WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024 PAGE 3
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
Wendy Ward 2024 Nominees in Medical Loretta Baca, M.D. Nominators: Laurie Soper, Sali Lindenberger, Wendy Mueller and Michelle Dowhower Loretta Baca owns and operates The Center for Health in North Platte.
Nominator: Barbara Petersen Wendy Ward serves as the director of risk management and patient safety at Great Plains Health in North Platte. She is certified as a Healthcare Accreditation Certified Professional and has 25 years of experience as a nurse, which has given her years of nursing leadership and a transformational leadership style. Serving on a number of community boards and committees, Wendy gives her time and has a close relationship with law enforcement, the Child Advocacy Center and RDAP, and is on the board of directors for Deborah’s Legacy in addition to being a Chamber
Hostess. “In addition to her knowledge and skills, Wendy is quite humble and is always directing any credit away from herself and toward others,” nominator Barbara Petersen said. “Wendy often very quietly goes out of her way, using her own time and resources to give to patients, families and staff in some of their most dire times of need. She has assisted with getting patients clothing when needed, food, gas, shelter and plugging patients into community resources that they otherwise would not know existed.”
for additional responsibilities outside of her own as a sergeant. These include drug recognition expert, datamaster maintenance officer, anti-bias trainer, field sobriety testing instructor and field training officers. Lisa’s impact and involvement with the community extend far beyond the police department. She was named the 2018 Miss Habitat for her work with Habitat for Humanity, served on the board of the Lincoln County Ag Society and served on the St. Patrick’s Church Parish Council and North Platte Catholic Schools Safety Council. Lisa also volunteers with Lincoln County CASA and the Juvenile Assessment Center. She co-chaired the Battle of Heroes, raising money for area nonprofit organizations. When she is not at work or volunteering her time, Lisa also owns and operates her own businesses: Snowball Express and Axes & Aces. “A law enforcement officer's job is very demanding physically and mentally,” Lt. Jeffrey Foote said in a letter of this life of service I nominate her for this award.” Loretta is board certified in internal medicine and specializes in family practice, according to the center’s website. She is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Academy for the Advancement of Medicine. She was an associate professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Before moving to North Platte in 1998, she was associate program director of the internal medicine residency program at St. Joseph Hospital in Denver and came to North Platte monthly as a rheumatology consultant.
Colleague Laurie Soper, who nominated Loretta, wrote: “Dr. Baca has been at the forefront in bringing holistic care options to Nebraska. Opening her business The Center for Health gave her the opportunity to use integrative, functional, alternative medicine and traditional medicine for the best patient outcomes. “To date thousands of patients around the country and indeed around the world have benefited from her care. For
2024 Nominees in Government
Lisa Citta volunteered
recommendation. “Lisa has taken on extra responsibilities within the department, which adds to this demand. Add in that she is a business owner, involved in almost every charity organization in the area and received
her master’s degree at the same time, there is no argument that she has achieved more than most people have, and I don't see an end to it.”
Nominator: Gayle Reed Since 2012 Lisa Citta has been protecting and serving the city of North Platte as an officer, now sergeant, of the North Platte Police Department. During that time she has received numerous commendation awards from the department for her acts of bravery and service to the community. “Lisa has gone far and above in her profession,” Gayle Reed wrote. “She has continued to be involved and learn as much as she possibly can as she has developed into an outstanding officer. She has been promoted to investigator and then sergeant and has continued to excel in her duties.” Gayle said Lisa is the second woman to have attained the rank of sergeant in the North Platte Police Department and is a mentor to the other women officers. “I am constantly amazed at how she is so involved and invested in everything she does,” Gayle said. “She is truly invested in people and is able to connect on a personal level.” Chief Steve Reeves said Lisa has
Debra McCarthy
With several leadership roles in Lincoln County under her belt, Deb has served as the jury commissioner, secretary of the Lincoln County Mental Health Board, Lincoln County Merit Commission, Lincoln County HIPAA committee and Clerk of District Court Association secretary/treasurer, vice president and president. In addition, she has served on the legislative, nominating and auditing committees of the Clerks Association. “I have been in the County Assessor’s Office for 20 years in July and have worked with Deb over my 20 years,” Julie Stenger said. “She has been a great asset to the county and will be missed when she retires in August 2024.”
Nominators: Richard Birch and Michael Piccolo Debra McCarthy serves as the clerk of District Court for Lincoln County. Her role is both to protect and provide open access to the records collected and filed in their offices. Her role also includes court rules, child support, juror information, passports, immigration services, domestic violence programs and vital records. “Given the often stressful situations that exist in the court system, Deb has consistently exhibited leadership and professionalism in delivering excellent and efficient service to the public,” Judges Richard Birch and Michael Piccolo wrote. “We are honored to work alongside such an exceptional leader as well as a dedicated team player.”
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