In 26 years of DAISY, you are the first hospital CEO to be named a DAISY Champion.
Bonnie Barnes, co-founder of the DAISY FoundationBennington, VT – Southwestern Vermont Medical Center’s (SVMC) CEO and president Thomas A. Dee, FACHE, was honored last week for his support of nurses and nursing recognition.
Dee, who retires from SVMC, a member of Dartmouth Health, in January, was named an Extraordinary DAISY Champion. The honor was bestowed on Dee from the DAISY Foundation, which is an international organization that recognizes exceptional nurses and leaders who support compassionate nursing.
The recognition came with a special video message from Bonnie Barnes, co-founder of the DAISY Foundation.
“In 26 years of DAISY, you are the first hospital CEO to be named a DAISY Champion,” Barnes said in her message to Dee. “Your support of your nurses is clearly demonstrated through your commitment to Magnet Excellence, and that speaks volumes to your deep appreciation to your nurses’ value and vital contribution to the community. You are indeed a DAISY Champion.”
SVMC’s Pamela Duchene, PhD, APRN, chief nursing and quality officer and vice president of Patient Care Services, presented Dee with the award, thanking him for creating an environment that values nursing recognition.
“Under Tom’s leadership, we have enhanced and embraced nursing excellence and recognition for the great work our nurses do, every day,” said Duchene. “When we present our DAISY Awards, Tom has also made it a top priority to be present and part of those celebrations.”
Dee is retiring in mid-January after more than 16 years leading SVMC.
“Healthcare is a calling and one that comes with many challenges, especially for our nurses and clinical teams,” said Dee. “It’s crucial to find those moments to celebrate exceptional care and honor hard work. I’m grateful to have played a role in amplifying the incredible work that happens at SVMC.”