McGowan named Employee of the Year

Western Mental Health Institute’s James McGowan has been named Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) 2014 Employee of the Year. McGowan began his career in 1973, after returning from service in the Vietnam War, as a custodian and rose through the ranks and was named Property Officer I.
McGowan was named Property Officer I in 1998 and has remained in that position. Remembered as someone who is constantly reliable and dependable, as well as a hard worker, McGowan was honored in a room full of his fellow co-workers and family on Tuesday, March 31, at Western Mental Health.
“I have a deep respect for patients as well as the professional staff here who are dedicated to serving people with mental health conditions,” said McGowan. “I consider everyone here my friends.”
Roger Pursley, CEO of Western Mental Health, said McGowan brings more to the facility than just a strong work ethic and sense of teamwork.
“James McGowan is more than just a team player, he’s an extremely caring and compassionate person,” said Pursley. “He has served his colleagues as well as the patients and their loved ones with a willingness to address any problems or concerns he may encounter.”
McGowan’s wife, Shirley, said he is the same individual at home as he is at work.
“He’s quiet. He’s a hard worker. He’s dedicated to his family,” said Shirley. “He doesn’t complain and he doesn’t whine. I’m just very excited and very happy for him.”
McGowan began with Western after he returned home from the Vietnam War.

  To view more, please log in or subscribe to the digital edition.