Sherri Ernst Named 2017 Buscetta Award Winner

Sherri Ernst, director of revenue integrity/utilization management for Covenant Health, was named winner of the 2017 Buscetta Award, given annually to an outstanding leader who personifies leadership excellence. The award was presented by Covenant Health President and CEO Jim VanderSteeg in February.  It is named for Sam Buscetta, retired executive vice president for human resources, who was instrumental in launching Covenant Health’s Journey to Excellence initiative.

Nominations for the sixth annual award presentation were submitted by Covenant Health’s senior leaders. Buscetta finalists are evaluated in areas such as quality, service, growth, finance/cost management and developing people, along with achievements related to systemwide alignment and innovation. In announcing the award finalists from throughout Covenant Health, VanderSteeg said, “Buscetta Award nominees are high-level performers whose commitment to Covenant Health’s vison and to our Pledge of Excellence are evident in their leadership roles.”

Ernst has worked at Covenant Health since 2003, when she joined the health system as manager of corporate revenue integrity. She was appointed to her current role in 2013.

Kevin Brown, vice president of patient account services, says that Ernst is respected by colleagues throughout the health system. “Sherri is extremely knowledgeable in her area of expertise and she definitely supports and lives the imperatives of Covenant Health’s Pledge of Excellence,” he said.

In addition to Sherri Ernst, the 2017 Buscetta Award nominees are:

Chuck Ashley, Pharmacy Director, Methodist Medical Center

Jonathan Dalton, Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Manager, Parkwest and LeConte Medical Centers

Jutanna Fulbright, Manager, Quality Care Management and Regulatory Compliance, Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System

Erik Geibig, M.D., Medical Director, Emergency Department, Fort Loudoun Medical Center

Tommy Hodge, General Manager, Fort Sanders Health and Fitness Center, Fortress Corporation

Teresa Huskey, Manager, Radiology and Diagnostic Departments, LeConte Medical Center

Nora Lowe, Laboratory Manager, Fort Loudoun Medical Center

Melisa McCollough, Quality Manager, Quality and Care Coordination, Cumberland Medical Center

Lori Myers, Patient Care Director, Surgical Services, Parkwest Medical Center

Phyllis Shnider, Imaging Services Director, Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center

Thelma Vinson, Revenue Cycle Director, Finance, Claiborne Medical Center     

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