Posted on May 09, 2025
We continue our TidalHealth series “Grow With Us” with our May 2025 profile of Keeta Mitchell.
Keeta brings to the table, each day, more than 40-years of experience with TidalHealth and an infectious collaborative spirit. She’s not only grown with the organization, but she’s also helped out in a number of areas, which provides her the institutional knowledge needed for the work she does in Materials Management.
A three-time recipient of the “Team Member of the Quarter” award, Keeta is proof positive that hard work and teamwork really pays off.
Monthly, we’ll introduce you to team members, like Keeta, who began their career at TidalHealth and advanced in the health system and beyond, and/or who have taken their careers to the next level with significant certifications and achievements.
Off we go with Keeta Mitchell and her May Grow With Us story!
Thanks, Keeta. 41-years and counting with TidalHealth. That’s very cool and admirable, and we’ll talk more about that in a second. To start us rolling, please let us hear the personal “get to know you” stuff like where you grew up, where you went to school, family, friends…things you like to do when you’re not at the Salisbury hospital.
I was born at then Peninsula General Hospital and was raised in the Salisbury, MD area. I graduated from Wicomico High School in 1984. When I am not working, I enjoy bowling, shopping, eating at my favorite restaurants, and spending time with my friends and family, especially my grandchildren.
Four decades of service to our patients and our team. First, thank you! You just don’t see that dedication much anymore, which makes it even more special. I gotta know…how did you get started at, what I guess was then Peninsula General Hospital. What led you here?
In 1983, I began my career at then Peninsula General Hospital through a summer program during my senior year in high school. I had the opportunity to seek employment elsewhere, however I chose to join the hospital because I wanted to make a difference. In addition, I always wanted to help and serve my community, and the opportunity at the hospital helped me fulfill that goal.
That’s awesome! Walk me through where you’ve been and worked and what you’ve done, because I know you have always advanced and challenged yourself within the hospital.
As I mentioned, I began my career at then Peninsula General Hospital’s Environmental Services department’s summer program, where I cleaned and sanitized patient rooms. After the summer program ended, I interviewed for a position in the hospital’s Food and Nutrition department, and I was hired for the position. During my time there I prepared patient food trays and delivered them to patients. I then transferred to the hospital’s linen room, where I filled linen carts and did towel orders for Central Processing.
While working in the hospital linen’s room, I went back to school and received an Associate Degree in Accounting and Business Management. After graduation, I transferred to the hospital’s Purchasing Department, where I am today and responsible for reviewing, preparing, following up and expediting orders for supplies, materials, and services.
What is it that keeps bringing you back each day?
I love the people that I work with. I also enjoy my job. In addition, I know that my job enables me to make a difference in my community. The work that we do at the hospital is incredibly important and it saves lives. For example, during the global Covid-19 pandemic, the Purchasing Department team was tasked with procuring lifesaving supplies and equipment during a shortage.
You know, Jean Bulkeley is celebrating 60-years this year. Plan to catch her?
While I admire Jean’s 60-years of continued service, I do not foresee that I will catch her.
Much of your 40+ years have been spent with Materials Management. What do you do for that team and what does your day look like?
I am a purchasing buyer at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional. I am responsible for reviewing, preparing, following up and expediting orders for supplies, materials, and services at TidalHealth. I also provide customer service and support by notifying them of backorders and substitutions that are available and consider and compare price discrepancies against GPO contracts through our Premier program. I also resolve all price discrepancies in a timely manner through invoice matching by working with Accounts Payable.
In addition, I interact with vendors and sales representatives to place orders and to get better pricing for items. I am responsible for obtaining the best prices for supplies and services. I also provide PO numbers to Uniforms Unlimited, so employees can obtain payroll deductions to purchase items.
As a purchasing buyer, I am busy from start to finish.
Sure sounds that way! As a buyer, what areas do you purchase for and how challenging is that? That’s, what, tens of thousands of products each year…maybe more?
I order for the operating room. Ordering supplies for the O.R. can be somewhat challenging at times because (1) the items are needed as soon as possible for procedures or surgeries; (2) the volume of orders is very high; and (3) it can be demanding at times, especially if any supplies are on backorder.
I’ve taken a “few” of your photos for years of service recognition during National Hospital Week…written your bios, too. What I see often said about you is your “above and beyond, always positive and collaborative” approach. Where does that come from?
It comes from my parents. They always taught me to always do any job you occupy to the best of your abilities.
Great advice that I know could serve us all well during our careers. It’s also said, regularly, about you that you are quick to share that positivity and knowledge with newcomers. How important is it for you to be a mentor?
I enjoy helping people adapt to new positions because people must be properly trained to do their job properly and effectively. In addition, I had several mentors throughout the different departments that I worked for at TidalHealth who had a positive impact on my career.
This is awesome; someone must be noticing because you’ve been a three-time Team Member of the Quarter. How does that make you feel?
It makes me feel great. I am honored that someone thought enough of me as a person and employee to nominate me for Team Member of the Quarter. In addition, it fortified my belief that hard work pays off and that I was doing my job well.
In 40+ years, you’ve seen a lot come, go and change with this hospital and health system. What do you think is the most important part of TidalHealth and why?
The employees and the culture are the most important parts of TidalHealth. The employees are what makes the hospital run effectively. The hospital has also set a culture where employees are valued, empowered to do their jobs well, and properly recognized for their important work. As a result, the hospital is able to provide excellent service to our community.
I also know that there’s a very spiritual side to you, and religion and your church family are very important in your life. Tell me about that.
I am the Director of the Pastor’s Aid at the Supernatural Faith Center in Salisbury, MD under the leadership of Paster Craig and Ashley Mitchell. As a church, we do community outreach, we feed the homeless, we do prayer at unity square, and we donate to non-profit organizations. We understand that we must go outside the church in order to help people in need.
And we can’t end this interview without getting your thoughts on being a grandparent, which I think is the ABSOLUTE BEST thing that has ever happened to me.
I am so excited to be a grandparent. It is certainly one of the best things that has ever happened to me, too. I never thought that I could love anyone like I love my three sons. I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren, and they keep me on my toes.
Get you out of here with this one, Keeta…here’s a chance for you to mentor me, please (and others). What would you like to tell us all about getting successful and staying successful in our jobs?
Always do your job to the best of your abilities. Hard work always pays off and people will notice, and you will be recognized for it.