Kimberly Shealy Named 2025 Mercy Award Recipient for Person Memorial Hospital

Person Memorial Hospital is proud to announce that Kimberly Shealy, Market Director of Laboratory and Respiratory Services for Person Memorial Hospital and Maria Parham Health, has been named the hospital’s recipient of the 2025 Mercy Award.

The Mercy Award is the highest honor awarded annually within the LifePoint Health system. Named in memory of LifePoint’s founding chairman, Scott Mercy, the award recognizes one employee from each hospital who best exemplifies the spirit of caring, compassion, and selfless service that is foundational to LifePoint’s mission of making communities healthier.

“When we think about the values at the heart of our hospital—compassion, dedication, and excellence in care—Kim Shealy is the embodiment of those ideals,” said Bert Beard, CEO of Person Memorial Hospital. “Her unwavering commitment to her team, our patients, and our community is truly inspiring. Kim has made a lasting impact not only within our hospital but across the entire region we serve. We are honored to recognize her with this year’s Mercy Award.”

Kim Shealy has been a valued member of the LifePoint Health family for over 11 years and brings more than two decades of experience in laboratory services. Her leadership, expertise, and dedication have been instrumental in ensuring that both Person Memorial and Maria Parham maintain high standards of patient care, safety, and operational excellence.

Shealy’s role as the first director from Person Memorial to step into a Market Director position demonstrates her outstanding capability and vision. Her tireless work ethic—frequently covering shifts herself, including nights, weekends, and holidays—reflects her deep sense of responsibility to both her patients and her team.

Beyond her leadership in the hospital, Kim is a champion for community engagement. She has played a key role in expanding laboratory outreach to local nursing homes and the Person County Health Department, working closely with leadership to identify and meet evolving community healthcare needs. Her active mentorship of phlebotomy students and her involvement in health screenings and hospital-wide events illustrate her commitment to the future of healthcare in the region.

Under her leadership, the laboratory team has navigated three successful Joint Commission surveys, with inspectors highlighting significant improvements made under her direction. She is also currently enrolled in the SOAR Leadership Development Program, further investing in her own growth and the success of her teams.

Known for her positive energy, approachability, and unwavering support for staff, Kim fosters a collaborative and uplifting environment. From organizing Lab Week celebrations to stepping in so team members can enjoy personal time, her attention to morale and staff well-being has made her deeply respected and appreciated throughout the organization.

Person Memorial Hospital proudly celebrates Kimberly Shealy and her outstanding contributions to healthcare, leadership, and community wellness.