Singing River Health System Employees Receive One Coast Awards

Two Singing River Health System employees were honored this week at the 2015 One Coast Awards, presented by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce Inc. in partnership with the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce and Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. Laura Sessom, Community Benefit Coordinator, was named one of the coast’s Top 10 Leaders under 40, while Singing River Health System Chief of Staff, Dr. Steve Demetropoulos, was named one of this year’s Top Community Leaders.

“We are very proud to have Laura and Dr. Demetropoulos honored this year at the One Coast Awards,” said Richard Lucas, Director of Communications, Singing River Health System. “Our Employees are what sets Singing River Health System apart, and these two individuals are great examples of that strength.”

The One Coast Awards are the rebranding of the former Roland Weeks Hall of Fame, The Sun Herald Top 10 Under 40 and Community Leader Awards.

“Volunteers are the lifeline of South Mississippi. So many individuals give tirelessly to ensure the prosperity of our region and the enhancement of our quality of life. These individuals need to be recognized and have their achievements spotlighted,” stated Kimberly Nastasi, Chief Executive Officer of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

The Roland Weeks Hall of Fame was established in 2002 by The Sun Herald. Recognizing the wealth of outstanding business and community leaders across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Top 10 Under 40 and Community Leader Awards were developed to recognize community leaders and strong, up-and-coming young business leaders, and to hold them up as examples in the Roland Weeks Leadership Hall of Fame, named for the long time publisher of the Sun Herald.

About roland weeks

Roland Weeks, the man for whom the Leadership Hall of Fame is named, has been advocating the need for vision and community for more than four decades. Roland Weeks works tirelessly in the communities that make up the Mississippi Gulf Coast in an effort to bring everyone together. He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that we must have leaders with a broader vision, leaders with a South Mississippi perspective. It was Weeks’ leadership that inspired The Sun Herald’s South Mississippi Leaders Hall of Fame. Weeks continues to be an advocate for a regionalism approach in business and government to make the Mississippi Coast a stronger, more unified force.

The program and awards have been revitalized as the One Coast Awards to continue the ideal that One Coast is a regional belief that our common interests far outweigh any difference; an awareness that what benefits one, ultimately benefits all; a celebration of our unique communities and an attitude of no boundaries.