Pinnacle Award

Since 2004, Atrium Health has received thousands of nominations and recognized over 200 teammates with the Pinnacle Award – the highest honor a teammate can receive at Atrium Health for making an extraordinary impact on our teammates, patients and the communities we serve.  

Pinnacle Award nominations take place across the Southeast Region including Atrium Health Greater Charlotte, Atrium Health Navicent, Atrium Health Floyd, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Wake Forest University School of Medicine and our regional partners – to recognize, reward and honor teammates who best exemplify Our Culture Commitments:

We create a space where all Belong

We Work as One Team to make great things happen

We earn Trust in all we do

We Innovate to better the now and create the future

We drive for Excellence – always 

2023 Pinnacle Award Finalists

From more than 1,000 Pinnacle nominations, 97 finalists were selected for Atrium Health’s most prestigious award. Congratulations to our extraordinary teammates and leaders who are living our Culture Commitments in a major way.  

Meet the 2023 Pinnacle Award Honorees 

The 2023 Pinnacle Award recognizes teammates who best exemplify our Culture Commitments. Below are this year's Pinnacle Award Honorees: 

Erica Barton  Manager - Coding/Reimbursement-Revenue Cycle   “Supportive” and “willing and helpful spirit” are all words used to describe Erica. She is a Manager of Coding/Reimbursement. Teammates describe her as a person that you can trust to do her job and to do it well, and she does anything she can to help others do their job better.
Amy Bellamy  Facility Nurse Educator    Amy is a facility nurse educator. Teammates say, “to love Amy is to know her.” She has made an instrumental impact on Atrium Health by developing a robust program for new nurse onboarding with stages of orientation that she tailors to every person. She works with them to match up personalities and to match up skill sets, and she strives to meet each new teammate where they are so that we can help them to be successful. “It is a true joy to watch all our new teammates thrive under her leadership.”
Ronald Carroll   Manager, Operating Room Scheduling Center    Teammates describe Ron as the epitome of a team player and a selfless teammate. Ron is the manager of operating room scheduling center. Those he works closely with say he jumps in when assistance is needed, is proactive and often sees and manages issues before others on the OR team take note of them. Ron is also seen as “the one who can make it happen,” and he can masterfully manipulate the OR schedule to create opportunities.
Veronica Getz  Vice President, Administration    Veronica is know for her exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication to Atrium Health. Teammates who work closely with Veronica say her role is the driving force behind the successful integration efforts in Critical Care, Pulmonary Medicine and Sleep Medicine cannot be overstated. Her leadership has been the cornerstone of numerous key initiatives in the Charlotte, Georgia and Winston-Salem markets, resulting in remarkable achievements. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Veronica's personal connection with her colleagues is truly remarkable. “Her genuine care for people on both professional and personal levels creates an atmosphere of trust and camaraderie that's rare.”
Daniel Harkey  Manager, Community Health Wellness    Not every community has a health champion, but Stanly County does. Their champion’s name is Daniel Harkey, and he has been passionately improving the health of children and adults from all walks of life on behalf of Atrium Health Stanly since 2012. Teammates say Daniel’s enthusiasm for living a healthy life is genuine, contagious and fully inclusive. He embodies the “FOR ALL” mission in his work every single day. When Daniel sees an opportunity to help a different segment of the population or a better way to reach his current patients, he never stops innovating his programs.
Lisa Hunt Clinical Coordinator, Rehabilitation    45,000 patients, more than 55 teammates, two facilities, and 37 years of service. Lisa Hunt has been a dedicated and passionate teammate at Atrium Health for decades. She is a wonderful clinician, dedicated employee and a servant-leader. Teammates say Lisa leads by example and speaks about inclusion and diversity to everyone she meets. She speaks of her experiences from her past and present to empathize and educate others and meets people where they are so she can help them grow. “She simply states that she is grateful for all she has and has been given and wants to share that with others!”
Angela Janssen Keenan Director, Spiritual Care & Education    Angela leads the chaplaincy educational center in Greater Charlotte. Teammates who work closely with her say they have experienced her commitment to serving as a leader who empowers others around her.  As the leader of education for Spiritual Care, Angela reinforces the Culture Commitments, especially around Trust and Belonging. Teammates say Angela has been a strong pillar of support for those in residency. “In addition to her compassion, Angela is an amazing educator who consistently delivered the best blend of academic training, clinical supervision, and practical guidance.”
