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Maria Parham’s Emilee Johnson Among Finalists For Lifepoint’s Companywide Mercy Award

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— Information courtesy of Maria Parham Health

Emilee Johnson, Maria Parham Health’s 2026 Mercy Award recipient, is one of 50 finalists vying for the companywide Mercy Award.

Johnson will represent Maria Parham Health at Lifepoint Health’s annual Mercy Award celebration this fall in Nashville, TN, where the finalists will be recognized for their contributions to their communities and to their healthcare organizations.

With 23 years of employment at Maria Parham, Johnson currently is vice president of Operations. She began her career as an occupational therapist and had had key roles at the hospital over the years.

“Emilee embodies the very spirit of the Mercy Award through her unwavering compassion and commitment to caring for others,” said Bert Beard, FACHE, CEO of Maria Parham Health and Person Memorial Hospital. “Her dedication makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients, our team and the community we serve. We are incredibly proud to see her recognized at this level.”

The Mercy Award selection committee reviewed an extraordinary group of local recipients from across the country, narrowing the field to a distinguished group of finalists who exemplify compassion, dedication and service, according to information from Donna Young, with Maria Parham Health’s Marketing and Communications office.

The Mercy Award honors individuals across Lifepoint Health facilities who go above and beyond in living out the organization’s mission of making communities healthier. Finalists are selected for their exceptional service, leadership and positive impact on others.

Maria Parham Health congratulates Emilee Johnson on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to celebrating her accomplishments on a national stage this fall.

Maria Parham Health Selects Emilee Johnson For 2026 Mercy Award

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— Information courtesy of Maria Parham Health

Emilee Johnson is Maria Parham Health’s 2026 Mercy Award winner. The Mercy Award recognizes one employee from each of Lifepoint Health’s facilities who profoundly touches the lives of others and best represents the spirit and values on which the company was founded.

Johnson is vice president of Operations and has spent more than 23 years at Maria Parham Health, beginning as an occupational therapist and growing into a key executive leader across the health system, according to a press statement from Donna Young, MPH public information officer.

The Mercy Award was established in 2001 to honor the life and contributions of Scott Mercy, Lifepoint’s founding chairman and chief executive officer. The award is considered the highest honor a Lifepoint employee can receive.

“At Maria Parham Health, our caring and compassionate team members are at the heart of advancing our mission of making communities healthier – and Emilee Johnson is a shining example of this day in and day out,” said Bert Beard, Market CEO of Maria Parham Health. “We are so proud to recognize the many contributions Emilee has made to caring for patients, supporting our hospital, and serving our community.  Emilee’s leadership, compassion, and servant’s heart set an example for all of us.”

Throughout her career, Johnson has consistently demonstrated a commitment to improving both patient care and the employee experience.

Johnson has played a critical role in advancing safety and operational excellence, including leading the development of the organization’s Emergency Management Plan and serving as Chair of the Workplace Violence Committee. Her work has strengthened the safety of the care environment and contributed to initiatives such as the Emergency Department “Safe Spaces” design enhancements.

Beyond her work inside the hospital, Johnson has made a lasting impact in the community. She founded and continues to lead the Maria Parham Litter Sweep, promoting environmental stewardship for more than a decade. She also launched the “Stomp the Stigma” 5K and fun run, raising awareness and more than $5,000 to support local mental health and addiction resources.

Johnson is deeply engaged in community partnerships, serving on multiple local boards including the YMCA, Triangle North Healthcare Foundation, and the Greater Franklin Chamber of Commerce. Her work helps strengthen collaboration between the hospital and the community it serves.

Colleagues describe Johnson as a compassionate leader who builds meaningful relationships, inspires others, and consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty.  She is known for fostering an environment where team members feel valued, supported, and motivated to deliver the best for patients and one another.

