MDI Hospital 2024 Impact Awards Celebrate Community Leaders

• Healthcare Partner of the Year: Good Shepherd Food Bank, for addressing food insecurity in Hancock County through partnerships and programs that improve access to healthy food.
• Business Partner of the Year: Kebo Valley Golf Club, recognized for its charitable support, including the annual David R. Harding Memorial Golf Tournament, which raises over $30,000 for the hospital.
• Community Partner of the Year: Darron Collins, former President of College of the Atlantic, for his visionary leadership and support of MDI Hospital’s Medical Education program.
• Volunteers of the Year: Mary Dow and Alberta Willey, honored for their compassionate service to patients at MDI Hospital and Maribeth Payne, recognized for her dedication to residents at Birch Bay Retirement Village.
• Employees of the Year: Natalee Spencer, recognized by MDI Hospital for her skill and compassion towards patients, and her advocacy to foster an inclusive and supportive environment. Lauren Shirley, recognized by Birch Bay Retirement Village for her warmth and compassion for residents and visitors and for expertly coordinating events.

2024 Healthcare Partner of the Year Award: Good Shepherd Food Bank
Good Shepherd Food Bank and representatives Heather Paquette, Laura Vinal, and Martha Lefebvre were recognized for their leadership in addressing food insecurity in Hancock County. “Since 2019, Good Shepherd has partnered with MDI Hospital and Health Centers to help provide free nutrient-dense, shelf-stable food bags in the clinic setting,” said Vice President of Finance/CFO Michelle Smith .“Good Shepherd continues to support our staff in stocking new and improved Help Yourself Shelves, implementing Produce Pop-Ups once a month throughout the summer to ensure access to fresh local produce.” MDI Hospital is eager to continue both programs through the coming seasons. “Through our shared programs, we’ve seen how a simple box of fresh produce, lean protein, or shelf-stable items can reduce the stress on families, improve health outcomes, and create a sense of hope. We are so proud to stand alongside you in this work,” said Good Shepherd President Heather Paquette.

2024 Business Partner of the Year Award: Kebo Valley Golf Club
Kebo Valley Golf Club and Peiter DeVos were recognized for their commitment to supporting other organizations by giving back to the community through charity tournaments and events. “Peiter DeVos, a Resident Pro at the club since 2001, has been a steadfast advocate supporting MDI Hospital and Birch Bay Retirement,” said Dana Fadley Senior Vice President of Provider and Ancillary Services. “He and his team work closely with MDI Hospital’s Advancement Team on the David R. Harding Memorial Golf Tournament each year; an event that consistently raises over $30,000 annually for the hospital.” The 31st Annual David R. Harding Golf Tournament will be held this year on September 26, 2024.

2024 Community Partner of the Year Award
This year’s award went to Darron Collins for leaving a legacy of visionary leadership and advocacy in the island community. “As President of College of the Atlantic from 2011 to 2024, Darron has made an enduring impact on the health and vibrancy of Mount Desert Island,” said Maguire. “His unwavering support of MDI Hospital’s Medical Education program provides clinical and hands-on experience for COA students in our facilities, emphasizing the importance of rural medicine.”

MDI Hospital Volunteers of the Year: Mary Dow and Alberta Willey
“These sisters are being honored together because of their shared dedication and compassion for all patients and visitors who come to our hospital.” said Trey Michonski, Community Engagement Specialist. “Patients benefit from their joy, comfort, and conversation, and for that, we are proud to honor them both.”

Birch Bay Retirement Village Volunteer of the Year: Maribeth Payne
“Maribeth represents the core values of respect, integrity, community, improvement, teamwork, and compassion every day,” said James Hoke, Director of Resident Services. “She is always prompt, flexible, and goes above and beyond for the residents who find comfort in her leadership.”

MDI Hospital Employee of the Year: Natalee Spencer
As a Clinical Laboratory Assistant, Natalee shows exceptional compassion and skill with her patients. Recently she has become an advocate for fostering an inclusive environment “Through the sharing of her lived experiences, a pathway for building a culture of inclusion and acceptance has been developed to unite the organization in an environment of inclusivity and belonging,” said Chrissi Maguire, MDI Hospital President/CEO.

Birch Bay Retirement Village Employee of the Year: Lauren Shirley
As Birch Bay’s receptionist, Lauren is recognized “as the first customer contact—responding as a professional, friendly, and competent resource to anyone who calls or enters Birch Bay for the first time. “Lauren assists in expertly coordinating several off-campus events such as the Golf for Alzheimer’s and the Trail of Treats event,” said Chrissi Maguire, MDI Hospital President/CEO.