Wayne Gibson circled the room, speaking with friends, colleagues and family members during the reception honoring him, the CEO of the Medical Center of South Arkansas and the hospital’s auxiliary.
Gibson, who was rarely left standing idle, would tell anyone there that he didn’t ask for the award but appreciated receiving it.
To him, though, he’s just doing what he feels passionate about. He said it’s also in his faith that he continues with all he does.
“There’s a lot of work to be done here in El Dorado yet and there’s enough people to get some things done — and things are getting done,” Gibson said. “
Gibson received the Distinguished Service Award from the Arkansas Hospital Association Oct. 3, but was celebrated in El Dorado at the Medical Center of South Arkansas Wednesday.
He received the award along with two physicians.
Scott Street, who was also honored and received administrator of the year, said Gibson truly deserved the award.
“Truly this award is for outstanding leadership in this community,” Street said.
Gibson has served on boards with Murphy for 39 years, on the El Dorado School Board for 29 years and the medical center for four. He is also active in his church and its summer programs for students in literacy, and is the clock keeper for El Dorado High School football games.
Gibson said sometimes he gets tired and wonders why others don’t give back to their community as much as he does, but he doesn’t have time to worry about that.
He said there isn’t any rest for the weary.
“To whom much is given, much is also required of them,” Gibson said. “You just have to give back. … It’s a passion, and you have to have passion to do these types of things.”
The auxiliary association was also awarded an award of excellence.