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.