Melanie Parnell - 2024 QCH Tom Schonberg Award

The Tom Schonberg Award is named after our late CEO. He has had as lasting imprint on this organization. This award is presented each year to a QCH leader who makes a positive and lasting contribution to our culture by:

• Modeling the way

• Relating to others in a humble, authentic way.

• Developing and bringing out the best in people

• Actively pursuing the continuous improvement of QCH and the broader healthcare system.

This year’s recipient is Melanie Parnell. She has worked at QCH for decades, first on the front lines and later as a leader. Here are some of the words that were used to describe her:  quiet. calm, respectful, approachable, genuine, transparent, inclusive, steadfast. Rarely rattled, even in the most challenging situations. 

In the words of her team:

“She has supported our team – encouraging both individual and collective growth. I have felt support at every step of the way.” 

“When leaders treat their staff with true respect, as she has done, staff give their full effort to their work and to our shared commitment to QCH.”

“By allowing us to have a part in planning for the future of our department, we become more accountable to her and the hospital. She created buy-in, which for a growing dept is very important.” 

“Melanie has fostered my love of learning and the belief that I can aspire to whatever it is that I so choose. She has helped to boost my belief in myself because she has made it known that she believes in me. “ 

And… 

“Through Melanie’s guidance, we have been encouraged to find and use our voices, to listen to those we work with and care for, and to think outside of the box when it comes to working together to care for those around us.”