Mission Health - 2008 Recipients, Founders' Day

Mission Health System's 2008 Founders' Day Award was presented to attorney John S. Stevens and Radiation Oncologist John Battle Haslam, MD for their exceptional commitment to serving the health of the community. The event was led by Mission Chairman of the Board Jack Cecil, Mission President and CEO Joseph F. Damore, and Chief Medical Officer Dale Fell, MD. More than 200 hospital leaders, board members, and community leaders attended the November 18th ceremony to honor these exceptional community leaders.

John S. Stevens, Esq

Stevens served on Mission's Board of Directors for more than 20 years in numerous capacities, including twice as Chairman of the Board, and as founding president of the Mission Healthcare Foundation Board. Many credit his leadership for the success of the Mission St. Joseph merger. He said he considers it a highlight of his career, "something from which I derive a great deal of satisfaction."

Nephrologist Denniston Crews, MD, called Stevens "the ultimate negotiator," saying "He could pull consensus out of nowhere."

In addition to his work with Mission, Stevens served as chairman of the North Carolina Bar Association, on the board of UNC Healthcare System, Chapel Hill, chair of the Asheville Regional Airport Authority, and eight years in the North Carolina General Assembly. Read More...

Battle Haslam, MD
Dr. Haslam was the first radiation oncologist in Western North Carolina, serving for years as the only such specialist between Knoxville and Winston-Salem.

"I relied on his medical expertise and opinions," said radiologist and former Chief of Staff Norris Crigler. He was very thorough in patient care, a model physician for clinicians and for the institution." Following his retirement, Dr. Haslam has remained active in the community and continues his work as healer through his talent as pianist, and his concern for people. "He truly cares about his patients, said friend and neighbor Cissie Stevens, wife of Jack Stevens. "Even though he is retired, people still call him to talk about their condition." Read More...