Lynne Cox, a licensed professional counselor, was announced as Northeast Georgia Health System’s (NGHS) 2025 Carol H. Burrell Employee of the Year during the system’s 54th-Annual Service Awards celebration last month. NGHS President and CEO Matt Hanley, MD, presented the award to Cox and her therapy dog, Gili. Along with Cox and Gili, NGHS honored more than 650 employees at the celebration, for their service ranging from 10 to 55 years.
While her four-legged friends might steal the spotlight, it’s Lynne Cox, a licensed professional counselor with Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS), who is really leading the pack. Known just as much for her comforting spirit as for the therapy dogs often walking beside her, Cox’s dedication to NGHS has made a difference that goes far beyond smiles and wagging tails. Her impact on staff members and their families is one that will be felt for years to come, and it’s the reason she was announced as NGHS’ 2025 Carol H. Burrell Employee of the Year during the system’s 54th-Annual Service Awards celebration last month.
“From what I’ve gathered from many of the employees I’ve spoken with, Lynne is the kind of person who exemplifies exactly what NGHS is all about,” said Matt Hanley, MD, president and CEO of NGHS. “She works quietly alongside our therapy dogs but has made a big impact on our employees during the more than three decades she’s been with us. I couldn’t be more honored to present the first Employee of the Year award during my tenure as CEO to anyone other than Lynne.”
Being named the Carol H. Burrell Employee of the Year is the highest honor an NGHS employee can receive. It is awarded to someone who NGHS defines as bringing their best every day and exemplifying the organization’s core values and core competencies. Each year, the selection committee is tasked with selecting one of the system’s Employees of the Month to receive the honor.
Cox, an employee assistance counselor, provides care and support to NGHS employees and their families – as well as other organizations throughout the community – alongside her therapy dog, Gili. At the Annual Service Awards celebration, Cox was described as someone who is committed to helping others, fostering emotional well-being and building meaningful programs.
Cox joined NGHS nearly 35 years ago, working at Laurelwood and helping people with substance use disorders. After a few years there, she transitioned to the system’s Employee Assistance Program where she still works today. In 2020, Gili, a mini goldendoodle, came into her life and together they started the system’s therapy dog program dedicated to staff. Since then, the program has grown to now include four therapy dogs.
With Gili at her side, Cox visits all NGMC campuses in an effort to comfort staff. They’re both full-time employees, ready at a moment’s notice to go wherever they’re needed – like when there’s an emotional case on a hospital floor or when a difficult trauma comes into the emergency department.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive this award,” Cox said. “I never imagined being recognized in this way, and it means so much to know the work Gili and I do is making a difference. Getting to help people who have given their lives to helping others is just the best thing in the whole world.”
Along with Cox and Gili, NGHS honored more than 650 employees at its Annual Service Awards celebration for their service, ranging from 10 to 55 years.
To learn more about pet therapy NGHS provides for patients and other complementary services it offers, visit nghs.com/complementary-services.