Haywood Regional recognizes service milestones of 110 employees, totaling 1,345 years of dedication to local healthcare

Haywood Regional Medical Center (HRMC) celebrated the dedication and service of its team members during its annual Service Awards banquet, held Oct. 8 at Lake Junaluska's Warren Center.

The special evening brought together employees, their guests, and hospital leadership to recognize the individuals who have devoted years of their careers to caring for patients and serving Haywood County. The celebration included dinner, fellowship, and an opportunity to reflect on the lasting contributions of team members who have helped shape HRMC over the years.

In 2026, 110 employees are celebrating milestone anniversaries, representing a remarkable 1,345 combined years of service. These milestones are recognized in five-year increments, ranging from five to 45 years. The banquet provided an opportunity to celebrate many of this year's honorees in person, while recognizing the contributions of all employees reaching service milestones throughout the year.

"One of the things that makes Haywood Regional so special is the people who have chosen to build their careers here," said Sue Shugart, FACHE, CPPS, chief executive officer of HRMC. "Many of our team members have spent years, and even decades, caring for their neighbors, supporting one another, and making a difference in the lives of the families we serve. Their dedication is something we never take for granted. It is a privilege to recognize these milestones and celebrate the incredible people who make our hospital what it is today."

For HRMC, the annual Service Awards celebration is more than a recognition of years worked. It is an opportunity to honor the relationships built, the lives touched, and the shared commitment to caring for the community. From those celebrating their first five-year milestone to longtime employees whose careers span decades, each honoree represents an important part of the hospital's history and future.

2026 service award honorees include:

5 Years: Angela Gore, Arnold Silverberg, Barbara Westlake, Bayley Hooper, Brian Haycook, Brooke Franklin, Brooklyn Galyean, Carrie Falk, Charlee Fox, Chelsea Garrett, Christina Foosness, Christopher Wallis, Destinee West, Donna Garrett, Elisabeth Michael, Elizabeth Moses, Ivy Whatley, Jane Queen, Jessica Depietto, Jessica Stiles, Jolie Baker, Joseph Canosa, Justina Goodman, Karen Branch, Karin Nucci, Kelly McMahan, Leaha Wilmoth, Lora Brown, Luke Bidikov, Michael Devlin, Miranda Dye, Nancy Johnson, Rebekah Mallory, Rebecca Evans, Robin Johnston Blair, Rosa Miller, Sara Webber, Sarah Haynes, Sarah Kauk, Sarah Risch, Stephanie Warren, Treavor Riley, Trisha Piero, and Veronica Romero.

10 Years: Andria Smith, Anna Mooney, Brenda Gaddis, Chelsie Villalobos, Denise Smith, Elisabeth Trantham, Heather Howell, Irma Beck-Montgomery, Johnathan Breedlove, Karen Lynn Sellards, Kelsey Elders, Kirsten Arrowood, Lacey Sterrett, Laura Siverling, Lori Clancy, Megan Rose, Michelle Sneed, Paige Green, Rebecca Ingle, Sarah Davis, Timothy Nitchman, and Tori Heatherly.

15 Years: Amanda Williams, Angie Penley, Barbara Singleton, Bobbie Smith, Cathy Lee, Daniel Moore, Denise McCracken, Diane Shaneyfelt, Jacquelyn Revis, Joshua Rudd, Leigh Lindsey, Nathan Wines, Patricia Clark, Rachel Hyatt, Rachel Trantham, Stephanie Gann, Tamberlyn Hannah, and Tracy Bishop.

20 Years: Al Newkirk, Ann Kline, April Holcombe, Christina Crump, Donna Franklin, Edward Warren, Jennifer Zahn, John Hays, Julia D. Visosky-Connor, Karen Hollingsed, Kevin Nelson, Lisa Cook, Shirley Cagle, and Stephen Plemmons.

25 Years: Barbie Champion, Bethany Moore, Donna Cutshaw, Jason Woodbery, Jessie Barrett, Michelle Pitts, and Rebecca Mashburn.

30 Years: Lorenda Phillips and Sheila Reece.

35 Years: Michael Green.

40 Years: Tracy Long.

45 Years: Nancy Rogers.

Haywood Regional Medical Center extends its sincere appreciation and congratulations to all employees celebrating service milestones in 2026. Their years of dedication reflect a shared commitment to making communities healthier and a legacy of service that continues to strengthen the hospital and the community it serves.