Presenting Sponsor
The North Metro Healthcare Forum honors individuals and companies that are making an impact on the overall health of the community they serve or their company employees.
To view a list of previous award recipients, visit the document below.
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Award Sponsors
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2022 North metro healthcare
award categories & Recipients
A panel of healthcare executives from across the country selects each year’s recipients.
Nurse of the Year
The Nurse of the Year recognizes and honors a North Metro area nurse who has consistently shown dedication and commitment to providing exceptional patient care, pursuing excellence in nursing, and performing above expectations in the face of adversity. Examples: RN, LPN, CNA, APRN, CRNA, APN, CNS.
Honoree: Suzanne Harris | Conway Regional Health System
Sponsored by: Braswell & Son
Throughout her 17-year career, Suzanne Harris has worked tirelessly to care and advocate for her patients as well as her fellow nurses. In her role of director of medical/surgical and specialty services, her focus on fostering teamwork and creating an environment of consistency of practice and management has resulted in both higher employee engagement scores as well as patient satisfaction. She earned the title of one of AY Magazine’s Best Women in Healthcare in 2021 and was one of Faulkner Lifestyle Magazine’s 2021 Women in Business. Outside of work, she has organized special events in partnership with other community groups, such as the Drug Take Back Program in conjunction with the Conway Police Department, as well as food and diaper drives benefitting public food pantries and non-profit organizations.
The Nurse of the Year recognizes and honors a North Metro area nurse who has consistently shown dedication and commitment to providing exceptional patient care, pursuing excellence in nursing, and performing above expectations in the face of adversity. Examples: RN, LPN, CNA, APRN, CRNA, APN, CNS.
Honoree: Suzanne Harris | Conway Regional Health System
Sponsored by: Braswell & Son
Throughout her 17-year career, Suzanne Harris has worked tirelessly to care and advocate for her patients as well as her fellow nurses. In her role of director of medical/surgical and specialty services, her focus on fostering teamwork and creating an environment of consistency of practice and management has resulted in both higher employee engagement scores as well as patient satisfaction. She earned the title of one of AY Magazine’s Best Women in Healthcare in 2021 and was one of Faulkner Lifestyle Magazine’s 2021 Women in Business. Outside of work, she has organized special events in partnership with other community groups, such as the Drug Take Back Program in conjunction with the Conway Police Department, as well as food and diaper drives benefitting public food pantries and non-profit organizations.
Physician of the Year
The Physician of the Year award recognizes and honors a physician who has used their talents and skills to provide exceptional and compassionate care to the North Metro community. Examples: family physician, pediatrician, OB/GYN, psychiatry, osteopathy, chiropractic, anesthesiology, oncology, cardiology, neurosurgery.
Honoree: Dr. Greg Kendrick | Conway Regional Health System
Sponsored by: Conway Regional Physician Hospital Organization
Serving as director of the hospitalist program as well as the internal medicine residency program, Dr. Greg Kendrick has devoted more than 20 years serving the patients of Conway Regional Health System. Patients with a range of illnesses are admitted to the hospital each day, and Dr. Kendrick, along with his collaborative and diverse team of hospitalists have ensured they are treated with compassion, respect, and as though they were not just a patient, but a loved one. During his tenure with Conway Regional, Dr. Kendrick has also held the roles of co-leader of the Conway Regional Accountable Clinical Management group, as well as chief of staff, and currently serves as chairman of the Performance Improvement Committee. Along with his family, Dr. Kendrick is an active member of Conway’s First Baptist Church and is a supporter of local organizations such as K-Life, The Call, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Administrator of the Year
The Administrator of the Year recognizes and honors a member of a healthcare company's leadership team in the North Metro area who is dedicated to exceptional organizational quality, empowers their team, and has a passion for improving the community they serve. Examples: CEO, COO, CFO, CNO, Director, Vice President.
Honoree: April Bennett | Baptist Health Medical Center - Conway
With 19 years in the healthcare industry, April Bennett now serves as the chief nursing officer at Baptist Health-Conway. April approaches her profession as a ministry – to serve patients who are hurting, lonely, or struggling during their greatest time of need. She is a dedicated provider, caring not only for patients, but for her colleagues as well. Each day, she leads her team in the effort to create the best culture to practice, and receive exceptional, compassionate care. April has served on the boards for the Conway Public School Foundation as well as the Arkansas Nurses Association Board as the director for her region. Outside of work, she volunteers with teaching 1st through 6th graders with her church’s children’s ministry program.
The Administrator of the Year recognizes and honors a member of a healthcare company's leadership team in the North Metro area who is dedicated to exceptional organizational quality, empowers their team, and has a passion for improving the community they serve. Examples: CEO, COO, CFO, CNO, Director, Vice President.
