Healthy Connections is honored to announce the August 2025 Employees of the Month: Traci Brannigan of Hot Springs McAuley (East Communities) and Byron Dejarlo of Mena (West Communities). This recognition celebrates employees who embody our three pillars of Community, Compassion, and Excellence.
Each month, employees are invited to nominate their colleagues for this award, highlighting individuals whose daily contributions go above and beyond. From those nominations, members of the Senior Management Team carefully review and vote to select one honoree from the East Communities and one from the West Communities. These employees represent the very best of Healthy Connections and the commitment we have to our patients, our colleagues, and our communities.
East Communities Winner: Traci Brannigan
Traci Brannigan, Community Liaison with the Business Communications and Marketing department, has been with Healthy Connections since 2022. In her role, she is responsible for many of our appearances at community events, ensuring Healthy Connections has a strong, visible, and welcoming presence across Arkansas. Beyond event coordination, she also contributes to the Horizons Blog and plays a key role in maintaining our social media presence.
Her work often requires long days, frequent travel, and flexibility to adapt to unpredictable schedules. A co-worker summed it up perfectly in their nomination:
“No one works a less consistent schedule than Traci, but she never complains. She travels hundreds (maybe thousands) of miles each month to coordinate, set up, and work community events for Healthy Connections. These events happen rain or shine and sometimes in the blazing heat. They happen at night and on weekends. It doesn’t matter when, because she always represents Healthy Connections with enthusiasm and is a major reason why community outreach has been successful.”
Traci’s dedication and enthusiasm have made her an essential part of our outreach success. Her ability to connect with people, represent our mission, and deliver consistent excellence—no matter the challenge—sets a standard of professionalism and passion that inspires her colleagues.
West Communities Winner: Byron Dejarlo
Byron Dejarlo, Maintenance/Custodian at the Mena clinic, has been with Healthy Connections for less than a year but has already left a lasting mark on both staff and patients. His attention to detail, skill set, and reliability ensure that the Mena campus remains a safe, welcoming, and well-maintained environment.
In his nomination, one co-worker praised Byron’s consistency and character:
“I am proud to nominate Byron for Employee of the Month. His work in maintenance perfectly reflects Healthy Connections’ three pillars: Community, Compassion, and Excellence. Thanks to Byron’s attention to detail and prompt response to every task, our campus has never looked better. His vast knowledge and dependable nature ensure that every project is completed efficiently and correctly the first time. Byron is always friendly and approachable, willing to help anyone who needs it, and he does it all with a positive attitude while staying above workplace drama. His dedication and quiet professionalism make him an invaluable part of our team and a true example of what Healthy Connections stands for.”
Byron’s quiet professionalism and willingness to serve reflect the spirit of teamwork that makes Healthy Connections stronger. Though new to the organization, his impact has already been profound, and his colleagues clearly recognize the value he brings each day.
Recognizing Excellence in Action
Traci and Byron are shining examples of what it means to live out the mission of Healthy Connections. Their contributions, whether in the public eye through outreach or behind the scenes ensuring operations run smoothly, help us deliver the very best care to the communities we serve.
Healthy Connections congratulates both honorees on this well-deserved recognition and thanks them for their continued commitment to Community, Compassion, and Excellence.
