Bay pines va ems chief recognized by vha for servant leadership | va bay pines health care | veterans affairs

The Veterans who entrust their care to Bay Pines VA Healthcare System know all too well there are many types of leaders; however, when they visit one of our facilities, they can rest assured

that our staff are working hard to espouse the qualities that contribute to positive, and lasting, change. Toward the end of July, Bay Pines VA’s Chief of Environmental Management Service

(EMS), Abdoulie “AJ” Jammeh received the 2024 Veterans Health Administration Environmental Programs Service (EPS) Servant Leadership Award. “To be a servant leader means that one exemplifies

the values of placing others over self. AJ exemplifies that leadership philosophy daily,” said Bay Pines VA Interim Director Kristine Brown. “He consistently cultivates an environment in

which his staff know, without a doubt, that they are valued members of the team. We are so proud of his leadership and grateful for the work he’s done to pave a path toward the delivery of

excellent care for the Veterans we serve.” The award Jammeh received was issued at the national-level, from the VA’s EPS/Healthcare Environment & Facilities Programs office. Each year,

EPS recognizes VA professionals who have significantly contributed to providing and maintaining outstanding sustained care for our Nation’s heroes. In his role as the chief of EMS, Jammeh

oversees the constant and consistent maintenance of more than 350 acres and 40 buildings – and those figures only consist of the C.W.Y. VA Medical Center campus. In addition to providing

oversight of the complex facilities that make up Bay Pines VA’s main campus, Jammeh’s leadership also extends to ensuring that the approximately 380 staff who report to him are well equipped

to maintain not only the main campus, but also the nine outlying facilities where we administer care. “When I got wind that I was even nominated, I was very emotional about it. From the

inside out, I’m a big believer in servant leadership,” Jammeh shared. “Servant leadership is focused on building relationships, trust, and supporting people in a way that allows them to

reach their full potential.” Jammeh continued “If people feel relaxed at work, then they tend to bring themselves in terms of being innovative, because they see themselves as part of a

well-functioning team.” Jammeh, who began his VA career more than a decade and a half ago, takes great pride in the position he holds. Whether it’s placing the needs of the healthcare system

over his personal interests or going the extra mile to ensure an employee’s personal needs are met, this rising leader makes it a point to lead from the front. “Servant leadership is a

simple philosophy and if you get it, your leadership actually becomes very easy and very enjoyable,” Jammeh said. “I’m grateful to all my staff and by extension Bay Pines VA for the

opportunity to work alongside everybody in putting the interests of Veterans first.”