By Carrie Bradshaw-Buckley, Media Relations Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office
ADA - Mike Wingo and Joanna Hawkins shared Chickasaw Nation employee of the year honors and Jimmy Tignor received the Leadership Award at a ceremony conducted at the Chickasaw Community Center Monday, Jan. 12.
“We are pleased to honor these three individuals for their commitment to service and leadership,” said Gov. Anoatubby. "They are great examples of the excellent employees who have helped the Chickasaw Nation achieve success."
As the Customer Service Coordinator for the Chickasaw Nation Division of Housing and Tribal Development, Mike Wingo is known for his “Can Do” attitude.
Renee Sweet, director for Housing and Tribal Development Administrative Services, said that Wingo “completes all tasks with the same commitment, enthusiasm and determination,” whether he is assisting a fellow employee or assisting a client.
Mrs. Hawkins is a Licensed Practical Nurse at the Chickasaw Nation Family Practice Center.
“She strives daily, through hard work and dedication, to make sure each person receives the highest quality of care,” said Dr. Tina Cooper, Service Chief of Family Practice for Carl Albert Indian Health Facility.
Leadership Award recipient Jimmy Tignor is the Operating Room Nurse Manager for the Chickasaw Nation Health System.
“Jimmy is an exceptional manager, exceptional employee and an exceptional person,” said Heather Summers, Director of Patient Services. “As the OR manager, he sets the tone and his staff look to him as their leader not only for his title, but for his behavior as well.”
Also honored during the event were those who have served as employees of the Chickasaw Nation for 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years.
"It takes a special kind of person to devote a decade or more to serving others," said Gov. Anoatubby. "We are pleased to honor each one for their dedication and hard work."
Haskell Alexander, Terry Davis and Tom Cooper were honored for 30 years of service. they each received a plaque and a gold ring adorned with the seal of the Chickasaw Nation.
For 25 years of service, employees received a Pendleton blanket with their name and years of service embroidered. They were Terry Factor, Jana Harrison, Margaret Foley and Lynie Richardson.
Those who have dedicated 20 years to the Nation received a gold watch. They were Weldon Fulsom, Nelson Wisdom, Darrell Walker, Rita Loder, Sharon Johnson, Rhonda Priddy, Carol Williams, Michael Hightower and Gina Brown.
Dedicating 15 years of employment to the Chickasaw Nation, and receiving a clock engraved with their name and years of service were Lillian Underwood, Linda John, Dana Deatherage, Sandra Wasson, Christine Lewis, Donna Graham, Kevin Postoak, Tim Rhynes, Lisa Wolf, Lori Hamilton, Glenda Wilson, Davalyn Billings, Sally Hilburn, Renlyn Roden, Bobby Stone, Roger Stone, Larry Wyche, Stephen Walton, LaDawn Wainscott, Mike Coplin, Shonda Bynum, Fred Lyda, Patricia Wood, Curtis Bond and Jay Keel.
Employees honored for 10 years of service received a lapel pin with diamond and the Chickasaw Nation seal in gold. They were Bill Lance, Angie Carney, Tania Felts, Christie Byars, Twilla Thornton, Shannon Treat, Tena Jolley, Gloria Anico, Vicky Gold, Michelle Key, Dana Davis, Judie Hansen, Billy Hilton, Tamyla Moore, Joni Nail, Jana Reich, James Wolfe, Jered Cartwright, David Engle, Ron Brown, Angela Marino, Arthur Ellsworth, Theea Swinford, Dr. Tina Cooper, Dr. Ryan Davis, Linda Wooten, Jefferson Winston, Carolyn Key, Donna Matthews, Madeline Alexander, Judy John, Harold Stick, Dinah Worcester, Quenna Harris, Tim Cornelius, Cindy Gammons, Edmond Marris, Bill Monroe, Larry Smith, Michael Underwood, Amanda Weems, Sue Palmer, Dr. Sally Berger, Becky Bennett, Taylor Caldwell, Amy Henley, Carol Bunyard, Dewayne Laxton, Chaz Isom, Mendy Watkins, Mary Ashby, Deborah Evans, Audie George, Wilma Harden, Carmen Wakole, Rhonda Futischa, Falisha Keel, Jessica Bevins, Aminah Currie, Deanna Crawford-Townsend, Brenda Wright, Phyllis Avanzini and Stacie Carroll.