“Emilee doesn’t just talk about our mission of making communities healthier – she lives it every single day.” said one coworker. “Her leadership, kindness, and dedication to our patients, staff, and community truly embody everything the Mercy Award represents.”

Johnson will join award winners from the other Lifepoint facilities to be considered for Lifepoint Health’s 2026 companywide Mercy Award. The companywide winner will be announced this summer and honored during a ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee.

 

 

Maria Parham Receives Lifepoint Health 2025 Operations Excellence Award

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— Information courtesy of Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health has been recognized by its parent company, Lifepoint Health, with the 2025 Operations Excellence Award for the company’s Eastern Division of acute care facilities. The honor was presented during Lifepoint Health’s annual awards ceremony on Feb. 25.

Lifepoint Health’s Operations Excellence Award recognizes outstanding overall performance across the company’s acute care, rehabilitation and behavioral health business sectors. Each year, five facilities are selected for the award, including one facility in each of the company’s three acute operating divisions, one inpatient rehabilitation hospital and one behavioral health hospital.

Facilities receiving the award demonstrate a strong commitment to measurable improvement in several key areas during the prior year, including quality improvement, service line growth, talent and workforce development and engagement, expanding the facility’s leadership role in  the community, and financial performance.

“We are incredibly proud of our team for earning this recognition,” said Bert Beard, chief executive officer of Maria Parham Health. “This award reflects the dedication of our physicians, nurses, and team members who work every day to provide high-quality care and advance  services for the communities we serve. Their commitment to excellence and to our mission of improving lives makes achievements like this possible.”

The award was accepted on behalf of Maria Parham Health by Beard, Chief Nursing Officer Betsy Hunt and Chief Financial Officer Michael Gordian.

Maria Parham Health was recognized for strong operational performance, including significant growth in surgical volumes and hospital admissions supported by advancements in key service lines such as emergency medicine and surgical care. Innovations including the da Vinci robotic surgical system, Mako robotic-arm assisted surgery and Aquablation therapy have helped expand access to advanced treatment options for patients.

Maria Parham Oncology Director Kimberly Smith Honored With Mercy Award From LifePoint Health

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— courtesy of Maria Parham Health

Maria Parham Health is proud to announce that Kimberly Smith, RN, BSN, Director of Oncology, has been named the hospital’s recipient of the 2025 Mercy Award, the highest honor given to a LifePoint Health employee.

The Mercy Award, named in memory of LifePoint Health’s founding chairman Scott Mercy, recognizes one individual at each LifePoint facility who exemplifies the company’s commitment to making communities healthier through extraordinary compassion, dedication and service.

With nearly 20 years of service at Maria Parham Health, Smith has dedicated her career to caring for others, serving in multiple departments including Med/Surg, Labor &  Delivery, Inpatient Rehabilitation, and most notably, Oncology—where her light shines brightest.

“Kimberly is the kind of person who makes an immediate impact wherever she goes,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Maria Parham Health. “Her unwavering dedication to our patients, her team, and  our entire community is truly inspiring. Kim doesn’t just show up to do her job—she lives out our mission every day. We are incredibly proud to recognize her as our 2025 Mercy Award  winner.”

Kimberly is known for going above and beyond, making herself available to support not only patients but also their families and fellow employees. Outside the hospital, she is deeply involved  in community outreach efforts, regularly organizing initiatives to provide food, clothing and resources to those in need.

She plays a key role in organizing the hospital’s annual Cancer Survivor’s Dinner, hosts awareness events focused on cancer education, and partners with organizations like the Henderson Fire Department’s Boot Drive and the Angel Fund to ensure patients receive both financial and emotional support during their treatment journey.

Those who work with Kimberly consistently describe her with words like “compassionate,”  “committed,” “selfless,” and “kind” —qualities that reflect the very spirit of the Mercy Award.

Maria Parham Health congratulates Kimberly Smith on this well-deserved recognition and thanks her for being a beacon of hope, healing and humanity within the hospital and beyond.

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