CHESTER – Memorial Hospital CEO Brett Bollmann named Kenneth Stout the Employee of the Quarter for the Second Quarter 2026 on July 15, 2026.
Stout, a respiratory therapist at the hospital, has been employed at Memorial since January 1989. When asked what he likes most about working at Memorial, he replied, “I enjoy the patient care portion of my position. Getting to see the patient improve while they are here.”
Multiple nominations were submitted on his behalf that expressed why Stout was a valid candidate. The nominations recognized his dedication, compassion, and teamwork. During periods of staffing challenges, Stout consistently stepped up to meet the needs of the department, covering additional shifts, adapting schedules, and taking on extra responsibilities to ensure uninterrupted, high-quality service. Patients frequently praise his professionalism, clear communication, and compassionate approach, while colleagues value his reliability, calm presence, and willingness to support others whenever needed. Through a selfless commitment to both patients and coworkers, Stout demonstrates the qualities of a true team player and serves as an outstanding example of the organization’s values in action.
“It is often said that outstanding employees are those who quietly do the right thing every day, not for recognition, but because they care deeply about their patients, their coworkers, and their organization. This individual is the very definition of that statement,” noted one nomination.
Stout resides in Chester, IL. When he is not at work, he enjoys spending time traveling and seeing our national parks. He is also an avid model railroader.
Each quarter employees are encouraged to submit “star cards” for their co-workers who go above and beyond in their patient care or teamwork. Four random cards were drawn at the award presentation for Thomas Pingel, Physical Therapy Assistant, Dylan Dungan, LPN, Teresa Jackson, Patient Coordinator, and Anna Burmester, Physical Therapy Assistant.