Dolan Dalpoas, ALMH president and CEO, and Kathleen Vipond, assistant administrator, congratulate Keenan Leesman on being named ALMH Employee of the Year.

Keenan Leesman ALMH Employee of the Year [December 13, 2011]  Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital's 2011 Employee of the Year is someone whose role is truly integral in the hospital's move, someone who exceeded expectations this year. Keenan Leesman, who has worked at ALMH since an internship in 2003, was recently named Employee of the Year. He works in information systems and helped equip the new hospital for telephone, computer, television, Internet, and all network and software services.

"Keenan has been dedicated, professional and personable throughout the move process, all the while executing his day-to-day functions," wrote his anonymous nominator. "He is extremely knowledgeable and assists whenever asked or needed. ALMH is extremely fortunate to have Keenan; he makes ALMH a great place to work."

Just as he humbly accepted new tasks while executing his daily job responsibilities during the move process, he was also quick to point out his role in a team effort.

"I know that I'm just one piece of the puzzle that makes a difference in the lives of our patients and of each other," he said, adding that it's nice to work in a place where hard work and dedication are appreciated among co-workers.

Besides a bachelor's degree in community health from Northern Illinois University, Leesman also has a certificate in data communication and networking from Kishwaukee College. A position in IS requires a bachelor's degree or related experience.

Leesman's day-to-day responsibilities vary and include configuring and troubleshooting wired and wireless networks, phones, printers, computers, video surveillance, software applications, biomedical devices, and television infrastructure. He also provides server and Citrix administration and gives input in meetings.

Information systems had a very short period of time between building completion and move-in to prepare it to be fully operational for patient care. That meant some extraordinarily long weeks for Keenan, who is no stranger to hard work -- he grew up on a family farm where everyone pitches in until a job is done.

He suggested and then implemented a wireless "bridge" connecting the two buildings to make the move easier. "It basically removed barriers of allowing two buildings to run live at the same time while transitioning on the same IP footprint," he said.

What he did behind the scenes made it easier for ALMH employees to focus on their jobs, the move and especially, uninterrupted great patient care.

Keenan was one of 12 Employees of the Month selected by nominations of ALMH co-workers or patients. The other Employees of the Month in 2011 and their areas of work were Sharon Mote in dietary; Kim Carlson, patient access; Rhonda Ramlow, case management; Tara Morris emergency department; Laura Miller, rehab services; Jody Jackson, laboratory; Arlene DeWilde, materials management; Amy Denney, marketing; Carolyn Marten, rehab; Jeff Neal, environmental services; and John Eigenbrod, plant operations.

ALMH employs 290 in a variety of roles. Each month someone is honored with Employee of the Month.

[Text from file received from Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital]