Spirited Service Excellence Liaison Named Morris Hospital Fire Starter of the Month.

Spirited Service Excellence Liaison Named Morris Hospital Fire Starter of the Month.

May 28, 2025, MORRIS, IL – Since joining Morris Hospital in 2023, Jacquie Secrest has made a significant impact in her role as Service Excellence Liaison. With a positive attitude and a warm, welcoming personality, Secrest is often the first point of contact for patients who wish to share compliments or express concerns after receiving care. She plays a crucial role in providing outstanding customer service while identifying opportunities for improvement. In appreciation of all that she contributes to Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers, Secrest was selected as the May Fire Starter of the Month.

                “Jacquie is the person who puts out the little fires in the organization, so it’s very fitting that she is being named Fire Starter,” says Morris Hospital Director of Risk Management Kelly Van Fleet. “She brings positivity and a calm demeanor to a role that can be challenging. Jacquie approaches every patient interaction with kindness and a genuine desire to help.”

                Secrest’s passion for healthcare began after graduating from Western Illinois University with a degree in Health Services Administration. Although she initially considered becoming a nurse, business courses sparked her interest in the administrative side of healthcare.

                “The more I learned about the business side of healthcare and the critical work that happens behind the scenes, the more I knew this was the right path for me,” Secrest shares. “Whenever I can help turn a negative patient experience into a positive one, I’m reminded that we all play a role in delivering excellent care. That’s what I love most about my work.”

                In his nomination of Secrest, Morris Hospital Marketing Liaison and past Fire Starter recipient Robert Alaimo praised Secrest’s compassionate approach and dedication to service excellence.

                “Jacquie is a role model when it comes to service excellence because she is always striving to improve the service and care that we provide,” says Alaimo. “She’s a fantastic communicator and listener who interacts with both patients and staff members with empathy and respect. She is incredibly deserving of this recognition.”

                A resident of Shorewood, Secrest was drawn to Morris Hospital’s strong reputation. When a position opened in the Risk Management department, she knew it was the perfect fit. “When I read the job description for this role, it was everything I had been looking for,” says Secrest. “Before joining Morris Hospital, I worked as a financial analyst at University of Cincinnati Health. Leaving that role, I knew I wanted to return to what I’m truly passionate about—helping people.” When asked about the most rewarding part of her job, Secrest does not hesitate: it’s the people.

“When I speak with someone about their experience at one of our locations, I understand they may be coming in with strong emotions,” she says. “It’s my job to meet them with compassion and empathy and to do what I can to make things better. Sometimes, people just need to feel heard and understood.”

                In early civilizations, fire starters were individuals who had the important job of keeping the flame alive. With over 1,500 employees, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers is the largest employer in Grundy County.

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