Honoree: April Bennett | Baptist Health Medical Center - Conway
With 19 years in the healthcare industry, April Bennett now serves as the chief nursing officer at Baptist Health-Conway. April approaches her profession as a ministry – to serve patients who are hurting, lonely, or struggling during their greatest time of need. She is a dedicated provider, caring not only for patients, but for her colleagues as well. Each day, she leads her team in the effort to create the best culture to practice, and receive exceptional, compassionate care. April has served on the boards for the Conway Public School Foundation as well as the Arkansas Nurses Association Board as the director for her region. Outside of work, she volunteers with teaching 1st through 6th graders with her church’s children’s ministry program.
Healthcare Professional of the Year
The Healthcare Professional of the Year recognizes and honors an individual whose commitment to excellent service and professional guidance has positively affected the overall quality of healthcare in the North Metro region. Examples: first responder, EMT, hospital department staff, physician’s assistant, radiologist, lab technician, insurance expert, physical therapist.
Honoree: Melissa Allen | Conway Human Development Center
With a caseload of more than 450 residents and 800 employees, Melissa Allen’s work as technical consultant and general supervisor at Conway Human Development Center is both vast and unmatched. Providing her team with quality lab results for a population of this size could be seen as a daunting task in an ordinary year. With COVID-19 playing such a major role in our lives, Melissa’s workload expanded, not only placing her on the COVID team for CHDC, but with a statewide response team with the Department of Human Services as well. She helped develop procedures, standardized reports and processes for fellow DHS facilities as well as all five human development centers across the state. With her husband, Melissa volunteers as an outreach leader for Wooster First Baptist Church. They also partner with The Call as a foster family and are currently in the process of mentoring and adopting two teenagers.
The Healthcare Professional of the Year recognizes and honors an individual whose commitment to excellent service and professional guidance has positively affected the overall quality of healthcare in the North Metro region. Examples: first responder, EMT, hospital department staff, physician’s assistant, radiologist, lab technician, insurance expert, physical therapist.
Honoree: Melissa Allen | Conway Human Development Center
With a caseload of more than 450 residents and 800 employees, Melissa Allen’s work as technical consultant and general supervisor at Conway Human Development Center is both vast and unmatched. Providing her team with quality lab results for a population of this size could be seen as a daunting task in an ordinary year. With COVID-19 playing such a major role in our lives, Melissa’s workload expanded, not only placing her on the COVID team for CHDC, but with a statewide response team with the Department of Human Services as well. She helped develop procedures, standardized reports and processes for fellow DHS facilities as well as all five human development centers across the state. With her husband, Melissa volunteers as an outreach leader for Wooster First Baptist Church. They also partner with The Call as a foster family and are currently in the process of mentoring and adopting two teenagers.
Dental Professional of the Year
The Dental Professional of the Year recognizes and honors an individual whose work exemplifies their commitment to providing quality dental work, preventative care, as well as excellent customer service. Examples: Dentist, Oral Surgeon, Orthodontist, Hygienist.
Honoree: Dr. Ellen Turney | Ellen Turney's Dental Clinic
Sponsored by: Delta Dental
As both provider and owner of her clinic, Dr. Ellen Turney has been a devoted provider of dental care for over 35 years. Dr. Turney prides herself on caring for patients of all walks of life in a safe environment. Whether providing services to individuals or offering more broad support for community groups, Dr. Turney recognizes that providing care goes beyond providing services while a customer is in her clinic – she strives to advocate for their causes and celebrate their achievements as well. Numerous organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas, HAVEN, and Milestones Services, as well as countless individuals have benefitted from her service.
The Dental Professional of the Year recognizes and honors an individual whose work exemplifies their commitment to providing quality dental work, preventative care, as well as excellent customer service. Examples: Dentist, Oral Surgeon, Orthodontist, Hygienist.
Honoree: Dr. Ellen Turney | Ellen Turney's Dental Clinic
Sponsored by: Delta Dental
As both provider and owner of her clinic, Dr. Ellen Turney has been a devoted provider of dental care for over 35 years. Dr. Turney prides herself on caring for patients of all walks of life in a safe environment. Whether providing services to individuals or offering more broad support for community groups, Dr. Turney recognizes that providing care goes beyond providing services while a customer is in her clinic – she strives to advocate for their causes and celebrate their achievements as well. Numerous organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas, HAVEN, and Milestones Services, as well as countless individuals have benefitted from her service.
