Ferdie Antonio, physical therapist, Home Health, was recently announced 2010 Employee of the Year at Citrus Memorial Health System’s annual Employee Awards ceremony, held May 12 at the Citrus Memorial Auditorium.

Citrus Memorial President and CEO Ryan Beaty made the award announcement at the event, held each year during National Hospital Week, which recognizes employees for years of service and for outstanding performance.

In announcing the award, Beaty cited the Employee of the Year recipient for his dedication to Citrus Memorial Health System and staff in the Home Health Agency. “Ferdie is honest, smart and skilled,” said Beaty. “He’s a pleasure to be around.”

The hospital's Employee of the Year selections come from its monthly ACES and CARES program, in which employees are nominated by fellow employees, volunteers, visitors and patients for the honor. Each month, two employees are selected on the basis of compassion, respect, integrity, creativity, teamwork, knowledge, commitment, accountability, trust and humor.

In addition to the employee of the year winner, 214 employees were recognized for five-year milestones at the event. Topping the list of service award recipients were George Turco and Anita Olbek-Tooker with 35 years of service.

25 years of service award recipients included: BJ Williams, Granada Willis, Bruce Clark, Carolyn Brussell, Gail Holland, Naomi Fletcher, Geralynn Turco, Deanna Shepard, Patricia Ezzell, Rhonda Finck, and Murray Bennett.

20 years of service award recipients included: Jacqueline Murray, Margie Leturno, Doreen Kellman, Sherley Elson-Rodriguez, Brenda Chapin, Laura Iovine, Jan Powers, Gloria Brown, Jody Blackburn, Dianne Marinelli, Connie Acosta, Penny Davis, Marie Boyd, Gary Hickman, Lynda Luc, Michelle Marques, and Douglas Richards.