Northeast Georgia Health System celebrated its employee of the year during the system’s 54th Annual Service Awards in April.
Lynne Cox, a licensed professional counselor with Northeast Georgia Health System was named the 2025 Carol H. Burrell Employee of the Year.
“From what I’ve gathered from many of the employees I’ve spoken with, Lynne is the kind of person who exemplifies exactly what NGHS is all about,” Matt Hanley, MD, president and CEO of NGHS, said. “She works quietly alongside our therapy dogs but has made a big impact on our employees during the more than three decades she’s been with us. I couldn’t be more honored to present the first Employee of the Year award during my tenure as CEO to anyone other than Lynne.”
Being named the Carol H. Burrell Employee of the Year is the highest honor an NGHS employee can receive, according to the system. The title is given to an employee who is identified as bringing their best every day and exemplifying the organization’s core values and core competencies.
The selection committee for the award is tasked with choosing one of the system’s Employees of the Month to receive the honor.
Cox works alongside her therapy dog Gili to bring counseling support to NGHS employees and their families. Her services are also provided to other organizations in the community. She has been with the system for nearly 35 years, originally working at its Laurelwood location to aid those struggling with substance abuse. She later transitioned to the system’s Employee Assistance Program where she still works today.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive this award,” Cox said. “I never imagined being recognized in this way, and it means so much to know the work Gili and I do is making a difference. Getting to help people who have given their lives to helping others is just the best thing in the whole world.”
Along with Cox and Gili, NGHS honored more than 650 employees at its Annual Service Awards celebration for their service, ranging from 10 to 55 years.