Mental Health Professional of the Year
Recognizes and honors an individual whose work exemplifies their commitment to providing quality mental health services and advocacy on behalf of their clientele. Examples: Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Therapist, Social Worker, Counselor
Honoree: Wendy Blackwood | Healing Path Counseling
Sponsored by: Conway Behavioral Health
Beginning her career in 2004, Wendy Blackwood has dedicated her time to helping people overcome traumatic events and experiences so are able to be present in their relationships. In 2005, Wendy opened her own practice offering counseling services to the community. We often look to our emergency responders and other professionals in times of crisis, but often forget that those that we look to for help are often left dealing with a traumatic experience. Wendy’s specialty is in working with other mental health professionals, medical professionals, business owners, educators and first responders, so they can continue to offer their best service and keep our communities running smoothly. Outside of her regular office hours, Wendy volunteers with the Trauma Recovery Network as well as the Arkansas Law Enforcement Assistance Program and currently serves on the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapists.
Recognizes and honors an individual whose work exemplifies their commitment to providing quality mental health services and advocacy on behalf of their clientele. Examples: Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Therapist, Social Worker, Counselor
Honoree: Wendy Blackwood | Healing Path Counseling
Sponsored by: Conway Behavioral Health
Beginning her career in 2004, Wendy Blackwood has dedicated her time to helping people overcome traumatic events and experiences so are able to be present in their relationships. In 2005, Wendy opened her own practice offering counseling services to the community. We often look to our emergency responders and other professionals in times of crisis, but often forget that those that we look to for help are often left dealing with a traumatic experience. Wendy’s specialty is in working with other mental health professionals, medical professionals, business owners, educators and first responders, so they can continue to offer their best service and keep our communities running smoothly. Outside of her regular office hours, Wendy volunteers with the Trauma Recovery Network as well as the Arkansas Law Enforcement Assistance Program and currently serves on the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapists.
Optical Professional of the Year
The Optical Professional of the Year recognizes and honors an individual whose work exemplifies their commitment to providing quality eye care as well as excellent customer service and contributions to their field. Examples: Optometrist, Ophthalmologist, Optician.
Honoree: Dr. Anna Fagan | Visioncare Arkansas
For the past three years, Dr. Anna Fagan has had the privilege to go to work each day and help people of all ages and walks of life see more clearly. From helping toddlers with their first pairs of glasses, removing metal from a welder’s eye, or offering encouragement to diabetic patients working to manage their blood sugar, each day’s work presents a new opportunity to serve her patients. Throughout her time in practice, Dr. Fagan’s goal has been to treat each patient as if they were a member of her own family. Outside of her work in the clinic, Dr. Fagan has been involved with the InfantSEE organization, giving her the ability to offer infants under one year of age a free eye exam, and to educate the parents on the importance of eye care an early detection of ocular diseases. She is also a member of the Arkansas Optometric Association, advocating eye health across the state.
The Optical Professional of the Year recognizes and honors an individual whose work exemplifies their commitment to providing quality eye care as well as excellent customer service and contributions to their field. Examples: Optometrist, Ophthalmologist, Optician.
Honoree: Dr. Anna Fagan | Visioncare Arkansas
For the past three years, Dr. Anna Fagan has had the privilege to go to work each day and help people of all ages and walks of life see more clearly. From helping toddlers with their first pairs of glasses, removing metal from a welder’s eye, or offering encouragement to diabetic patients working to manage their blood sugar, each day’s work presents a new opportunity to serve her patients. Throughout her time in practice, Dr. Fagan’s goal has been to treat each patient as if they were a member of her own family. Outside of her work in the clinic, Dr. Fagan has been involved with the InfantSEE organization, giving her the ability to offer infants under one year of age a free eye exam, and to educate the parents on the importance of eye care an early detection of ocular diseases. She is also a member of the Arkansas Optometric Association, advocating eye health across the state.
COVID Response Award
The COVID Response Award is presented to a hospital, pharmacy, urgent care, or specialty clinic that has excelled at sharing timely information, resources, and instruction while serving the public throughout the pandemic.
Honoree: University of Central Arkansas, Student Health Services
Sponsored by: Cintas
From the onset of COVID-19 in 2020, the team of professionals at the UCA Student Health Clinic, led by medical director, Dr. Randy Pastor, has helped shape every plan, response, and mitigation protocol that has allowed UCA to continue its operations throughout the pandemic. Framing recommendations with the guidance of healthcare professionals, Dr. Pastor has provided leadership and expertise coordinating with the Arkansas Department of Health and the Arkansas Department of Higher Education for proper protocols and tracing. The Student Health team worked diligently to develop procedures for UCA’s quarantine and isolation housing for students, which included cleaning protocols, and ensuring access to meals, as well as mental and physical health services. In addition to conducting over 20,000 tests for students, faculty, and staff, the team also ensured representatives from athletic groups were trained to meet all NCAA-mandated testing requirements. Telehealth visits, outdoor appointments, and countless phone calls were made to maintain communication and services to those who contracted the virus. With over 13,000 students, faculty and staff, the campus operates much like a small city. Dr. Pastor and the team at UCA Student Health Clinic worked tirelessly to offer services and care to their population.
