As part of Healthcare Appreciation Week, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System recognized longtime associates for their years of service and highlighted the Associate and Leader of the Year for 2025-2026. 

Associate of the Year: Latoshia McKinney 

Latoshia McKinney, a care manager for the Health Management Network in the Home Office Division, was named Associate of the Year for her tireless work to create stability and hope for others. 

On Christmas Eve, when many were focused on the holidays, Latoshia answered a call that couldn’t wait. 

A disabled veteran was facing homelessness, extreme weather and financial hardship. Latoshia took immediate action. She quickly united partners, secured safe housing within just a few days and remained a consistent source of support through instability and ongoing challenges — even amid a winter storm. 

This was not a single act, it reflects who she is every day. She is someone who meets people where they are and treats them with dignity. 

The other associate division winners were:   

Medical Group of the Carolinas: Dee Brannon 

Dee Brannon has a lasting impact across the entire system. Supporting more than 100 practices, she ensures Spartanburg Regional meets the highest standards of safety, quality and compliance. Her dedication has helped the practices achieve exceptional results, including a 100% pass rate on state surveys and flawless accreditation outcomes. 

Beyond the numbers, Dee builds relationships, educates teams and strengthens systems that support patient care every day. She exemplifies accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement. 

Post-Acute Division: Susanna Rabadan 

Susanna Rabadan represents the heart of caregiving. She brings extraordinary compassion to her work and takes the time to connect with residents so they feel seen, valued and cared for on a personal level. 

When her team needs support, Susanna steps forward without hesitation while maintaining a calm, positive presence. 

Her humility, respect and unwavering commitment create an environment that elevates dignity among the residents she serves. 

Rural Health Division: Teresa Kershaw 

Teresa Kershaw brings to light a profound level of kindness every day. She approaches each day with positivity, empathy and a genuine desire to help others. 

Her compassion impacts not only patients but also inspires her colleagues to go above and beyond. 

Dependable and thoughtful, Teresa is deeply committed to excellence. She doesn’t just do her job — she lifts her entire team. 

Spartanburg Medical Center Division: Margie Hill 

With a remarkable 40-year legacy of service, Margie Hill has been a trusted presence throughout Spartanburg Regional. 

She has supported leaders, guided teams and cared for patients and families with professionalism and heart. 

Her integrity and deep institutional knowledge have shaped Spartanburg Regional in lasting ways. Margie is more than a colleague; she is a cornerstone of the organization. 

Western Division: Alaina Kennedy 

Alaina Kennedy has led one of the most complex initiatives in our clinical research operations — the implementation of a new clinical trials system. 

She has brought teams together, navigated challenges with precision and delivered excellence at every step. Her leadership, accountability and commitment to others have created lasting value for both her team and the entire system. 

Leader of the Year: Shelly McMillan 

Shelly McMillan is known for consistently delivering results while strengthening both people and systems across the organization. 

As System Director for Professional Practice, Innovation and Workforce Development, Shelly has played a key role in advancing workforce strategy across Spartanburg Regional, transforming workforce development into a sustainable, system-wide framework and helping define clear expectations for performance and reliability. 

“What truly differentiates her is how she leads,” said Elizabeth Fletcher, system chief administrative officer and executive vice president. “She brings quiet confidence, listens first, and aligns teams around shared goals. She creates environments where people feel safe, accountable and motivated to perform at their best, even in complex situations.” 

Shelly is a forward-thinking, execution-focused leader who strengthens culture and performance, making a lasting impact on the organization’s future. 

One nomination shared how Shelly has an authentic commitment to developing people. 

“Shelly McMillan exemplifies the very best of Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System leadership. Her strategic insight, collaborative spirit and authentic commitment to developing people have made a lasting, system-wide impact, one that colleagues feel in their daily work and patients benefit from in the care we provide,” the nomination read. “I am grateful for her leadership, and for these reasons, she is exceptionally deserving of recognition as Leader of the Year.”