At Sky Lakes, our values are not abstract ideas—they are lived out in hallways, patient rooms, waiting areas, and every space in between. The Values in Action Award celebrates employees who turn kindness, belonging, integrity, respect, innovation, and excellence into daily practice. Through their actions, our culture is shaped, our teams are strengthened, and our patients feel the difference.
This year’s honorees, Rich Seutter and Katie Brown, RN, remind us what it truly looks like to put our values into motion.
For Rich Seutter, a Safety and Security officer, kindness often begins in moments of uncertainty. He frequently encounters patients and families during times of stress or crisis, yet his steady presence and gentle demeanor help restore calm. Colleagues have watched him patiently build rapport with patients in crisis—speaking with empathy, protecting their dignity, and ensuring their safety without ever losing sight of their humanity.
Rich doesn’t stop at what’s required. He coordinates medications, secures meals, and takes the extra time to meet needs that extend beyond his job description. Whether assisting someone with mobility challenges, helping ensure access to care, or responding urgently and professionally in an emergency, he leads with compassion and respect. His calm approach often diffuses tense situations before they escalate, proving that sometimes the most powerful tool we have is simple human connection.
His example ripples outward. Coworkers are inspired by his work ethic, his integrity, and the way he treats every person—patient, visitor, or colleague—with equal care. Through everyday actions, Rich demonstrates that safety and compassion are not separate responsibilities; they are deeply connected.
In Day Surgery, Katie Brown, RN, lives our values in a different but equally powerful way. From the moment a patient arrives, Katie ensures they feel seen, heard, and supported. Watching her admit a patient for surgery is to witness trust being built in real time. By the end of the conversation, a complete stranger often feels like a trusted friend.
Her kindness is consistent and genuine. She is the first to step in when a teammate needs support, and she approaches every interaction with respect and integrity. One nominator shared a personal experience of undergoing an unexpected, last-minute surgery after Katie had already worked a long call weekend. Despite the long hours behind her—and many still ahead—Katie never complained or showed fatigue. Instead, she delivered the same thoughtful, attentive care to every patient, offering reassurance, confidence, and calm during a vulnerable moment.
Katie’s commitment ensures that patients walk through our doors knowing they will receive not only excellent clinical care, but heartfelt compassion. She exemplifies the very best of nursing and strengthens the entire Day Surgery team through her steady leadership and teamwork.
Together, Rich and Katie show us that Values in Action is not about grand gestures—it’s about everyday decisions. It’s about preserving dignity in a crisis, offering reassurance before surgery, stepping up for a teammate, or taking extra time when it matters most.
Please join us in congratulating Rich Seutter and Katie Brown. Through their actions, our values come alive—and our entire community is stronger because of it.