Kristy Morley   Registered Nurse III, NCPP    Kristy Morley’s job title is Labor & Delivery nurse at Atrium Health Main, but in this role she does so much more. Teammates say Kristy has a passion for our patients who are also experiencing a loss. She co-teaches Perinatal Loss to the new RN hires within the Greater Charlotte area. She shares her passion with the new teammates, which includes a parent panel at each class. This panel shares their experiences, which provides the new nurses with a unique perspective. Kristy truly strives for excellence in every interaction with patients and with teammates to make a positive impact in their lives. “The lives of patients and teammates are transformed by Kristy and her loving nature.”
Adam Nestlerode  Guest Relations Specialist     In any organization exceptional individuals stand out for their remarkable contributions that go beyond their job descriptions and teammates describe Adam Nestlerode as that person. Adam has consistently demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication in creating captivating videos that celebrate both patient and teammate experiences, which have made a lasting impact on our organization and those we serve. “Adam’s unique ideas and storytelling techniques have breathed extra life into our organization’s values, showcasing the positive impact we make on patients’ lives, and promoting a positive team culture.”
Dr. Jakki Opollo   VP, Chief Diversity Officer    Teammates say Dr. Jakki Opollo embodies what it means to be a dedicated servant-leader. She extends herself to be a resource to so many teammates on a daily basis. Dr. Opollo is an advocate for embracing the unique backgrounds, ideas, and approaches of everyone. She often states that it’s important to make selections for roles and positions based on “culture add” not “culture fit.” Dr. Opollo Jakki constantly challenges the status quo and looks for ways to create strategic partnerships in the organization. “To say that she is exemplary is an understatement because she is not only a model of leadership – she breaks the mold.”
Cheryl Palmer  Clinical Director, Obstetrics/Gynecology    Teammates who work closely with Cheryl say whenever she is asked to complete a task, you can always trust that it will be completed correctly and in a timely manner. Cheryl’s incredible efforts have been particularly evident through her involvement in the launch and success of the Women’s Care Mobile Medicine Unit, “Drive to Thrive.” This innovative initiative has been pivotal in addressing critical healthcare needs such as decreasing maternal mortality rates, preventing preterm births, and promoting responsible family planning. The unit brings cutting edge OB-GYN care to women in need, offering a comprehensive range of services in a nurturing and inclusive environment. “Cheryl is very selfless and caring to a fault and always puts the need of the patients ahead of her own personal needs.”
Karen Sablon  Director, Rehab Services    Karen Sablon demonstrates the Culture Commitments of driving for Excellence and Working as One Team to make great things happen in numerous ways. She is known at Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center as an encourager and often writes personal notes to teammates to express her appreciation of them. Although she is the director for Rehabilitation Services, she has helped numerous people who worked in her department excel in their careers, even if it means accepting positions in other departments. Teammates say Karen is always looking for ways to make the work environment a safe and clean area for patients and teammates. “She empowers her teammates to do whatever they can to make a patient’s stay comfortable and has encouraged her staff members to purchase whatever a patient may need; she assures them they will be reimbursed, which they always are.”
Tiffany Seaford  Clinical Chaplain     Tiffany is a dedicated teammate who comes to work daily with the intention of positive problem solving to meet people’s needs in potentially the most difficult time of their lives. Teammates say she’s a thoughtful listener and always brings her authentic presence to any situation. Tiffany is also know for going above and beyond to make sure patients experience the best spiritual care.
Andrea Strauss   Registered Nurse III, NCPP    Teammates say Andrea is a shining star and a pinnacle of excellence as a professional nurse. She brings diversity to our team by putting her military background into practice. As a military veteran, she represents integrity and treats everyone with the utmost respect. Andrea is not afraid to challenge the old and bring forth the new. She partners with leadership and Unit Base Councils to generate ideas to improve team resilience through designated lunch commitments. “Andrea is a natural-born leader. Her actions and behaviors are an inspiration to others, and she makes EVERY experience for her patients matter.”
Lucas Wright  Psychiatric Technician    Lucas Wright is an exceptional behavioral health tech. He always has a warm smile on his face even when the shift is extremely busy and difficult. Teammates say Lucas always has a positive attitude, no matter the circumstances. Lucas’s patients gravitate towards him and his work ethic is beyond exemplary. “He shows up and does a great day’s work. He is always visible on the unit doing the tasks he is supposed to do. He goes above and beyond for the patients and his teammates.” Lucas makes everyone in his presence feel like they are the only one who matters.