DFW Hospital Council Honors Noah Sullivan for Commitment to Safety

Noah Sullivan, Environmental Safety Manager was honored as this year's Employee of the Year for mid-sized hospitals at the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council Annual Luncheon.

Noah began his commitment to public safety in the United States Marine Corps infantry where he was deployed on combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He then moved back to Fort Worth, his hometown, and has worked at Cook Children's for just over 14 years.  Noah's career here began as a Security Officer. He was promoted to a Safety and Security Training and Exercise Coordinator in 2019 and has been his in current role since August 2023. 

Noah said he was shocked to receive the nomination but extremely grateful to win and be included with an audience full of healthcare professionals from various backgrounds. He added that working in pediatric healthcare and learning from his mentors including Joe Spangler, David Hollar, Kaysey Pollan, Nick Markham, Natalie Wilkins, have made him feel fulfilled personally and professionally. 

“When my name was called, I felt immensely proud and honored. However, when I took the stage to receive the award and say a few words I felt a considerable amount of humility,” Noah said. “Everything for the child. That is what empowers me to give Cook Children's my best. In my opinion, it is a motto that unites all of us, regardless of profession or department. We all work here to support that common goal.”

Noah's leadership extends to multiple safety-focused teams, where he coordinates with clinical leaders, administrative staff, support services, and over 150 department safety liaisons.  Moreover, he regularly develops safety training tutorials and leads group classes to provide extra guidance to members of his team. Beyond his regular duties, he dedicates his time to actively learning from and participating in officer trainings and active shooter drills to enhance his knowledge and support his team.

Kaysey Pollan, Director of System Preparedness and Continuity said Noah quickly became a leader in the field of safety when he began his career at Cook Children's. She acknowledged Noah's eagerness to not only teach others but also constantly learning and trying to expand his knowledge for the betterment of our system. 

“Noah fulfills are Promise every single day. He is committed to the safety of our patients, visitors, and staff. He takes initiative, demonstrates strong problem-solving abilities in tough situations, and encourages collaboration. Noah excels in conveying the ‘why’ behind the work that he does; he has helped the organization understand that safety is more than just implementing rules and regulations,” Kaysey said. "We are so proud to have him within our department; and celebrate him being recognized by this well-deserved award.

Natalie Wilkins, Vice President of Operations at Cook Children's Medical Center said she has seen Noah's growth throughout his career and knows he will continue to succeed in the future. 

“Noah inspires others through his hard work and dedication. He fosters incredible teamwork because of his collaborative approach, demeanor and expertise in his field. He is also a tremendous example of the growth that can occur at Cook Children’s; Noah’s commitment to Cook Children's and growing here is inspirational and I know big things are ahead for him,” she said. 

Noah said his drive to support the Cook Children's Promise intensified when he had children of his own. Currently has two small children and he recently brough his 18-month-old son to Cook Children’s Urgent Care in Fort Worth for a broken leg and saw the commitment to the children in action. 

“The staff was incredible, and they cared for him like he was their own. Our subsequent appointments were equally amazing, and it absolutely filled my heart to see the great care our staff provides from the perspective of a parent. I feel that our shared mission to give the best possible care in the safest possible environment is what empowers all of us to do the work that we do,” he said. 

The luncheon had a pool of over 150 nominees for this prestigious award with several nominees rooted at Cook Children's Health Care System. These nominees included: 

Nominees: 

• System Employee of the Year: Marquietta Jones, Program Coordinator, Center for Community Health 
• Cook Children's Medical Center FW Employee of the Year: Noah Sullivan, Environmental Safety Manager, Cook Children's Medical Center-Fort Worth
• Cook Children's Medical Center- Prosper Employee of the Year: Clifford Ho, PharmD, Pharmacy Clinical Specialist, Cook Children's Medical Center- Prosper
• Physician of the Year: Michael Deitchman, MD, Pediatrician, Hurst Primary Care, Cook Children's Physician Network 
• Preceptor of the Year: Sarah Ogasian, RN, Emergency Department, Cook Children's Medical Center-Fort Worth
• Preceptor of the Year: Carley Maples, RN, Cardiac Stepdown Unit, Cook Children's Medical Center-Fort Worth

Congratulations to Noah and all our nominees and thank you for your dedication to the Cook Children's Promise of improving the well-being of every child in our care and our communities.