Owensboro Health Celebrates 2024 President's Award Recipients

Owensboro Health is proud to recognize and honor its most outstanding employees with the prestigious President's Award. This year's recipients embody the system's core values of Integrity, Service, Respect, Teamwork, Innovation and Excellence in extraordinary ways.

These individuals were nominated by their peers, a testament to the impact they have on their colleagues and patients. A committee of former award winners carefully reviewed each nomination, selecting the finalists based solely on their accomplishments.

The 2024 President's Award winners exemplify the highest standards of healthcare. They are dedicated to providing compassionate care, going above and beyond to meet the needs of patients and their families. Their innovative ideas and collaborative spirit drive continuous improvement within the organization.

Owensboro Health is grateful for the contributions of these exceptional individuals. They are an inspiration to all and a vital part of the system's success.

Meet the Recipients

Marina Best, CPhT

Inpatient Pharmacy
Owensboro Health Regional Hospital

Marina Best was born in Siberia, Russia, and holds a degree from the Siberian State Medical University. She moved to the U.S. over 20 years ago, dedicating herself to a career in pharmacy. Family is her greatest achievement, and she finds purpose in her faith and her work, continuously advancing her skills to provide the best patient care. Her favorite core commitment is Teamwork, which she values for the personal growth, job satisfaction, and enjoyable workplace it brings.

Kathy Blandford

Gift Shop
Owensboro Health Regional Hospital

Kathy Blandford, a native of the St. Joe community, cherishes her family and the memories they create together. Married to her husband Kenny for over 40 years, she enjoys spending time outdoors and being creative. Deeply motivated by her faith, she hopes to serve others in a way that honors her values. Her favorite core commitment is Service, as she strives each day to live in a way that reflects her faith and dedication to others. 

Brad Brasher, MD

Pulmonology
Owensboro Health Medical Group

Dr. Brad Brasher grew up in Paducah, Kentucky, and pursued his medical training at the University of Louisville and in Charleston, SC, before returning to Owensboro. Proud father of three, Dr. Brasher is passionate about lung cancer prevention and the lung cancer screening program. He is committed to improving health outcomes in his community through early detection and compassionate care. His favorite core commitment is Integrity, which he believes is essential when working with patients’ lives.

Teresa Brown, PT

Rehabilitation
Owensboro Health Regional Hospital

Teresa Brown, a lifelong Owensboro resident, has dedicated herself to a career in rehabilitation. She finds purpose in her family, her faith, and her work as a Certified Stroke Rehab Specialist. Teresa’s achievements include completing extensive hiking and cycling challenges with loved ones. She is grateful for her supportive family and cherishes every moment with them. Integrity is her favorite core commitment, as it requires honesty and a strong ethical foundation.

Melissa Gaither, RDN

Diabetes Education
Owensboro Health Regional Hospital

Melissa Gaither’s life has been shaped by her resilience in managing Type 1 diabetes for over 40 years. Born in Okinawa and raised in a military family, she finds joy in educating others about living fully with diabetes. With a background in health and a passion for travel, Melissa is dedicated to helping patients achieve wellness while exploring new places and perspectives herself. Her favorite core commitment is Service, which she views as the foundation of her work and life.

Jenny Garcia

Facilities
Healthpark

Jenny Garcia was born and raised in Owensboro, where she still lives with her family. A mother of five and grandmother of six, she is an 11-year cancer survivor who values every day as a gift. Outside of work, she finds joy in family time, shopping, and home care, bringing a spirit of service to everything she does. Service is her favorite core commitment, as she strives to help others in all aspects of her life. 

Mischelle Head, RN

Oncology Outpatient
Owensboro Health Regional Hospital

Mischelle Head has been a dedicated RN in Oncology for many years. Originally from Owensboro, she shares a close bond with her family and loves spending summers with them at Rough River. Mischelle has achieved several personal milestones, including graduating with her BSN later in life and running a half marathon. She finds great fulfillment in helping others and making a difference for her patients. Her favorite core commitment is Service, as she believes helping patients enriches her life as much as it helps them.

