A volunteer for more than 30 years, Pat Jeffries, Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS) Board Member and Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH) Development Council Executive Committee Member recently was awarded the Columbus CEO HealthCare Achievement Award Volunteer of the Year.  The HealthCare Achievement Awards recognize outstanding Central Ohio healthcare professionals and organizations for making a difference in the lives of their patients, colleagues and community.  The recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award, makes a positive impact by devoting time and expertise to support local healthcare organizations, patients and the community.

Pat has been involved with LMHS in numerous capacities over the years.  His leadership and dedicated service to LMHS has proven invaluable.  Pat has given his time and talents selflessly, helping to fulfill the mission of LMHS by working to improve the health of the community.  Pat joined the LMH Development Council soon after its inception in 1987, and has served on the Executive Committee, Community Relations Committee, The Mary Jane McDonald Building a Healthier Community Award Committee and as Chair of the LMH Golf Gala Committee.  He and his wife of 51 years, Linda, also served as Honorary Chairs of the Golf Gala in 2010.  In addition, Pat led the Community Cornerstone Campaign for several years.  The LMH Development Council is a group of community volunteers who help the Hospital raise funds for worthwhile projects and help facilitate strong communication between the community and LMHS leadership.  He served as Chair of the LMH Board for nearly a decade before joining the LMHS Board of Directors.  Pat recently served as Chair, and was nominated to serve a third term on the LMHS Board.  His service to LMHS also includes being a member and Chair of the Licking Memorial Health Foundation Board of Directors and the Licking Memorial Professional Corporation Board.  The organization has benefited greatly from his earnest leadership and encouragement.

In 2014, Pat was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest award that LMHS confers each year.  This special recognition honors those whose vision, inspiration and leadership have touched and enriched many lives.  The Ohio Cancer Research Association honored Pat with the John W. Alford Memorial Award and Newark Rotary Club presented him with the BRAVO award for Community Service.  He was the 2014 Rotarian of the Year for the Newark Rotary Club.  He also received the Alumni Citizenship Award from Newark City Schools and the Outstanding Young Man in Licking County Award as well as the Distinguished Service Award for Licking County. 

Even in retirement, Pat continues to support Licking County residents as a leadership consultant, and has truly contributed to the success of the community through his ability to inspire others to perform at the highest level.  Not only does he provide service as a trainer and speaker, he also serves as:
•    Chair of The Works’ Corporate Membership Committee
•    Chair of the Midland Theatre Board of Directors
•    Sergeant-at-Arms of the Newark Rotary Club
  
Pat’s dedication and vision have positively affected the lives of many Licking County residents.  In his position as Manager of Learning and Development with State Farm, Pat was responsible for training thousands of associates, all who benefitted greatly from his encouragement and extensive knowledge. After retiring from a 38-year career at State Farm, he held the position of Academic Director over Business, Engineering, Public Services and Technology and Dean of Arts, Sciences & Integrated Studies at Central Ohio Technical College.  Pat views his involvement with LMHS as an excellent way to utilize the motivational and leadership skills that he developed at State Farm, and is grateful for the opportunity to continue working directly with community members.  He considers education to be the cornerstone of his personal mission, to facilitate the learning process for people striving for excellence on the job and in everyday life.