Leslie Smith Named Adventist Health Tillamook 2022 Associate of the Year

Leslie Smith, a food service associate in the Garden Café at Adventist Health Tillamook, has been named the organization’s Associate of the Year for 2022.

Smith was nominated for the award by her colleagues for her outstanding customer service, compassion, and dedication to Adventist Health values. She is known for her warm smile, her willingness to go the extra mile, and her ability to make everyone feel welcome.

One fellow associate who nominated Smith said, "Leslie is always so enthusiastic, remembers people by name, is so great at knowing what people's "favorites" are or are needs without us asking and she always wishes us a wonderful and safe day. Leslie's wonderful customer service is so genuine and comes from the heart. She always brightens my day."

Another colleague said, “Being very new on my first day, I felt like a fish out of the water or a bird trying to swim. The most pleasant part of this day was Leslie in the Garden Cafe. For me, she was brilliant in how easily she met each of our values. She was curious (as to who I was), was very welcoming (I felt like I belonged), she was a force for good in her excitement to serve.”

For anyone that visits our cafeteria, Leslie is a bright spot in your day that will know your name, remember your last conversation, ask how you are with enthusiasm,” said Eric Swanson, President of Adventist Health Tillamook. “Leslie makes the cafeteria feel like home to us all and that warmth carries all of us all throughout the day.”