Medical Center Awards Tireless Top Employee

WHO: Fran Wrona

CLAIM TO FAME: Named 2007 Employee of the Year at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point.

This is the second year the award has been given.

ACCOLADES: Chosen from the 2007 Quarterly Excellence winners, the honoree best exemplifies superior performance. Strong leadership skills combined with an extraordinary customer service focus were key factors in Wrona's selection.

"Fran goes the extra mile for the staff and gives her full attention to everything she's involved in," said Ralph Uzzi, the hospital's laboratory and communications director.

AWARD PRESENTATION: At a Jan. 24 ceremony, Wrona received a plaque, special parking pass, a financial reward and other acknowledgements.

ABOUT WRONA: A native of Merrillville, Ind., she moved to Florida in 1989. Retired from Illinois Bell Telephone Co. after 34 years, she has been with the hospital for 16 years. She has two children and seven grandchildren.

Wrona, 70, is supervisor of the PBX - the public branch exchange, which is the hospital's telephone system - and has a staff of 10. She keeps them current on changes in processes, policies and equipment. Sometimes that means being there late to work with night shift operators.

"My staff is my second family," she said.

Wrona contributes time and money to all charitable causes the medical center supports.

"We're having our second antique car show on the hospital grounds March 8 and I've been involved with the organization of that event," she said. The show will benefit the American Cancer Society.

And, Uzzi noted, "through bake sales and other fundraisers, she has raised over $2,000 for the American Heart Association."

In her spare time, Wrona enjoys crafts, flower arranging, cooking and baking and often takes food to patients' families.

Wrona additionally belongs to the Telephone Pioneers of America, Gulf Harbors Civic Association and Classic Cars club.

PARTING QUOTE: "I like to help people. If I know that a family of a patient needs help, I try to help them however I can."