SGMC Health awards EMS excellence

SGMC Health recently held an awards ceremony to honor outstanding professionals in the field of emergency medical services. Honorees were as follows: Isaac Nesbitt, EMT of the Year; Michael Pickett, Paramedic of the Year; and Ian Campbell, Robert Lee Mitchell Award recipient.

Nesbitt joined SGMC Health in 2022. His coworkers nominated him for his positive, uplifting attitude and the ability to make everyone feel appreciated. They described how he provides extraordinary patient care and is always willing to help out his fellow team members. Leaders also shared that Nesbitt never turns down an opportunity to take a class or work at an event so he can network with his community.

Pickett joined the health system in 2021. His peer nomination describes a deep love for his career and a hardworking mindset. He is known to constantly seek out educational opportunities and was recently promoted to Field Training Officer. This year, he completed his associate’s degree in paramedicine as well as the Critical Care Paramedic Certification Program at the University of Florida.

SGMC Health introduced a new award in honor of past EMS Captain Robert Lee Mitchell. Mitchell served at SGMC for 35 years. He was one of the first paramedics in the state of Georgia and worked his way through the ranks to become captain. He was described as a leader in all situations. His calm demeanor and teamwork attitude commanded respect for those around him who also described him as fair and accountable. This award recognizes a lieutenant or captain who shares these leadership qualities and is selected by the EMS Administration.

Campbell, who has been with SGMC Health since 2014, received the inaugural award. In addition to demonstrating hard work, trustworthiness, and leadership, Campbell has engaged in many professional development initiatives over the past year. This includes Georgia Emergency Medical Services Association’s Axioms of Leadership and its elite Leadership Class program.

EMS Chief Emily Brown shared, “It is a privilege to recognize these esteemed professionals for their dedication, compassion, and leadership. Our remarkable team takes great pride in serving on the front lines and providing care to the region.”

SGMC Health’s EMS program handles over 23,000 911 calls across Lowndes, Lanier, and Echols counties each year. These heroes not only respond to emergencies but also provide crucial non-emergency transportation services, facilitating over 5,000 transports each year, to ensure patients receive the care they need.

To learn more, visit sgmc.org.

Hanson appointed as new CEO & president of Citizens Community Bank

Citizens Community Bank announced the appointment of Jeff Hanson as chief executive officer and president. Hanson, a current member of CCB’s Board of Directors, brings over 20 years of experience in the banking industry to his new role. Hanson’s appointment is part of planned leadership transition as Glenn Copeland, who currently serves as CEO, will retire in 2025.

Over his distinguished career, Hanson has held several significant leadership positions in various financial institutions across Georgia, earning a reputation for his commitment to community banking and local decision-making, the bank’s press release said.

Most recently, Hanson served as chief operating officer at IDP Properties, a real estate development firm based in Valdosta, specializing in residential housing projects. Prior to his role at IDP Properties, Hanson was the executive vice president and chief banking officer at Southwest Georgia Bank and held the position of Valdosta Market president at Park Avenue Bank. Hanson’s banking career began at First Community Bank of Southwest Georgia, where he served as vice president and later as president. In each of his banking roles, he enhanced the bank’s community profile and reputation through active community service and strategic growth, the bank said.

“I’ve been blessed to be in banking for over 50 years. My time at Citizens Community Bank has been the highlight of my career. I am excited Jeff Hanson is coming on board to lead this bank and take it to the next level; I hope and trust he will be as blessed as I have been. He’s the right person at the right time to take the lead at Citizens Community Bank,” said Copeland, vice chairman of the board.

Hanson holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from the University of Georgia and has completed advanced banking programs at the Georgia Bankers Association/University of Georgia Banking School and the American Bankers Association’s Commercial Banking School at Southern Methodist University. He has also been actively involved in various community service initiatives, serving on boards such as the Valdosta/Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce and the Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Foundation South.

Hanson and his wife Cathy, a Valdosta native, have three adult children as well as a son-in-law and a granddaughter: Elizabeth, Brandon, and Meredith; Bradford, and Kate.

SGMC Health honors Parks with DAISY Award

SGMC Health recognized Justin Parks with the May DAISY Award for extraordinary nursing. Parks was honored for going above and beyond for a patient and family during end-of-life care, the health system said in a press release.

According to the nomination, the family made the decision to withdraw intervention and begin comfort care. When the patient’s ventilator was removed, he asked to go outside. Considering his condition and placement in ICU, the family did not think this would be possible. However, Parks took the initiative to fulfill the patient’s last request and bring him outside.

“Seeing the look on my dad’s face will be a memory I cherish, and I wouldn’t have that without Justin’s diligence in making it happen,” shared the patient’s son.

He goes on to describe how Parks provided extraordinary care throughout his father’s stay. This included answering the family’s questions, being a source of support, and ensuring his dad had everything he needed.

“I am so grateful for his compassion and care,” he added.

SGMC Health continues to ask patients and fellow employees to honor nurses they feel go above and beyond in their actions and care. Nominations are reviewed by a committee based on criteria that include compassion, teamwork, leadership, attitude, skills, and knowledge.

DAISY awards are presented monthly in front of the nurse’s colleagues, physicians, patients, and visitors. Each honoree receives a certificate commending her or him for being an “Extraordinary Nurse.” They also receive a beautiful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa.

A special floral arrangement of daisies was generously donated by The Flower Gallery, the local sponsor of SGMC Health’s DAISY Award.

To nominate a nurse for the DAISY award, visit sgmc.org/daisy.

Hobbs elected to the National Association of Development Organizations Board of Directors

Kimberly Hobbs, executive director of the Southern Georgia Regional Commission, was recently elected to the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) Board of Directors for the 2024-2026 term. Hobbs represents the Southeast Region on the 66-member board.

The NADO Board of Directors oversees the association’s budget and operations and develops policy on issues affecting Regional Development Organizations. The organization was founded in 1967 to provide training, information, and representation for RDOs throughout the United States. Today, NADO member organizations serve local governments and the public within their regions through various programs focused on diversifying local economies, assisting businesses, creating jobs, and providing social services.

“We are honored to have Kimberly Hobbs serve on NADO’s Board of Directors. Kimberly brings a wealth of expertise, knowledge, and leadership on regional community and economic development issues to the national level,” stated NADO Executive Director Joe McKinney. “Most importantly, Kimberly is focused on helping our nation’s local communities pursue comprehensive regional strategies for remaining economically competitive in today’s rapidly changing global environment.”

NADO’s board includes members that represent a broad section of the United States including the Eastern, Central, Midwestern, Southeastern, Southwestern and Western regions. The 2024-2026 term runs through the association’s Annual Business Meeting held in conjunction with NADO’s Annual Training Conference in Reno, Nevada, in October 2026.

To contact Kimberly Hobbs, email kkhobbs@sgrc.us or call 229-333-5277. Visit www.sgrc.us to read more about the Southern Georgia Regional Commission. To learn more about NADO’s Board of Directors, visit nado.org/board.