The Greatest Boss Contest Runner-Up
Candy Casey
President & CEO
Columbia Center, Inc.
Mequon, WI
Non-Profit/Government Organizations Category
Nomination Essay
I am nominating the CEO of Columbia Center, a specialty birth hospital in Mequon, Wisconsin. I have worked for Candy since 1999 and I have never met a boss with more vision. Candy has taken what was a little unit in a big hospital and has turned it into a separately-licensed hospital that only does birth. We are well-known within the community for the excellent, loving care that we give to our patients. Our Press-Ganey scores are some of the highest in the nation for smaller hospitals and Candy is the primary force behind that reputation.
She has a marvelous sense of humor, is always positive and gives pats on the back on a daily basis. She is unbelievably smart and intuitive and always puts our patients first. In 2003 she encouraged me to begin our state's first hospital-based doula program. Not just because it makes the hospital look good, but because it was the right thing to do for our patients. Eight years later she continues to budget so that the families obtain the services of a doula for $75 and the hospital pays 75% of what the doula is paid (total of $300/birth). This has made having a doula affordable and allowed the doulas to be a part of our amazing staff.
I have to say that I feel thoroughly humbled to be able to work with her each day. If Candy asks me to do something, I am happy to. I always want to have earned her trust and respect. She makes me feel like I can do anything. Her support is undying. And I am not alone. She encourages each of us to stretch and grow. I am so lucky to be a part of her team.
Lastly, she bakes to relieve stress and we all benefit from that as well! (A few of us have the extra weight to prove it!) She is an amazing baker and we have tried more new recipes and have revisited beloved favorites. I love telling people that my CEO bakes for us! I don't know of any other that does.
I'll be shocked if anyone else is as great as Candy. Truthfully, I'd follow her to the ends of the earth. We work hard and with Candy leading the way it is always an adventure! I know without a doubt that if more bosses were like Candy the world would be a happier place and employees would be mighty happy to come to work each day! Thanks for the opportunity to brag about my smart, visionary and talented boss.
