Betty Newell received East Mississippi State Hospital’s Employee of the Year award March 3 during a luncheon at Village Kitchen.

Also recognized were all 2005 Employee of the Quarter winners, which included: Eric Powe, maintenance department; Ocie Johnson, Psychiatric Receiving Unit; and the late Lee Avery, continuing care.

The announcement was made by Charles A. Carlisle, director of East Mississippi State Hospital.

“I congratulate Ms. Newell on her selection as Employee of the Year by her peers,” Carlisle said. “She and the other employee of the quarter winners have set a standard of excellence for other employees to strive for. I appreciate her good work, as well as the work of the others that are recognized here today.”

Newell has worked in the hospital’s Payroll Department since December 1986. Her duties include processing payroll and working with employees on their insurance and retirement plans. She and her husband, Joe, have four children and nine grandchildren.

For being named employee of the year, Newell received a $200 cash award, a plaque and a reserved parking space for one year. The meal and awards were sponsored by the East Mississippi State Hospital Friends Organization.