St. Mary’s Health Care System has presented the ministry’s top annual awards to three colleagues and leaders who were chosen by their peers for outstanding commitment to St. Mary’s Mission and Core Values and for their dedication to St. Mary’s patients, colleagues and the community. 

Doretta Broughton, a resident of Bogart and a social worker with the St. Mary’s Hospital Case Management Department, received the Catherine McAuley Service Award for frontline staff.

David Straney, a resident of Jefferson and senior manager of St. Mary’s Food and Nutrition Services Department, received the Sister Antonette Excellence in Leadership Award for directors.

Diva Jain, a resident of Athens and manager of St. Mary’s Medical Group Operations and Physician Networks, received the Edward J. Fechtel, Jr. Excellence in Leadership Award for managers.

“It is truly an honor and a blessing to serve with such dedicated and committed people,” said Stonish Pierce, President and CEO of Trinity Health Georgia, which includes St. Mary’s Health Care System.

“These individuals exemplify our mission, core values, regional promise and vision to be the best place to work, practice medicine and receive care in Northeast Georgia. We are proud to recognize them and thank them for the unique talents and exceptional commitment they bring to our ministry every day,” Pierce said.

Doretta Broughton

The award Broughton received is named in honor of Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy. The Sisters of Mercy are women religious who have devoted their ministry to the care of those who are sick and vulnerable since 1831. With the Missionary Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, they are St. Mary’s Legacy Sponsors.

Julie Carter, St. Mary’s Vice President Mission Services, presented the award. Noting that Broughton joined St. Mary’s more than 15 years ago, Carter said, “She goes out of her way to help anyone in need – in the workplace and out in the community, where she works with the Pilot Club and other charitable initiatives. She is truthful and transparent in her actions and words, which creates a solid foundation for trust and mutual respect. She is a living example of how to show profound strength and love.”

Carter went on to cite a specific example in which Broughton was called after normal working hours to help a patient being discharged get urgently needed supplies for tube feedings at home. Not only did Broughton come through, Carter read, “’she hand-delivered a case of 24 feedings for the patient to take home until we could get her set up for outpatient delivery.’”

Carter went on to say, “This is one of many ways Doretta goes above and beyond for our patients, our ministry and the communities we serve—truly in the spirit of the Gospel and Catherine McAuley.”

David Straney

The award presented to Straney is named in honor of Sister Antonette Martinko, who served as St. Mary’s Director of Nursing and then as Special Assistant to the President from 1966 to 2003.

“Dave is genuine, consistent, respectful and fair,” said Chief Human Resources Officer Beth Patrick as she presented the award. “He is always kind and generous, even if he is having a bad day. He constantly puts his team first and gives them credit for their extraordinary services. He gives his team the opportunity to succeed.”

Reading from his nomination, Patrick added, “his staff respect and love him” and that his work to ensure worker, patient and customer safety while providing high quality products and service make him “a ‘poster child’ for our value of Reverence.”

Diva Jain

The award presented to Jain is named in honor of Edward J. Fechtel, Jr., who served as St. Mary’s President and CEO from 1966 to 1999. 

“Diva is a highly respectful, patient and compassionate person whose gentle demeanor and active listening skills make her a great communicator and an outstanding leader,” Patrick stated. “Whenever there is a need or a project, she is always the first to volunteer. Staff and practice managers are comfortable approaching her with concerns or suggestions.”

Patrick added: “We especially love this statement from one of her nominators: ‘Diva possesses a strong moral compass and is a strong relational manager who listens and seeks to understand problems or concerns, demonstrates empathy and understanding, and communicates in a fair and detailed manner. She is a tremendous ambassador for the organization and our core values.’”