Laura Love, Director of Community Relations and Interim Director of Marketing at South Georgia Medical Center, was named the 2017 Most Valuable Employee by the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce on Thursday. The award, presented by TeamTemps Personnel Staffing, recognizes an individual who possesses impressive job knowledge and extraordinary work ethics, while demonstrating commendable effort in the workplace.

Love has been with SGMC for 25 years, making a name for herself as the voice of the hospital. A public relations practitioner by training, Love’s duties and responsibilities have expanded over the years to adapt to changes in business growth, management doctrine, technology, regulatory compliance and communication patterns.

Through the years, Love has mentored nearly 30 Valdosta State University Communication Arts Interns and a dozen entry-level employees, teaching and providing real-world experience to those in her field.

As a community advocate, she devotes countless hours to community service. Love serves as the Public Relations Chair and President Nominee for the Valdosta North Rotary Club and secretary for the South Ga Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. She is also recognized by the Rotary as a Paul Harris Fellow.

“Laura is a true ambassador for SGMC!” said Johnny Ball, Assistant Administrator of Communications and Public Affairs. “She takes on every task with a true heart for service and is a highly valued asset to SGMC and our community.”