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Whether it’s through team member recognition awards or celebrations such as UVA Health Week, Fall Back Celebration, or End of Year Celebration — UVA Health makes it a priority to celebrate our team members and all the hard work they're doing.

Often, instead of participating in the festivities, three teams — Environmental Services (EVS), Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), and Rewards and Recognition (R&R) — develop and operationalize those events. Starting this year, the offices of UVA Health University Medical Center Chief Operating Officer Min Lee, MBA, MHA, and UVA Health Chief of Human Resources Karmen Fittes, MBA, partnered to develop an event that celebrates these teams, too!

To get 2024 off to a great start in January, they hosted the first celebration recognizing these teams through the event called Garden of Appreciation. Similar to the annual End of Year Celebration, guests enjoyed catering, decorations, music, and fun. EVS, FNS, and R&R teams had no role in planning or running this event, which allowed their team members to experience the festivities, be celebrated, and feel recognized!

“As I witnessed the annual End of Year celebration unfold and the joy spread across the University Medical Center campus, I came to the realization that it was possible because of the dedication and commitment of our EVS, FNS, and R&R teams," says Lee. "These team members didn’t have the opportunity to participate in the celebration, so I wanted to ensure we took the time to thank them and give them some time to get off of their feet and enjoy a good meal. I’m heartened and inspired by their daily contributions and also by the number of leaders who stepped up to volunteer at this new event to serve these team members lunch.”

Agrees Fittes: “The EVS, FNS, and R&R teams bring smiles and happiness to UVA Health! They have a huge and positive impact on our team members — probably bigger than they realize — and our healthcare community is better because of them. They have our gratitude and applause! The Garden of Appreciation event was heartfelt and heartwarming. My deepest thanks for everything these teams do each and every day.” 

Leaders serving or thanking guests included Wendy Horton, CEO, UVA Health University Medical Center; Abdi Somo, CAO, UVA Health University Medical Center; Tracey Hoke, MD, Chief Quality and Performance Improvement and Acting Chief, Population Health; Reid Adams, MD, Chief Medical Officer; Mike Marquardt, Chief Financial Officer; Karin Skeen, UVA Health Children's and Women's Inpatient Services and Associate Chief Nursing Officer; Veronica Brill, Associate Chief Nursing Officer; Novella Thompson, Population Health; Rachel Nauman, Ambulatory Nursing; Glenn Wasson, Analytics; James Carnes, Radiology; Bush Bell, Hospitality and Support Services — along with Khaing Phoo, Hannah Hawthorne, and Rena Cohen-Kurzrock, Administrative Fellows; and Liza Khutsishvili, Strategy Analyst.

William “Bill” Lombardi, Center for Advanced Practice, was among those leaders helping to staff the event. “Any opportunity we can take to recognize team members who support us every day — it’s a great thing!”

Elizabeth Feola, Rewards and Recognition Specialist, has been working at UVA Health for 14 years. “It was really nice to be on the other end as the recipient of recognition,” she says of attending the event. “It’s much appreciated!”

Her sentiment was echoed by FNS team members Bela Szuromi, Purchasing Specialist — working for UVA Health for nearly a decade — and Demetrius Banks, Patient Dining Associate.

Daiquandra Harris, also a Patient Dining Associate, has been in her role a month, but already is raving about her colleagues: “We have such a great team at UVA Health!”

Corey DiLuciano has served as Senior Food and Nutrition Director, FNS, for eight years. “Thank you so much for organizing this lovely event for our team members,” he says. “We're all humbled by the generosity and time spent by the senior leaders who helped serve our team, and stayed to celebrate with us. I cannot thank you enough. We are proud to be on this UVA Health team!”

George Minor, Rewards and Recognition Specialist, has been with UVA Health for 17 years. “R&R has always worked to recognize others and it felt good to be on the receiving end and to be recognized,” he explains. “It means a lot someone took the time to recognize the team!”

2024 Garden of Appreciation