We’re putting the spotlight on our winners of the Scott and Nikki Niswonger Servant’s Heart Award, Ballad Health’s highest award. It was created to honor team members, physicians and volunteers who display the heart of a servant by going above and beyond the normal call of duty in helping others at work and in the community.
The award was named in honor of Scott and Nikki Niswonger. Scott is a Greeneville businessman and philanthropist who is the chief benefactor of the Niswonger Children’s Hospital in Johnson City, and a member of the Ballad Health board of directors. The Niswongers have a long history of serving others throughout the region, with a strong focus on education highlighted by the creation of The Niswonger Foundation.
We’ve also started our nominations for next year’s winners; to make a nomination, click here.
Sharon Sheppard
Sharon Sheppard, human resources manager at Sycamore Shoals Hospital Always, is willing to step up to the plate whenever there is a need. She goes above and beyond for team members and the community, and we are proud to recognize her as a 2022 Servant’s Heart recipient.
Recently, Sharon saw a need to help Ballad Health’s retail department complete what seemed like an insurmountable task. All gift shop merchandise located at the auxiliary warehouse had to be relocated to other locations, but the team only had 30 days to complete the task.
Outside of the hospital, Sharon routinely attends team member- and volunteer-related funerals. She often brings food to families who have lost loved ones and is always working behind the scenes to serve others. She served as an active member of the local United Way board for over 30 years.
Sharon is also a member of Grace Baptist Church in Elizabethton, where she serves as secretary and treasurer of her Sunday School class. She also serves on the church’s personnel committee, the bridal and baby shower committee and is the assistant director of the Women’s Ministries (WMU).
When Sharon realized the situation, she started driving to Johnson City on most days after work to help them physically move, sort and price all the merchandise. Many days, Sharon would stay until 9 or 10 p.m., telling others, “Well, I have to be somewhere, so it might as well be there.”
Sharon never discusses all the good she does, but her positive impact on her community is undeniable. Please join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved honor.
To hear more about Sharon’s story, watch this inspiring video below, or you can access it on YouTube here.
See profiles on our other Servant’s Heart winners this year:
