2020 Business Excellence Winner: Karen Woods of Cottage Hospital

Karen Woods, administrative director at Cottage Hospital in Woodsville, is the Business Excellence recipient in the health care category for a large organization

Karen joined Cottage Hospital 18 years ago as a radiology technologist. Her detail-oriented manner, consistent ability to move any project forward and open communication boosted her to the ranks of assistant manager, then department leader and finally as administrative director, where she has served since 2014.

At the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Karen worked closely with the New Hampshire National Guard unit to implement a surge plan at Cottage Hospital.

It was Karen who was approached four years ago by local first responders seeking substance abuse resources. Karen played a substantial role in forming the Haverhill Area Substance Misuse Prevention Coalition, which she chairs. She helped secure a federal grant that provides $125,000 in funding each year for a five-year period for the coalition.

Her organizational efficiency and compassionate approach to lend a hand wherever needed has earned her the admiration of her colleagues who strive to be like her.

Nominated by: Maria Ryan of Cottage Hospital