truly blessed and thankful .”
What are you most proud of in your career? "I taught first grade and music for four years before I decided to go back to school to pursue my desire to become a nurse. I am proud of the fact that I fulfilled that goal, and in doing so, have been afforded the opportunity to be in the position I am today."
Who has inspired or mentored you? "There are many people who have touched my life along the way. But my interest in health care and my aspiration to follow down the path of nursing began as a child.
“My mother, who is 85 years old, still independent and very active, is a retired nurse. I grew up listening to her stories and truly felt her love for what she did. She made a difference in the lives of many, and I wanted to do the same.”
What's your favorite thing to do away from work? "I love music, whether it's just listening, or playing my piano, or going to a concert/show with a close friend. Along with that is my love for travelling and spending time with my family."
"Who's your favorite fictional nurse? Why? "I suppose it would be Maj. Margaret Houlihan from "M*A*S*H." Although she came across like Ms. Tough Woman, which I am not necessarily advocating, she was well-educated and she backed up her nurses 100 percent."
What's your favorite guilty pleasure? "I am a night person, so staying out half the night and then being able to sleep the morning away is great fun! It just doesn't happen very often anymore."
Tell us something that nobody at work knows about you: "I saw the late Ernest Borgnine in his boxer shorts back in my college days. I was on tour with the concert choir from Atlanta Christian College. One of our journeys took us through Savannah.
“We happened upon a movie being filmed there starring the late Ernest Borgnine. As we passed by, there he was standing in his boxer shorts. It is one of those fun memories that surfaces occasionally still, and makes me smile.”
