NonProfit PRO, a national bi-monthly print magazine and website providing nonprofit news, has honored Atrium Health Navicent Chief Information Officer and Vice President Heather Walker with its 2021 Technology Professional of the Year award. 

“Heather Walker’s leadership during the pandemic has been vital in expanding our telehealth offerings and ensuring our teammates have the tools they need to provide excellent health and customer service,” said Atrium Health Navicent President and CEO Delvecchio Finley. “Congratulations to Heather for receiving this much-deserved recognition!”

Walker became the first female chief information officer for Atrium Health Navicent in July 2020 and was faced with many technological challenges brought on by the pandemic. In addition to helping medical workers address remote work needs, she spearheaded a communications system that sent wellness updates to patients’ families who were unable to visit.

Walker supported COVID-19 case tracking efforts for both staff and patients, COVID-19 lab work and other pandemic-related projects all while continuing to implement a best-in-class electronic health record, which went live in July 2021, and streamlined the patient experience by providing a number of services in a single patient portal. 

“It has been an honor and privilege to work with amazing teammates across all Atrium Health markets to provide the best tools and technology to our patients in central and South Georgia,” Walker said. “The ability to respond quickly to challenges introduced by COVID-19 all while implementing a best-in-class electronic health record took incredible teamwork. I look forward to continuing this journey and supporting Atrium Health Navicent as the best place to care.” 

NonProfit PRO’s Nonprofit Professionals of the Year Awards are given annually to honor some of the nonprofit sector’s “best and brightest,” according to the publication’s website. This year’s awards announcement is featured in the publication’s November-December issue. To read the article, visit https://www.nonprofitpro.com/article/2021-nonprofit-professionals-of-the-year.