Tom Carrico

For Tom Carrico, the pandemic has reinforced a deeper level of appreciation for each day we’re blessed on this Earth with loving friends, family and colleagues. It’s also reminded him to “doggedly focus on positively affecting those things in my control and influence.” 

The vice president and chief operating officer of Baptist Health Hardin was moved by the community’s response to COVID-19, whether it was local businesses donating masks and face shields to  healthcare workers, or people simply offering prayers, thanks and praise. “Gratitude can affect the community by reflecting on what’s important,” Tom said. “The more we can value each other, the more each of us feels a sense of belonging, which is the key objective of a community.”