ALBANY - In recognition of her distinguished career in the
field of health care, Eva Benedict, President/CEO of Jones Memorial Hospital,
will be honored as the New York State Senate 2020 “Woman of Distinction.”
Senator George Borrello selected Ms. Benedict as the 57th Senate District’s
honoree for her extraordinary achievements and dedication to preserving health
care quality and access for the community.
Established in 1998, the New York State Senate Woman of
Distinction award is hosted annually to pay tribute to women who have
demonstrated remarkable character, initiative and commitment in serving their
neighbors, strengthening our communities, and acting as role models.
“Eva Benedict has devoted nearly 40 years to the field of
health care and Jones Memorial Hospital, starting as an ICU nurse where she
cared for the most critically ill and rising through a series of clinical and
leadership positions that expanded the depth and scope of her contributions,
culminating with her appointment as President and CEO in 2007,” said Senator
George Borrello. “Along the way, she established herself as one of the most
accomplished health care professionals in Western New York and a determined
advocate for rural and community hospitals. She is a leader in the very best
sense of the word and I am very proud to honor her as this year’s ‘Woman of
Distinction.’”
“At this unprecedented time in our history, we all have a
heightened appreciation for the singular dedication and contributions of our
health care professionals. Whether they deliver hands-on patient care, or
provide administrative support, or oversee an entire hospital like Eva
Benedict, their contributions all work together to sustain and advance the most
vital of society’s services – providing quality health care to our citizens and
saving lives,” said Senator Borrello. “Eva Benedict’s leadership shows she
recognizes and supports this truth by emphasizing a team-oriented approach and
‘people first’ culture within the hospital. As a result, Jones Memorial is
strong and moving forward, even as the larger environment for rural hospitals
remains challenging. Her example truly deserves to be recognized and
celebrated.”
Ms. Benedict started her career at Jones Memorial Hospital
as a Critical Care Staff Nurse in 1981. In the decades that followed, her
accomplishments and dedication propelled her upward through the ranks of the
hospital’s administration and management, culminating with her appointment as
President and CEO in 2007.
Her tenure has provided visionary leadership for Jones
Memorial at a pivotal time for small, community hospitals. She has helped the
hospital to evolve in conjunction with larger changes occurring in healthcare.
In 2015, she led an evaluation of potential partners,
culminating in Jones Memorial’s affiliation with the University of Rochester
Medical Center. She continues to serve both Jones Memorial and the University
as an active member of the affiliate leadership team.
In her leadership role, Ms. Benedict has made a priority of
educating elected leaders about the unique role of rural community hospitals.
In 2018, she was honored for that advocacy with the 2018 Grassroots Champion
Award by the American Hospital Association (AHA) in Partnership with the Healthcare
Association of New York State (HANYS). The award recognized her effective,
persistent advocacy before the United States Congress and her work with the New
York State Congressional Delegation to advance federal policies that enable
rural and small community hospitals to deliver innovative and patient-centered
care throughout New York State.
Most recently, she helped the hospital secure a $17 million
Healthcare Facility Transformation Grant, an intensive, two-year effort. The
grant will help secure Jones Memorial’s long-term viability by funding capital
improvements that support new revenue streams. Among the elements of the
project are the expansion and modernization of the surgical services suite and
an initiative to integrate behavioral health and primary care.
A native of Bath, NY, Ms. Benedict received her Bachelor of
Science in Nursing from the State University at Albany and her Master of
Science in Nursing Administration from St. John Fisher College. She and her husband, Neil, live in Wellsville
and have two grown daughters and five beautiful grandchildren.
Although the Woman of Distinction Award Ceremony that
typically takes place in Albany each May had to be cancelled due to the
COVID-19 crisis, Senator Borrello will publicly honor Ms. Benedict at a local
event that will be announced shortly.
“Eva Benedict truly represents the best of our community and
is an outstanding role model for women of all ages. She exemplifies the spirit
of service at the heart of the ‘Woman of Distinction’ award and is worthy of
our respect, admiration and thanks,” said Senator Borrello.
