Director's Message

April 13, 2007

To: All DHS employees

From: Bruce Goldberg, M.D., Director

"The secret of joy in work is contained in one word -- excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it."
~Pearl Buck

I'm very pleased today to recognize the recipients of the most recent Director's Excellence Awards -- AMH Administrative Specialist Julie Earnest, SPD Information Systems Coordination and Provider Payments Manager Meg Killgorecathcart, and DMAP Deputy Assistant Director Lynn Read. They set an excellent standard for the work we do.

I noticed as I read through the nominations for Julie, Meg and Lynn that one theme kept repeating -- that of collaboration. It's worth noting that what made their efforts successful was not only their commitment to the department's vision, but also their willingness to invite others into the process, incorporate many viewpoints and ideas, and find mutually beneficial solutions. More than anything else, the relationships they developed with others helped create successful outcomes.

As we congratulate and recognize Julie, Meg and Lynn on their awards, let's also take to heart the lesson they provide on the importance of building good relationships and collaborating toward solutions. Likewise, it is important to remember to thank our co-workers and external partners for the efforts and contributions they make every day to helping achieve our agency's mission. It is by working with others that we can do the most good. And it is by taking the time to recognize everyone's contributions that we build a strong, collaborative team.

Julie Earnest has worked for the past three legislative sessions as the primary support person for managing AMH's legislative bill review process. Her collaborative approach and organizational skills have ensured smooth, efficient, thorough and error-free bill reviews, and timely sharing of information with stakeholders throughout the department. Julie also served as the blood drive coordinator for more than eight years, and donates at every drive. She is active in the annual food and toy drives, and many other activities aimed at helping those in need.

Meg Killgorecathcart has been an essential member of the team working on the MMIS Transformation Project for the past several years. She has set an example of collaboration and coordination by her work with the many stakeholders throughout the department and health care community to identify their information needs. Her efforts have been crucial to the development of innovative ways to use technology to improve customer service, streamline payment processes and increase the effectiveness of service delivery to the individuals who depend on DHS services.

Lynn Read has been instrumental in establishing a collaborative effort for managing the DHS Medicaid budget that has improved caseload forecasting and DMAP's financial tracking capabilities. She has devoted her career to reaching out to those in need of health care access, and has been a leader in collaborating with the many government and health care organizations that have worked together to keep the Oregon Health Plan functioning through difficult budget times. Her dedication to serving Oregon's most vulnerable citizens sets an example every day in her work.

Congratulations and thank you, Julie, Meg and Lynn.

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To provide feedback email: DHS.Directorsoffice@state.or.us

This message is intended for all department employees. Please read it electronically, if possible. Managers and supervisors are asked to share the message each week with employees who do not have email access.