Becky McKindles, MD

Primary Care
Owensboro Health Medical Group

Originally from Poway, California, Dr. Becky McKindles attended Stanford for her undergraduate degree and fulfilled a childhood dream by becoming a physician. Now raising a family in Owensboro, she finds joy in helping patients reach their health goals and celebrating milestones with them. Dr. McKindles also takes pride in her accomplishments as an Olympic swimming trials participant and enjoys creating magical memories with her daughters at Disney. Her favorite core commitments are Excellence and Service, which she pursues daily with her patients.

Ellen McLimore, APRN

Cardiology
Owensboro Health Medical Group

Born in South Carolina, Ellen McLimore’s strong family ties and community roots shaped her journey into healthcare. Inspired by her late husband, who was a physician, she pursued her nursing career and now enjoys watching her children and grandchildren follow in healthcare and advocacy roles. With over 40 years in nursing, Ellen finds her greatest rewards in patient care and meaningful relationships with coworkers. Integrity is her favorite core commitment, as she views it as foundational to a person’s character.

Randa Pence

Marketing
Owensboro Health System

Randa Pence grew up in Hawesville, KY, and graduated from Western Kentucky University. Her career in design has taken her to exciting places, but she values her current role in healthcare for the meaningful impact it allows her to have. A mother of two teenage boys, Randa and her family enjoy traveling, especially to Disney. She is motivated daily by her family and the supportive work environment at Owensboro Health. Her favorite core commitment is Teamwork, as she values the strength and support of her team.

Quinn Phillips, CNMT

Nuclear Medicine
Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital

Quinn Phillips, affectionately known as “Quinster,” grew up in “Lile Town” and now works in Nuclear Medicine at Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital. Proud of his strong family bonds, he values every day he gets to spend with his wife and three sons. Quinn finds joy in helping others through his work and treasures moments spent hiking, lifting weights, and exploring antique shops. His favorite core commitment is Respect, which he feels is essential to creating a positive workplace and community. 

Krisney Rigney, RN

Population Health
Owensboro Health Clinically Integrated Network

Krisney Rigney, RN, is a dedicated nurse in Population Health who grew up in Breckenridge County. As a mother of three, she and her family enjoy raising Cane Corso dogs and spending time together. Krisney is proud of earning her BSN while working full time and hopes to set a strong example for her children. Her passion for patient care goes beyond routine duties, as she strives to make a lasting impact on every patient she serves. Her favorite core commitment is Service, driven by her goal to be a compassionate and positive force for her patients.

Jackie Snyder, RN

Wound Healing
Owensboro Health Regional Hospital

Jackie Snyder, a single mother of two, was born and raised in Owensboro. She’s proud of overcoming challenges, becoming an RN, and creating a stable home for her family. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her kids, watching anime, and playing video games. Jackie’s passion for helping others fuels her dedication to patient care, and she strives to make a difference every day. Her favorite core commitment is Integrity, as she believes that doing what’s right for patients is the foundation of all values.

Mark Tackett, MD

Family Practice Multicare Madisonville
Owensboro Health Medical Group

Dr. Mark Tackett grew up in Madisonville, Kentucky, where he enjoyed an active childhood filled with outdoor adventures. He now serves his community as a family practice physician, finding great fulfillment in building relationships with patients and coworkers. Mark takes pride in raising two children and values recognition from his peers. In his free time, he enjoys camping, boating, and spending time with family. His favorite core commitments are Excellence and Service, which help him stay centered on delivering quality patient care.

Troy Walker

Emergency Medical Services
Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital

Troy Walker, a native of Greenville, KY, has dedicated over 30 years to emergency medical services. Married for 32 years, he and his wife Angela have two daughters and three grandchildren who are his pride and joy. Troy is passionate about advancing EMS and providing his community with the highest quality care. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and golfing. His favorite core commitment is Service, as he strives to deliver the best emergency medical care for his community.

Brad

Safety & Security
Owensboro Health System

Brad has been a devoted member of the Owensboro Health System, ensuring safety and security across the organization. His commitment to the well-being of others is evident in his day-to-day responsibilities, as he works tirelessly to maintain a secure environment for patients, staff, and visitors. Outside of work, Brad enjoys spending time with his family and staying active in his community. His favorite core commitment is Teamwork, and he says incredible team with great camaraderie which leads to efficient workflows, great patient experiences and collective success.