Kim Self receives Harris Regional Hospital’s highest employee honor

Harris Regional Hospital is proud to announce that Kim Self has been named its 2026 Mercy Award winner, recognizing her steady leadership, quiet reliability, and deep commitment to the people and systems that support safe patient care.

Self serves as executive assistant for the hospital’s maintenance, security, and telecommunications functions and has been part of Harris Regional Hospital for 16 years. In her role, she supports areas that are essential to the hospital’s daily operations and helps ensure teams have what they need to care for patients safely and effectively.

The Mercy Award recognizes one employee from each Lifepoint Health facility who profoundly touches the lives of others and best reflects the spirit and values on which the company was founded. At the local level, the award serves as the hospital’s highest annual employee recognition, honoring one team member whose work, character, and service stand out among their peers. Established in 2001, the award honors the life and contributions of Scott Mercy, Lifepoint’s founding chairman and chief executive officer, and is considered the highest honor a Lifepoint employee can receive.

“At Harris Regional Hospital, the Mercy Award is one of our most meaningful recognitions because it honors the people whose character and service help define who we are,” said Ashley Hindman, CEO of Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospitals. “Kim is one of those rare people whose work quietly shapes the experience of an entire organization. She leads with humility, follows through with integrity, and helps create a sense of trust and stability across our hospital. We are immensely proud to recognize her as our 2026 Mercy Award winner.”

Self’s nominations describe someone whose work is often most visible in the moments when reliability matters most. During Hurricane Helene, when power and communications were threatened across the hospital’s campus, Self was on-site helping confirm that emergency power remained stable, security systems stayed intact, and communication systems continued functioning. Her calm, solution-focused presence helped support uninterrupted operations and allowed clinical teams to remain focused on patient care.

Colleagues say what stands out about Self is not only what she does, but how she does it. Whether working with leaders, frontline employees, outside contractors, or community partners, she is known for listening carefully and following through completely. People trust her because she does what she says she will do.

Self’s impact also reaches beyond her daily responsibilities. Her nominations describe her as someone who steps in when others are in need, often quietly and without expectation of recognition. Whether supporting coworkers through difficult seasons or showing up for those facing personal hardship, Self reflects a deep sense of responsibility for the well-being of others.

“Kim serves with humility, leads with integrity, and consistently puts people first,” said Stephen Plemmons, MSN, RN, Market Vice President of Operations. “Kim’s leadership is often quiet, but its impact is felt across the hospital. She helps create the stability, trust, and follow-through our teams rely on to care for patients safely.”

Those who know Self say she does not seek credit for the many ways she serves. Instead, she is known for taking ownership and strengthening the hospital through quiet, consistent action. Her colleagues describe her as dependable, approachable, and deeply committed to doing what is right.