Inspired by a beloved colleague who set the standard for what exceptional service looks like, Vanderbilt Health’s Patient Transport Department created a new quarterly award recognizing excellent service, and on May 7, presented it for the first time.
The Charles “Pete” Marshall Legacy Award, established by the department’s Culture Committee in February 2026, honors transporters who exemplify patient-centered service, professional conduct, effective communication, a sense of ownership and teamwork.
The award is named for Charles “Pete” Marshall, a long-tenured patient transporter who started a summer job at Medical Center North in 1981 after graduating from high school. Marshall had a career of more than 44 years at Vanderbilt Health. Marshall passed away December 2025 at Medical Center North after a brief illness — the same building where he started his career.
“He shared that he stayed because he fell in love with this place and the people,” said Katey Perrey, Manager of Patient Transport at Vanderbilt University Hospital. “Pete regularly checked in on people and brought a quiet strength and wisdom that helped everyone grow not only in their roles, but their lives. He was a supportive and constructive voice and truly exemplified the best of us not only in Patient Transport, but Vanderbilt Health.”
The nomination process was built entirely by the staff — a reflection of how earnestly the department wanted to celebrate excellence and professionalism while memorializing Marshall’s outsize legacy in the department.
Nominations and votes were based on colleagues’ commitment to the department’s standards:
- Patient-Centered Service
- Adheres to All HIPPA Standards
- Effective Communicator
- Demonstrates Professional Conduct
- Sense of Ownership
- Supportive Team Player
“Mr. Pete truly exemplified Credo. It is our esteemed pleasure to continue keeping his legacy alive by recognizing employees who emulate his faithful service,” said Tamara Givens, Assistant Manager for Patient Transport and Dispatch. “Thank you to the Marshall Family, Patient Transport team, and our VUMC family for assisting in making the first ceremony a memorable occasion!”
The department voted for Hope Marstiller as the inaugural recipient of the Charles “Pete” Marshall Legacy Award. Transporters Andre’ Bell and Alexandria Hazelitt were first and second runner-up, respectively.
The Marshall family attended the May 7 ceremony, where they were presented with a commemorative plaque honoring his dedication to Vanderbilt Health and its patients as well as the Patient Transport Department.
To get the word out, the department posted signage in the equipment room, break room, and on the communication board outside the manager’s office, and managers, senior transporters and transport leads spread the word verbally across shifts. Staff cast votes on paper ballots, submitted to a suggestion box in the equipment room, before first- and second-shift managers pulled and tallied them together.
“I am so pleased that we were able to honor Pete and his dear family with this inaugural award. It is a testament to his impact that our team of transporters designed this recognition and will celebrate Pete each quarter and in years to come,” said Lee Ann Liska, MBA, President of Vanderbilt University Hospital. “Congratulations to Hope, Andre’ and Alexandria for your service to our patients and to each other. We will remember Pete fondly.”
