The Centralia Business and Professional Women’s Club has named its Woman and Boss of the Year.
The Woman of the Year is the Vice President of Instructional Services at Kaskaskia College Julie Obermark. The Boss of the Year is Marion County Health Department Administrator Melissa Mallow.
The awards were handed out at a ceremony held outside the Crooked Creek Winery downtown.
Melody Ainsley announced the Boss of the Year reading from Mallow’s nomination letters, noting she is not just their boss but family.
“Bubbly, strong, cheerful, understanding, integrity and in summation setting her outside of the definition of bosses…unique.”
Mallow has been with the health department for 25 years and was named administrator in 2019.
“The last 22 months has been long and rough for all of us in all aspects of life. During the pandemic I’ve tried my best to keep the workplace positive and fun during the craziness. The pandemic has opened my eyes to the true colors of people. There are still good and beautiful people out there and they are my staff a.k.a work family. During the pandemic they took on their regular job duties and took on the Covid-19 duties to help fulfill the Health Department’s mission for the citizens of Marion County.”
Mallow says she feels passionate about the health department’s mission improve quality of life by preventing disease and providing health maintenance.
The Woman of the Year is Julie Obermark who has worked in education for ten years starting as a clinical instructor at Kaskaskia College and rising to Dean of Nursing and Health Services and now Vice President of Instructional Services. Obermark was introduced by Patti Brough.
“She was instrumental in developing the college’s health information technology program and revamping it’s paramedicine program. When Covid hit the region, she headed a multi-divisional task force that responded to Covid guidelines, changes and the campus students safety and brought the college in compliance with the new laws and guidelines. Because of these efforts the college only had 3 cross contamination cases reported during the height of the pandemic.”
Obermark was also lauded for creating more two plus two programs to allow Kaskaskia College students to easily transition to four year colleges to finish their degree. She called her co-workers at Kaskaskia College her family which are responsible for her winning the award.
“Everyday I get to go to work and enjoy what I do with the people that I get to work with and we do bring out the best in each other. We believe and trust in each other and make each other smile even on the worst possible days. We dream together and create visions to serve our community. And they are people that I count on everyday.”
Obermark remembered the words of her mother when closing her remarks that you don’t wish for something you earn it.
Past Women and Bosses of the Year in Attendance were also recognized.
