Northeast Georgia Health System named Lynn Mackes, an acute care physical therapist at Northeast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville, its 2018 Employee of the Year during the last of several events this month to recognize long-tenured employees for their service.

“Each year, the selection committee is challenged to select one of our amazing Employees of the Month to be the Employee of the Year,” said Louis Smith, president of Acute and Post-Acute Operations for NGHS. “Lynn’s kindness and incredible work ethic were inspiring to our committee, setting her apart and making the decision an easy one.”

“In her 20 years with us, Lynn has become known for gaining patients’ trust as soon as she starts working with them – which is incredibly important in her line of work,” said Kevin Gohman, director of Inpatient Medical Rehabilitation at NGMC Gainesville. “Lynn uses imaginative treatment approaches, mixes humor into her patients’ care and is known for using a pink walker decorated with bells and whistles – as well as taking patients on trike rides.”

When Mackes is not working, she enjoys yard work, baking and home repairs.

“Lynn truly represents the best of us,” said Gohman. “Our team and NGHS as a whole are very fortunate to have Lynn in our lives.”

During all the Service Award Banquets this month, NGHS recognized a total of 863 employees for their tenure:

• 437 for five-10 years of service

• 138 employees for 10-15 years of service

• 288 employees for 15-45 years of service.