Wilbert Harris, housekeeper at Day Kimball Hospital, has been named employee of the year for 2019 by Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH).

Harris’ selection was announced at DKH’s 125th annual Corporators Meeting held at The Mansion at Bald Hill in South Woodstock on February 5. A staff event celebration was later held at the hospital on February 12, where DKH Interim President Joseph Adiletta and DKH Interim Chairman of the Board Janice Thurlow presented him with the award.

“Will is very outgoing and personable and genuinely cares about people,” said Adiletta. “He wants patients to have a comfortable stay and works hard to achieve that. It goes a long way in helping people during their time here, and has had a tremendous benefit on our patients, coworkers, and the community. These are admirable qualities we all strive for across our organization.”

Harris, who has been working at DKH since July 2015 after retiring from his own commercial cleaning business, is responsible for cleaning and maintaining sanitary, orderly and attractive conditions in spaces occupied by patients, staff, and visitors at the hospital.

“Will is most deserving of this award which recognizes his outgoing and helpful personality,” said his supervisor, Rae-Lynn Salisbury, general manager, Sodexo. “Whether he is assisting patients, visitors, or co-workers, he is always willing to lend a hand and say a kind word. We are lucky to have him as an employee in our department and representing Day Kimball. If we could clone him a millions times over, we would.”

When the announcement was made, Harris praised his colleagues for being a supportive team. In response to being named Employee of the Year, Harris said, “I am blessed and truly thank for this recognition. I am privileged to work with such a great group of people.”

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 is also proud to have raised German Shepherds for over 40 years.

The other 2019 employees of the month who were honored include: Wendy Blackmar, pre-certification clerk; Katrina Lambert, project manager, Information Technology; Gyuljan Tahirova, RN, Intensive Care Unit; Darlene Sheldon, lead unit receptionist and patient care technician; Wilbert Harris, housekeeper; Vanmaly Sangasy, RN, Oncology; John Ruggieri, technical analyst, Information Technology; Allison Clancy, RN, Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit; Ryan Cowles, electrician; and Cindy Rondini, lead patient services representative, Outpatient Behavioral Health.

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 t r): Day Kimball Healthcare Interim President, Joseph Adiletta, DKH 2019 Employee of the Year, Wilbert Harris, and Sodexo General Manager, Rae-Lynn Salisbury, at Harris’ Employee of the Year celebration, held February 12 at Day Kimball Hospital.