Jake Simonton, a mechanic and locksmith with plant operations at Taylorville Memorial Hospital, is the nonprofit hospital's 2025 Colleague of the Year.
Simonton, who began at TMH in 2022, was previously named Colleague of the Month for June 2025. Widely recognized for prioritizing safety in all facility maintenance activities, Simonton ensures rigorous adherence to safety protocols and conducts thorough risk assessments for new equipment installations.
"Jake consistently demonstrates exceptional responsiveness and problem-solving abilities whenever our department requires attention," said one of several colleagues who nominated him for the award. "For larger projects, he proactively seeks clarification and contributes innovative ideas that enhance the quality of the final product. Additionally, Jake's positive attitude and friendly interactions with our team and patients are greatly valued."
Simonton's detail-oriented approach and proactive communication have made him an invaluable asset to the plant operations team. His ability to bring innovative solutions to complex challenges, combined with his commitment to safety regulations, has elevated the standard of facility maintenance across the hospital.
A Colleague of the Year is named at all seven Memorial Health affiliates and is selected from individuals previously named Colleague of the Month at their affiliate in 2025.