The COVID Response Award is presented to a hospital, pharmacy, urgent care, or specialty clinic that has excelled at sharing timely information, resources, and instruction while serving the public throughout the pandemic.
Honoree: University of Central Arkansas, Student Health Services
Sponsored by: Cintas
From the onset of COVID-19 in 2020, the team of professionals at the UCA Student Health Clinic, led by medical director, Dr. Randy Pastor, has helped shape every plan, response, and mitigation protocol that has allowed UCA to continue its operations throughout the pandemic. Framing recommendations with the guidance of healthcare professionals, Dr. Pastor has provided leadership and expertise coordinating with the Arkansas Department of Health and the Arkansas Department of Higher Education for proper protocols and tracing. The Student Health team worked diligently to develop procedures for UCA’s quarantine and isolation housing for students, which included cleaning protocols, and ensuring access to meals, as well as mental and physical health services. In addition to conducting over 20,000 tests for students, faculty, and staff, the team also ensured representatives from athletic groups were trained to meet all NCAA-mandated testing requirements. Telehealth visits, outdoor appointments, and countless phone calls were made to maintain communication and services to those who contracted the virus. With over 13,000 students, faculty and staff, the campus operates much like a small city. Dr. Pastor and the team at UCA Student Health Clinic worked tirelessly to offer services and care to their population.
COVID Compliance Award
The COVID Compliance Award recognizes and honors a business or community organization that has maintained operations while following safety guidelines in order to provide quality service in a safe atmosphere throughout the pandemic.
Honoree: Conway Regional Health System
Sponsored by: Centennial Bank
For more than 100 years, Conway Regional Health System has been recognized as a dependable provider of quality care in our region. Throughout their legacy, they overcame unexpected challenges and responded to the community’s needs after floods, tornadoes, and other disasters. In 2020, the Conway Regional team faced another challenge – a global pandemic. Through innovation, collaboration, and resilience, they faced the challenges presented by COVID-19. From drive-through testing, to telemedicine appointments, and caring who contracted the virus, the staff expanded and adapted operations to care for the community’s needs while maintaining standards of excellence for employee and patient safety.
The COVID Compliance Award recognizes and honors a business or community organization that has maintained operations while following safety guidelines in order to provide quality service in a safe atmosphere throughout the pandemic.
Honoree: Conway Regional Health System
Sponsored by: Centennial Bank
For more than 100 years, Conway Regional Health System has been recognized as a dependable provider of quality care in our region. Throughout their legacy, they overcame unexpected challenges and responded to the community’s needs after floods, tornadoes, and other disasters. In 2020, the Conway Regional team faced another challenge – a global pandemic. Through innovation, collaboration, and resilience, they faced the challenges presented by COVID-19. From drive-through testing, to telemedicine appointments, and caring who contracted the virus, the staff expanded and adapted operations to care for the community’s needs while maintaining standards of excellence for employee and patient safety.
Community Impact Award
Recognizes an organization or individual who has shown a commitment to a particular cause through community outreach efforts, increasing general awareness, fundraising events or other service projects. Examples: fundraising events such as auctions, fairs or races; medical/dental services provided to the public; other events or campaigns designed to increase funding and/or awareness to aid in the fight against a particular disease or condition.
Honoree: Faulkner County Library - Conway
Led by director, John McGraw, the Faulkner County Library System has been a long-standing provider of resources for the communities it serves. From books and media, to community programs and instruction, area residents have utilized the library for everything from leisure and entertainment to peace and quiet. When faced with a global pandemic, the organization quickly realized that business could not carry on as usual and ensure safety for staff and customers. Quick to adapt, the organization implemented a new style of services allowing continued access to the library’s resources, and much more. As the public faced lockdown, the library offered a sense of routine and connection. It became not only a source of literature, but of information, resources, COVID testing kits, and vaccination clinics.
Recognizes an organization or individual who has shown a commitment to a particular cause through community outreach efforts, increasing general awareness, fundraising events or other service projects. Examples: fundraising events such as auctions, fairs or races; medical/dental services provided to the public; other events or campaigns designed to increase funding and/or awareness to aid in the fight against a particular disease or condition.
Honoree: Faulkner County Library - Conway
Led by director, John McGraw, the Faulkner County Library System has been a long-standing provider of resources for the communities it serves. From books and media, to community programs and instruction, area residents have utilized the library for everything from leisure and entertainment to peace and quiet. When faced with a global pandemic, the organization quickly realized that business could not carry on as usual and ensure safety for staff and customers. Quick to adapt, the organization implemented a new style of services allowing continued access to the library’s resources, and much more. As the public faced lockdown, the library offered a sense of routine and connection. It became not only a source of literature, but of information, resources, COVID testing kits, and vaccination clinics.
