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Wanda Kay North Named St. Joseph's/Candler’s 17th Annual James R. Lientz Humanitarian

Wanda Kay North, St. Joseph’s/Candler’s Manager of the Center for Clinical Research, is this year’s St. Joseph’s/Candler Lientz Award recipient.

North received the prestigious award because of her compassion, care, drive for quality and the helping hand she extends to all. She’s been nominated by her co-workers many times over the years.

In the nomination process, one of North’s coworkers said, “She is the type of person to do things behind the scenes, because she is truly not doing good deeds for the recognition of it, but because of her compassion for her fellow man. Wanda is a silent servant.”

As Manager of the Center for Clinical Research, North works with physicians to facilitate and manage the more than 100 clinical trials taking place at St. Joseph’s/Candler.

“Wanda has been nominated many, many times for this award, which I think is a testament to this person’s sincerity and long standing commitment to our mission and values,” said Paul P. Hinchey, President & CEO of St. Joseph’s/Candler.

Each year, St. Joseph's/Candler presents one employee with the award that reflects the humanitarian works of the late James R. Lientz, a former Candler Hospital Board Chairman and community activist. Recipients are nominated by their peers. A health system committee selects the recipient based on the candidate’s exemplification of the health system’s mission and values. The mission is “Rooted in God's love, we treat illness and promote wellness for all people." The values include compassion, quality, integrity, courtesy, accountability, and teamwork.

One coworker said, “The good that Wanda does is so pervasive throughout the organization and our community. This co-worker is so clearly devoted to St. Joseph’s/Candler’s mission and values.”

Another said, “She is a woman of extraordinary faith who inspires and encourages co-workers by her life and example. If you need a helping hand, she is the person to go to because if it’s in her power, she will find a way to make it happen.”

As the Lientz Award Winner, North receives a $2,000 check, a selected one-year parking permit, a meal pass to St. Joseph’s/Candler cafeterias, a St. Joseph’s/Candler watch and Lientz pin.

About Wanda Kay North

• Served for the last 22 years in the Air Force reserves. She has been the recipient of the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Senior Flight Nurse Wings, Senior Nurse Badge, and the Air Force Meritorious Medal.

• For the last 14 years volunteered for the yearly Faith In Practice mission trip to Guatemala where she devotes her time and nursing skills, and has for the past fourteen years.

• Works on the Feral Project and Leukemia Night Out Walk.

• Volunteers at St. Joseph’s/Candler’s Good Samaritan Clinic in Garden City, Union Mission and as a Salvation Army Bell Ringer.

• Serves on the Legacy Circle Committee for the Isle of Hope Methodist Church that provides food and other needs for the poor and homeless.

• Jefferson Award winner.