Employee Choice Awards Winners 2023
On Saturday, April 15, our Artesia General Hospital community gathered to celebrate the winners of our 2023 Employee Choice Awards. This special initiative recognizes team members who consistently go above and beyond for their neighbors, patients, families and each other.
The awards are particularly meaningful because winners are nominated by their colleagues and members of the community who have witnessed their incredible work—a testament to the collaborative, supportive culture among employees and patients alike at Artesia General Hospital.
“Our team is truly the heartbeat of Artesia General Hospital,” says Joe P. Salgado, MD, CEO. “I’ve never met a more talented group of individuals who, together, lift each other higher and strengthen both our organization and the health of our community. I’m proud to recognize those who lead by example and embody our hospital’s core values.”
Congratulations to all nominees and the following winners of this year’s Choice Awards!
Rising Star Award Winners
This award is presented to employees in any department who have demonstrated exceptional promise and made a significant impact on the organization.
Ty Copeland, Materials Management
Ty has been with Artesia General Hospital for almost two years. He is described as a quick and eager learner who genuinely cares about the success of others. He is not afraid of failure and remains calm and collected under pressure. Importantly, Ty is reliable and ensures that every request is attended to and completed with the utmost attention to detail.
His nominator shared: “Ty wants the best for the hospital, its patients and the employees who work here. He is the definition of an employee who leads by example and follows our mission.”
Deion Wesson, Clinic Manager, Memorial Family Practice
Deion has been with Artesia General Hospital for four years. He is regarded as a bright shining star and a natural leader. His commitment to the organization and professionalism are exemplary. He is continuously learning and adapts well to any changes and challenges he faces.
His nominator shared: “Deion actively engages employees to guide them and teach them. He demonstrates respectfulness and is always courteous to our patients and employees.”
Golden Stethoscope (Clinical Staff) Award Winners
This award is presented to clinical care employees who exhibit teamwork and outstanding dedication to their colleagues, patients, and to the advancement of their profession.
Chelsie Tweedy, LPN for Laurie Crockett, NP, Memorial Family Practice
Chelsie has been with Artesia General Hospital for 1.5 years. She is known to consistently go above and beyond the call of duty. She has a great team attitude, not only with her Nurse Pratitioner, Laurie, but with others at the practice. Her positive, professional demeanor and compassion toward others make her the perfect fit for Women’s Services.
Her nominator shared: “When a patient speaks to Chelsie, she provides her full attention and follows through with the patient and with Laurie. To me, a caring attitude, a nice smile and being completely present with our patients allow her clinic, her department and our hospital to achieve our goals!”
Jewell Garrett, RN, Emergency Room
Jewell has been with Artesia General Hospital for four years. She is always ready to lend a helping hand to her co-workers, and gives her all to her patients. She is both a leader and an educator, and is admired for her commitment to uplifting every member of her team—while always looking for ways to improve the patient experience.
Her nominator shared: “Jewell is caring to patients and staff. She will go above and beyond for patients if they are having a hard time. She helps her colleagues feel important and regularly checks in on them.”
Golden Stethoscope (Medical Staff) Award Winner
This award is presented to Medical Staff employees who exhibit teamwork and outstanding dedication to their colleagues, patients and to the advancement of their profession.
Matt Kaiser, PA, Memorial Family Practice
Matt has been with Artesia General Hospital for five years this coming July. He is described as patient, kind and a hard worker. His patients trust and rely on him because he takes the time to make everyone feel heard, understood and comfortable. Matt leads by example—always ready to tackle anything that comes his way with a smile on his face.
His nominator shared: “Matt is a daily example of what patient-centered care should look like. Our mission as a hospital is to treat patients in our community and the neighboring communities. Matt goes the extra mile each day, and I am grateful he is a part of our team.”
Going the Extra Mile (GEM) Award Winner
This prestigious recognition is given to employees in any department who demonstrate leadership, dedication commitment, and years of service; who have achieved individual and team milestones; and who have contributed to the mission, vision and values of Artesia General Hospital.
Linda Poindexter, Director of Billing and Patient Access (Admissions)
Linda has been with Artesia General Hospital for 1.5 years. She is known to always offer her assistance—no request is too big or too small. And while she has a wealth of knowledge about her field, she is also willing to learn and share her expertise with others. For patients, Linda consistently makes it a top priority to meet their unique needs.
Her nominator shared: “I’ve witnessed Linda with families of loved ones who are hospitalized and not doing well. Linda doesn’t make false promises; she comforts the family and spends time with them to see how she can help.”
To share your own story of a great employee at Artesia General Hospital, please submit it here: Celebrate Employees Form