VCUHS honors 2006 Employee of the Year

By Malorie Burkett

The Virginia Commonwealth University Health System has selected Meg Packard, buyer and manager in the VCUHS purchasing department, as the 2006 Employee of the Year.

Previously chosen as the VCU Health System’s Employee of the Month for December, Packard was selected from a group of 11 other Employee of the Month honorees during a reception and awards ceremony this month.

During the ceremony, Sharon Jahn, VCUHS benefits director and chair of the 2006 Reward & Recognition committee; John Duval, CEO of MCV Hospitals; and David Cifu, M.D., chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, also individually recognized the 2006 Employees of the Month before announcing Packard as the winner.

“This is unbelievable and I accept this honor on behalf of the purchasing department,” said Packard. “We work very hard to help this institution fulfill its goals.”

Packard received a plaque and a $500 award as the 2006 Employee of the Year.

As buyer and manager in the VCUHS’ purchasing department, Packard heads the non-medical group, which is in charge of purchasing various services for the health system. These include janitorial, supplemental nursing as well as maintenance repair. In addition, Packard’s group is responsible for buying computer software and licensing.

“Meg’s listening skills and patience help her in addressing many questions posed by vendors and staff,” said Zoe Roxburgh, director of purchasing. “Many people in the health system know they can count on Meg to follow through to the end to ensure a question is answered.”

She has been a great asset to the purchasing department, and the health system has an employee that will do whatever it takes to see the job is done well,” she added.

Packard has been with the VCU Health System since October 1984. Over the years, she has assumed many different responsibilities in the purchasing department including a stint as accounts payable manager.

She has worked on bringing in two purchasing and accounts payable systems and has been involved in many large-dollar, sensitive contracts ranging from collection services, audit services and home infusion services to various consulting needs.

 “I consider it a privilege to be able to work for this health system,” said Packard. “It gives me a good feeling to know that I work at a place with the caliber and variety of people here.”