HERMISTON, Ore.-The 2026 Good Shepherd Health Care System (GSHCS) Employee Service Awards were celebrated on October 14.
GSHCS employees were honored for tenures of service ranging from five to 35 years at the ceremony held at the Hermiston Community Center.
View a slideshow of the awards ceremony here.
The awards ceremony featured dinner from Cookin Spoo Style and drinks from Lucky Star Mobile Bar.
“Tonight is about recognizing loyalty and dedication to the mission of providing high-quality health care close to home, and the contributions all of you have made to making Good Shepherd the health care organization our community deserves,” said GSHCS President and CEO Art Mathisen.
Mathisen went on to speak about the growth at Good Shepherd over the past three years, including the hospital now having over 100 specialties.
“Each of those specialties come together everyday to provide the most important commodity on earth – health, it’s a calling,” said Mathisen, of working in health care. “Thank you all for being here and for what you do every day. I appreciate it, I’m proud of you, and I’m counting on each of you because we’re going to keep getting better.”
Jade Swonger was honored for a decade of service at the awards ceremony.
Swonger previously worked at Good Shepherd from 2003 to 2012 before leaving to become a traveling nurse, however, she found she missed what she had at GSHCS and came back.
“Some facilities treat you as a number,” said Swonger. “At Good Shepherd, I feel that we truly put the patient first.”
As RN Director, Swonger has experienced the growth of technology, including six robotic surgical systems, at Good Shepherd.
“It’s overwhelming, but I’m grateful at the same time,” Swonger said, of the healthcare technology at Good Shepherd.
Environmental Services (EVS) Manager Sergio Rodriguez was celebrated for 15 years of service with Good Shepherd.
“Time flies, it’s been great and I wouldn’t change a thing,” said Rodriguez, who recounted how he started sweeping floors, worked his way up to supervisor, and is now EVS Manager. “The hospital has really grown, and I’ve grown, too.”
For Rebecca Reese, a Registered Nurse in the GSHCS Treatment Center, who was also honored for 15-years of service, the recognition reflects her co-workers and the culture of GSHCS.
“I like working in the Treatment Center, it’s a great crew, they’re all supportive and have great attitudes,” said Reese. “When your co-workers are your friends and you’re helping the community, it doesn’t feel like work.”
Tom Hunsaker, a Respiratory Therapist with GSHCS Cardiac Rehab and Respiratory Therapy, was also recognized for his 15 years of service.
“The first 15 years have been pretty enjoyable,” said Hunsaker. “I have no regrets about coming here. Good Shepherd looks after its employees and treats us well. I’m grateful to work in cardio rehab.”
For Medical Records Director Paula Cooney, who was recognized for 20 years of service, the fact that two decades have passed is indicative of the rapid growth of Good Shepherd in the region.
“It’s gone by very quick,” said Cooney. “I’ve seen tremendous growth in my time, I’m part of a great team, and Good Shepherd is a great place to work.”
The culture at Good Shepherd is what stands out the most for Angela Saldana, a Retail Pharmacy Tech, who celebrated 25 years of service at the employee awards.
“Good Shepherd’s a good place to work, I’ve stayed here 25 years for a reason,” said Saldana. “The whole administration team down through management values their employees, and it just keeps getting better and better.”
John Adams, Senior Director of Ancillary Services, was one of the longest-tenured employees honored at the awards ceremony, celebrating 30 years with Good Shepherd.
“Good Shepherd is a great place to work,” said Adams, of his three decades with GSHCS. “The last three years have probably been the most exciting with the exponential growth we’ve experienced.”
The growth that stands out the most to Adams is the addition of more specialties and advanced technology, including how doctors in Interventional Radiology can perform targeted treatments in organs, such as the lungs.
“It’s getting really advanced,” said Adams. “I’m looking forward to Good Shepherd’s continued growth and the opportunity to continue to provide high-quality health care to the community.”
