This month’s employee spotlight is Cindy Hawkins, Liberty HealthShare’s Director of Medical Services. Life circumstances kept Cindy from pursuing her degree in nursing until later in life. The untimely death of a much-loved aunt signaled to her that it was time to earn the credentials necessary to allow her to do what she wanted to do–help people.
“Working in healthcare was never on my radar,” said Hawkins. “But then we lost my aunt quickly, and it compelled me to start my journey.”
After earning her degree in nursing from Kent State University, she worked in a variety of positions in the medical field, steadily increasing her responsibility, scope, and skill. She then left the field to take care of her ailing parents, but returned to the workforce at Liberty HealthShare after caring for her family.
Hawkins, who currently serves the organization as Director of Medical Services, has worked in a variety of roles in positions of increasing responsibility. “I started off in Pre-notification, took on more responsibility for Case Management, and at one-time directed our Health Track program.” Her role today includes directing Liberty’s Care Navigation and Enrollment units.
“I have loved the variety in positions I’ve had,” said Hawkins. “The additional responsibilities have allowed me to stay current in the medical field. I’m able to experience that feeling of helping our members. That is always the best feeling, and it is what keeps me in the medical field.”
Another positive for Hawkins is the opportunity she has to direct several talented teams which provide the support to Liberty HealthShare members.
“I would describe all my teams as empathetic,” said Hawkins. “They are deeply committed to serving our members. They are also highly skilled in their fields, so they have the information they need to help members through the complicated situations that frequently come up around taking care of their medical needs.”
Hawkins has two grown children, a daughter, Alycia, a police officer in Northeast Ohio, and son, Anthony, who works as a talent recruiter in Tampa, Florida. “Tampa is my favorite vacation spot and it’s where I do absolutely nothing!”