Methodist Hospitals took time this week to celebrate the dedication, compassion, and hard work of its team members at the 2025 Service Awards ceremony. Four standout individuals were honored for going above and beyond in their roles, making a lasting impact on both the hospital and the community.
Chris Mills, a distribution clerk at the Southlake Campus, was named Employee of the Year. A familiar face for decades, Mills has spent more than 46 years helping Methodist run smoothly behind the scenes. His institutional knowledge is unmatched, and staff across departments rely on him for quick, accurate answers when it comes to supply chain needs.
He is known for treating everyone like family. Whether he is retrieving needle boxes for nursing education or helping a team outside his department, he does it without hesitation. Rather than saying, “That’s not my job,” Mills prefers to ask, “What can I do to make your job easier?” His attitude and consistency embody the values at the heart of the hospital’s mission.
The Leader of the Year award was presented to Lori McBride, surgery manager at the Northlake Campus. Her peers describe her as someone who leads with integrity, compassion, and accountability. She sets high expectations for herself and her team, and she meets regularly with staff to discuss goals, share updates, and foster professional growth.
McBride encourages her staff to reach their full potential by creating a safe and supportive environment. That culture of trust and development has had a tangible impact- eight nurses who qualified for the Clinical Ladder Award in 2024 came from McBride’s department. Her leadership not only helped her team grow, but it has also strengthened the care patients receive.
“I’m honored to receive this award, and I’m so thankful to be a part of this team. I can’t put into words how much support the leadership team provides each other. My staff makes being a leader easier in so many ways. They’re such an amazing team, I couldn’t do it without them,” McBride said.
Lisa Edwards, a radiology technologist at the Southlake Campus, received the Safety Star of the Year award. With more than 33 years of service, Edwards has built a reputation for being calm, thorough, and deeply committed to safety. Her actions speak louder than any single event.
Edwards is known for mentoring new staff, regularly identifying potential issues before they become problems. She reviews procedures with her team, refines training, and advocates for improvements that help prevent harm. Her vigilance and dedication have helped create a strong culture of safety within the radiology department.
Sherikia Cain, a medical assistant at the Midlake Campus, was named Humanitarian of the Year. Cain is known not just for her professionalism, but for the energy and heart she brings to the people around her. She regularly rallies her team to support causes like Breast Cancer Awareness and has built connections with local organizations to supply book bags, coats, and other essentials to patients in need.
Cain often uses her own money to create care packages for shelters in Gary. Her generosity has touched many lives, and her positivity leaves a lasting impression on coworkers and patients alike.
The ceremony concluded with photos, cake, and time to reflect on the achievements of those honored. It was a moment to recognize not only their years of service but the day-to-day actions that uplift patients, coworkers, and the broader community. Methodist Hospitals continue to thrive because of people like these—those who care deeply, act selflessly, and lead with purpose.
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