Volunteer of the Year

Gwinnett Volunteer of the Year, Dr. Bill Williams of Suwanee Dental Care

Gwinnett County (METRO ATLANTA) GA – December 7  – Gwinnett Chamber’s inauguralHealthcare Excellence Awards honored more than 40 professionals and organizations for their contribution to the continued well-being of Gwinnett and Metro Atlanta citizens. Out of those nominated, 9 winners were announced, receiving long-deserved recognition for outstanding effort and commitment to the healthcare industry.

“Kaiser Permanente prides itself on supporting and promoting healthy living while working to ensure Gwinnett and Georgia’s citizens get the care they need to thrive,” said Kerry W. Kohnen, President – Kaiser Permanente of Georgia and gold sponsor of the Awards program. “The Gwinnett Chamber has done an excellent job of putting together a celebratory event for our healthcare heroes and we are proud to be such an important part of its success.”

Through these awards, the Gwinnett Chamber saluted excellence, encouraged innovation, offered examples of best practices for others to emulate. The program was designed to raise awareness in the community, enhance the quality of healthcare and, of course, recognize deserving individuals and organizations within the healthcare community.

Jim Maran, President of the Gwinnett Chamber, commented, “Healthcare is a vital component to our community’s long-term sustainability and growth. Celebrating Gwinnett’s solid reputation for quality healthcare enables the wellbeing of our citizens and provides further opportunity to attract new business, create jobs, and ultimately afford a strong and well-rounded quality of life in Gwinnett.”

Winners and honorees at last night’s program included Gwinnett Medical Center and Gwinnett Technical College receiving the Advancements in Health Awards for the Percutaneous Coronary Intervention program and New Life Sciences Center, respectively; View Point Healthfor Healthcare Agency of the Year; Philip R. Wolfe, President & CEO of Gwinnett Medical Center, for Healthcare Executive of the Year; Katie Smith of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) for Healthcare Professional of the Year; Cindy Snyder with Gwinnett Medical Center – Oncology for Nurse Practitioner of the Year; Clyde and Sandra Strickland for Healthcare Philanthropists of the Year; Dr. Hisa Yamaguchi, MD of Eastside Medical Center for Physician of the Year; Dr. William B. Williams, DMD of Suwanee Dental Care for Volunteer of the Year.

“These individuals are exemplary in their fields and to honor them this evening is truly our privilege as a community,” added Maran. “This is our night to say thank you, to show gratitude and demonstrate the respect we have for our healthcare heroes and all they do to contribute to Gwinnett’s overall success. Congratulations to all our winners!”

The Gwinnett Chamber Healthcare Excellence Awards is one example of several quality recognition awards programs it produces throughout the year to honor the individuals and initiatives making an impact in the community. Dr. Williams was honored by being nominated in three categories in this inaugural year of the HealthCare Awards: Physician of the Year, Philanthropist of the Year and Volunteer of the Year.