News Release
Mercy receives 2006 NAACP Merit Employer of the Year Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 11, 2006
DES MOINES, Iowa - Mercy was awarded the 2006 Merit Employer of the Year Award from the Des Moines Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) during the group’s annual Freedom Fund banquet on Nov. 11.
The awards were presented following the keynote address from Kevin Lofton, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Health Initiatives. Lofton oversees over 100 hospitals and health care facilities in 19 states, including Des Moines’ Mercy Medical Center.
Mercy was chosen for this year’s award based on our demonstrated commitment to diversity starting with our Board of Directors, where five members are ethnic minorities and seven members are women. Mercy was also recognized for our corporate diversity plan, employing a full-time diversity consultant, and its diversity committee who help to coordinate several outreach efforts in the community each year.
The Des Moines NAACP branch honored Dave Vellinga, President & CEO, for serving as the Corporate Co-Chair of this year’s event along side of Teree Caldwell-Johnson, CEO of Oakridge Neighborhood Services. Robyn Wilkinson, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, and Jacquie Easley, Diversity Coordinator, were also recognized for their many contributions in the planning of this year’s event.
Over 600 people attended the 2006 Freedom Fund banquet.
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