Memorial service set for VMG’s Ellen Johnson
A memorial service for Ellen Johnson, a 15-year Vanderbilt Medical Group employee, will be held Aug. 16 at 6 p.m. in Benton Chapel.
Mrs. Johnson, administrative director of operations for Williamson County, died July 4. She was 52.
Ellen Johnson
Mrs. Johnson joined Vanderbilt in 1994 as the director for Rehabilitation Services, implementing the Career Advancement Program. In 2000, she started a seven-year tenure as administrator for the Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation Patient Care Center, a time during which Orthopaedics greatly expanded its services into Williamson County and into Western Kentucky and Tennessee.
“Vanderbilt Orthopaedics would not be what it is today without Ellen Johnson,” said Kurt Spindler, M.D., vice chair of the Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation. “Ellen had a knack for bringing out the best in anyone, and combined a can-do attitude with tremendous caring and compassion.”
The Ellen Johnson Award of Excellence was established in recognition of her dedication to staff and is given annually to a staff member who exhibits Mrs. Johnson's willingness to go above and beyond normal work expectations.
Mrs. Johnson was instrumental in setting up the Orthopaedics award program that annually recognizes staff for their efforts to promote achievement and teamwork.
Mrs. Johnson is survived by her husband, Bob Johnson, and daughter, Rhea Johnson.