9 A new workforce program, designed to recognize ARH employees who exemplify excellence in education and personal development, launched in October 2024 as Stacey Pittman was named the first EDcellence Award recipient. Since 2021, Pittman, an RN who serves as Beckley ARH Hospital’s wound care clinical nurse manager, has earned her LPN degree, an associate in nurse degree and, most recently, her BSN degree. Pittman accomplished her goals while working full-time at Beckley ARH and caring for her teenage son and young daughter, who was diagnosed with leukemia just before she enrolled in school. “It was challenging, but I’m so glad I decided to go back to school,” she said, noting her colleagues and hospital administrators provided help and encouragement throughout the journey. “They were very supportive of my daughter’s treatments and always worked with me to make sure I was able to take her to her appointments, so I just knew Beckley ARH was my home.” As exciting as both the award and her college graduation are, however, both were eclipsed in December when 11-year-old Layla reached survivorship. And though Pittman said she knows it’s not always easy to balance work, life and education, she encourages others to reach for their goals. “Time is always going to pass whether you’re working toward a goal or not,” she said. “It’s important to use the time wisely.” WE ARE STEEPED IN TRADITION Summers County ARH Hospital Facilities Manager David Milburn recently celebrated his 31st anniversary with ARH. “I started in December 1994, back when ARH first took over the hospital,” said Milburn who still lives in the same home where he grew up, just 5 minutes from the hospital. As facilities manager, he’s tasked with the oversight of the facilities, maintenance department, safety and materials management. But he doesn’t entirely leave work behind when he clocks out, as he serves on the Summers County Planning Commission and represents ARH on the Summers County Local Emergency Planning Commission. “This is my home and I’m very invested in both the community and the hospital,” he said. “I want to see both succeed. I want to help our hospital grow and help the community grow. If one of us does good, it will help the rest of us do good.” Milburn and his wife Sherry, who retired as CNO after 44 years at the hospital, are the parents of 3 and grandparents of 4. And though he’s now past the traditional retirement age, Milburn said walking away isn’t in his plans. “Lots of people ask me why I’m still working,” IN THEIR OWN WORDS he said. “I tell them, ‘I still enjoy it.’ I’m healthy, I have great working relationships with administration — local and corporate. It very much is a great big family here. That’s not always the case at other places. “ARH has always been good to me.” EDcellence Award honors education and perseverance
