West Virginia Executive Spring/Summer 2020 | Page 23

“Attending events like West Virginia Executive’s Health Care Hall of Fame reminds me just how bright the future is for health care in and around West Virginia. Seeing dentists, medical doctors, administrators and pastry chefs utilizing their respective skill sets to improve the lives of others inspires hope and assurance of things to come. These men and women—and so many more unsung heroes like them—work daily to ensure a better tomorrow. May we all join in their efforts.” – Richard Queen, CHFP Vice President of Data Science Medical Practice Management Solutions “My favorite part of working in West Virginia is the people. We are West Virginians taking care of fellow West Virginians and teaching the next generation that it is okay to stay and be successful in the state that gave you a start. My favorite part of the West Virginia Health Care Hall of Fame induction was watching each recipient receive their award and feel a sense of accomplishment in the greater good they have been a part of for the benefit of their fellow West Virginians. I was struck by the importance this award had to those receiving it. They take their work and causes seriously and are surely in it for those they help and not to be recognized. Their commitment and self-sacrifice to their fellow humankind was evident, and the many tears of appreciation upon receipt of their awards was heartwarming and affirming to the crowd gathered to honor them.” – Mitri Ghareeb, D.D.S., FAGD Ghareeb Dental Group “The Health Care Hall of Fame induction showed how creative and innovative West Virginians really are. I loved seeing how the inductees had a passion for making a difference and serving others. I think it is important to celebrate our victories together. Often, we are so busy in the dayto-day business, we forget to stop and smell the roses. I love working with the passionate, hardworking and knowledgeable people of West Virginia. I think we have a disproportionate amount of talent here, and I am glad I have been able to contribute and learn in this environment. My family has grown up here, and it has provided us with a wonderful life full of many great memories. It hasn’t always been easy, but that is probably why we have so much talent here—because people work hard to overcome adversity. We just don’t strive to get by. We strive to succeed.” – Steve Blackwell Principal & Creative Advisor Blackwell and Co.