Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System Recognizes Exceptional Leaders with Inaugural System Awards

October 02, 2024

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System (FMOLHS) is pleased to announce the first recipients of its new System Leadership Awards. These awards honor individuals whose contributions have significantly impacted the health system and the community it serves, exemplifying excellence in leadership and a commitment to our Mission. These awards were presented during our first in-person Leadership Assembly, where leaders embraced the Instrumental Leadership theme by wearing their favorite band t-shirts.

“We are incredibly proud of the outstanding leaders recognized this year,” said E.J. Kuiper, president & CEO of FMOLHS. “Their unwavering dedication, innovation and compassion have not only made a profound impact on their teams and communities but have also set a remarkable standard for what it means to live our Mission. Their contributions exemplify the values we hold dear, and they inspire us all to continue striving for excellence in our service to others.”

Emerging Leader Award

Jason Duncan, Director of ERP & IS Business Information Services at FMOLHS, is this year’s recipient of the Emerging Leader Award. This award honors a new leader who has made a noticeable impact through the completion of at least one major project or initiative.

Jason Duncan was recognized for his instrumental role in converting Crystal reports in EPIC and for embracing emerging healthcare IT innovation to better serve the needs of patients and team members. Jason has made a noticeable impact on the ministry by building relationships through keen listening skills and being available, characteristics of true accompaniment by a leader; being authentic by sharing his own work struggles and challenges with his team, an attribute of the vulnerability necessary to be an authentic and trusted leader; and taking care of his team by being attentive to “burn out,” doing justice by being aware and connected in meaningful ways with his team. His forward-thinking approach and ability to lead his team with authenticity and compassion have made a significant impact on FMOLHS.

Impact Leader Award

Bently Senegal, Director of Mission Integration & Formation at Our Lady of Lourdes Health, received the Impact Leader Award, recognizing leaders who have made significant and measurable contributions to their communities through the successful implementation of key initiatives.

Bently Senegal was recognized for his work on expanding access to healthcare through the St. Bernadette Clinic, Northside High Clinic and Congregational Health initiatives in Acadiana, which had a profound impact on reaching a greater number of uninsured, underinsured, homeless and high school youth. Bently exemplifies the term servant leader, consistently guided by wisdom, compassion, inspiration and faith. His love for this ministry is evident in the integrity, sense of purpose, humility and justice that define his leadership. As one nominator expressed, “Knowing Bently is to know you are loved, respected and appreciated.” His dedication to our Mission and Values, along with his ability to lead with both compassion and innovation, have left a lasting mark on our ministry and the communities we serve.

Sustainer Leader Award

LeaAnn Teague, Senior Director of Performance Improvement at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Health, was honored with the distinguished Sustainer Leader Award. This award recognizes a leader who has consistently demonstrated unwavering commitment to the ministry by embodying mentorship, stewardship, and the Mission and Values of FMOLHS.

LeaAnn has demonstrated exceptional service by leading the implementation of the Johns Hopkins Activity and Mobility Promotion (AMP) Program at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, which now serves as a research study site for the AMP. By placing patient-centered care at the forefront, she has significantly improved the quality of life for countless patients. Known for her humility, LeaAnn continuously seeks feedback, reflecting a genuine desire to grow both personally and as a leader. Her commitment to justice is evident in her efforts to ensure that the AMP program’s benefits are accessible to all patients, making healthcare equity a priority. LeaAnn’s dedication to fostering relationships and advancing fairness within the healthcare system is a testament to her leadership and the impact she has on the ministry.

St. Clare Mission Legacy Award

Phyllis Simmons, BSN, RN, Senior Director of Regulatory at Our Lady of the Lake Health, was honored with the prestigious St. Clare Mission Legacy Award. As the highest honor, this award is given to a leader who has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the healing ministry of Jesus Christ and exceptional leadership throughout their career.

With over 50 years of service, Phyllis has built a legacy distinguished by excellence and vision. Starting her career in 1969 as a medical/surgical nurse, she has been instrumental in the growth and development of numerous departments and clinical locations, including LSU Health, St. Elizabeth Hospital and Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. Her work has spanned areas such as HIV research, infection prevention, occupational medicine and wound care. Notably, she led the first community collaborative HIV research endeavor with Tulane Medical Center. Today, Phyllis oversees regulatory compliance at Our Lady of the Lake, guiding organizational licensing, accreditation and mentoring many team members. Her legacy as a leader, role model and mentor will forever inspire FMOLHS.

To learn more about the FMOLHS System Leadership Awards and our commitment to excellence in healthcare visit fmolhs.org.