CRESTVIEW — Covenant Hospice can count the reasons why Deidra Faulkner is its 2012-13 Leader of the Year.
Faulker — a registered nurse and chaplain who has worked for the non-profit organization the past nine years — serves as the Okaloosa and Walton County service areas’ clinical manager.
The Crestview resident built and maintained a group of more than 175 physicians, nurses, social workers, volunteers and chaplains to assist with operations, according to a Covenant Hospice news release.
She was selected from 80 colleagues in management positions in the organization.
"I never see her stressed," the hospice’s development and communications manager Jenni Perkins said. "She’s always incredibly busy and consistent."
Faulkner’s staff praised her ability to face adversity with grace.
“She has demonstrated that she has a heart of service to others by being gracious, positive and peaceful in difficult circumstances, encouraging her staff and assisting them wherever there is a need,” her staff’s nomination form said.
Faulkner said the recognition humbles her.
“I count it an honor and privilege to be recognized in this way, " she said. "I do what I do because it is what I believe."
Covenant Hospice — which serves terminally ill patients and their loved ones — is celebrating its 30th anniversary.
Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview nurse named Covenant’s Leader of the Year