Watertown, NY — Samaritan Medical Center is pleased to present the quarterly ELM Award for Exceptional Leaders and Managers, honoring outstanding leadership across the organization. The second recipient for 2026—and the program’s fourth overall honoree—is Tina O’Neil, LCSW-R, OSW-C, Director of Mental Health Services.
A Samaritan employee since 2012, O’Neil was nominated by multiple employees who praised her exceptional leadership, professionalism and unwavering commitment to those around her. Colleagues described her as intelligent, thoughtful and dependable, with a remarkable ability to remain calm and composed even in the most challenging and high-pressure situations.
Her steady presence provides reassurance to employees during times of crisis, while her knowledge and sound judgment help guide teams through difficult circumstances. Beyond her professional expertise, O’Neil is recognized for the respect and confidence she inspires in others. Her nominators expressed sincere gratitude for the way she leads, communicates and supports those around her, noting that she consistently demonstrates the qualities of an exceptional leader.
Through her actions she has made a lasting difference at Samaritan.
O’Neil was presented with the ELM Award on August 19 and was celebrated by her co-workers and family.
The ELM Award honors exceptional Samaritan leaders and managers who exemplify the organization’s HEART values—honesty, empathy, accountability, respect, and trust. Unlike the DAISY, BEE, or OWL Awards, which recognize those in direct patient or resident care roles, the ELM Award celebrates leaders who support care indirectly through their leadership.
These individuals foster safe, supportive environments for staff, uphold quality standards, manage resources responsibly, and cultivate teamwork, resilience, and recognition. They create settings where compassion thrives, enabling staff to treat patients, residents, and families with dignity and respect. Nominated by staff or peers, ELM Award recipients have served Samaritan for at least one year and, like the strong and adaptable elm tree, demonstrate resilience, growth, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous learning. The ELM is a quarterly award.
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About Samaritan Medical Center
Samaritan Medical Center (Watertown, New York) is a 290-bed, not-for-profit community medical center, offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services. From primary and emergency care to highly specialized medical and surgical services—such as cancer treatment, neonatal intensive care, behavioral health and addiction services, and imaging services—Samaritan Medical Center and its team of healthcare professionals proudly serve the medical needs of our civilian and military communities. Quality, compassion and safety are the basic principles that guide the exceptional care delivered at Samaritan.
