Wilbert Harris, housekeeper for Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH), has been named employee of the month for July by DKH.

Harris began working at DKH in July 2015 after retiring from his own commercial cleaning business. Prior to that, Harris volunteered as a printer pressman for The Hartford Times and was a subcontractor for several carpet and upholstery cleaning companies. In his role as a housekeeper, Harris is responsible for cleaning and maintaining sanitary, orderly and attractive conditions in spaces occupied by patients, staff, and visitors at the Hospital.

According to his supervisor, Rae-Lynn Salisbury, General Manager for Sodexo, “Will is most deserving of this award which recognizes his outgoing and helpful personality. Whether he is assisting patients, visitors, or co-workers, he is always willing to lend a hand and say a kind word. He is very outgoing and personable and genuinely cares about people. Will loves both his work and the opportunity to serve his community through working at Day Kimball.”

In response to being named employee of the month, Harris said, “I am surprised to have been selected. I feel blessed to have been nominated for this award. I am truly thankful for this acknowledgement.”

When asked what he likes most about his job, Harris said, “I love the daily interactions I have with people throughout the Hospital. This job gives me the opportunity to give back to this community by taking care of people every day.”

Harris grew up in the Hartford County area before moving to Northeast Connecticut in 1998. He currently resides in Thompson, Connecticut with his life partner, Linda. Harris is a full time caretaker for Linda, and on a personal note he shared, “My partner and I have been patients on several occasions at Day Kimball Hospital. I am thankful to DKH for saving Linda’s life a couple of times.”

In his spare time, Harris volunteers in the community to help those in need. When not working or volunteering, Harris enjoys being outdoors and can often be found saltwater fishing or hiking. He has also proud to have raised German Shepherds for over 40 years.

Day Kimball Healthcare’s employee of the month program is sponsored by Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. “The Mashantucket (Western) Pequot Tribal Nation and Foxwoods Resort Casino has been focused on taking care of the people that serve within our community, and we appreciate everything Day Kimball Healthcare does,” said Foxwood’s Director of Sponsorships and Partnerships Roy Colebut-Ingram. “Supporting meaningful employee recognition programs like that at DKH is just one way that we feel we can express our appreciation.”

PHOTO CAPTION: (l to r): DKH Board of Directors Chairman Joseph Adiletta, DKH President and CEO Anne Diamond, DKH Employee of the Month Wilbert Harris, DKH Chief Experience Officer and Director of Strategic Planning Amanda Miller, and Sodexo General Manager Rae-Lynn Salisbury at Harris’ Employee of the Month celebration, held July 23 at Day Kimball Hospital.