South Central Regional Medical Center Announces Employee of the Year  

South Central Regional Medical Center names Rennette Barnes, a longtime SCRMC Food Services Department employee, as the first-ever Employee of the Year.  

Barnes was revealed as the Employee of the Year during an unveiling ceremony on Tuesday during National Hospital Week. She was one of four possible candidates. 

Barnes began working at SCRMC in July of 1993 and has worked in various capacities within the Food Services Department. She is cross trained in various positions throughout the department, and she is a respected leader and cherished friend among her coworkers.  

“I cannot think of a more deserving person,” said her supervisor, Johnny McDonald, Director of SCRMC Food Services Department. “Rennette is always here to offer a helping hand, kind words or a simple smile to patients, employees and visitors. She has faithfully served SCRMC for decades, and we are so excited to recognize her in such a big way.” 

The Employee of the Year Program was developed in 2024 as a way to honor employees who go above and beyond in their pursuit of providing excellent care and service. The process begins with monthly recognition of Heart Champions — individuals who exhibit one or more of the HEART values: honesty, empathy, adaptability, responsibility and teamwork.  

The Employee of the Quarter is then chosen from this list of Heart Champions through an anonymous numbers-based voting process by a committee of individuals from across the organization. This process repeats each quarter and culminates in the selection of Employee of the Year.  

“Rennette Barnes represents the very best of who we are at South Central,” said President and CEO, Gregg Gibbes. “Mrs. Rennette shows up each day with compassion, integrity and a genuine spirit of service that lifts everyone around her. Recognizing her as our first Employee of the Year is not only a celebration of her incredible dedication, but also a statement about the culture we strive to build every day.”  

SCRMC is grateful for the impact that Barnes has had on the organization and in the lives of countless patients, customers and coworkers.