Premier Inc. Recognizes AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Director of Nutrition Services for Exceptional Foodservice

November 01, 2019 — Merriam, KS – AdventHealth Shawnee Mission’s Director of Nutrition Service Steve Achord is a winner of Premier Inc.’s annual Illuminating Excellence Award.

Achord was recognized by Premier, a leading healthcare improvement company, for his accomplishments and improvements in operations. This includes patient satisfaction scores; documented cost savings; activities that support the values and mission of the organization; professional and community activities; and personal achievements in the last year.

“I’m honored to have earned this distinction but can only give credit to my incredible team in Nutrition Services,” said Achord. “In my nearly three years with the organization, I’ve been lucky to work with creative, determined team members who strive to make a difference in the overall experience of our patients and visitors.”

Achord oversaw the grand opening of Harvest Kitchen, which includes unique health care food offerings and live-action stations offering fresh, made-to-order items. He has also implemented a comprehensive composting program and fresh herb garden and revamped the hospital’s food delivery system with a food service ambassador model that brings personal service to every inpatient. Over the past three years, Achord and his team have also achieved more than $200,000 in cost reductions, reduced departmental turnover, and designed and installed a new tray line.

Achord was recognized during Premier’s annual Foodservice Forum held in conjunction with its Breakthroughs Conference and Exhibition, which brought more than 4,000 provider and supplier attendees to Nashville, Tennessee.

“We’re honored to recognize Steve Achord for achieving sustainable improvements in facility operations. His leadership within his organization has earned him the top honors,” said Debby Kasper, RDN, LDN, SNS, Director of Clinical Nutrition and Wellness Program Development, Premier. “He is improving foodservice offerings at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, while enhancing the dining experience.”

Premier has the industry’s largest foodservice purchasing program, offering savings to providers across the U.S. The program provides aggressive contracts with foodservice manufacturers, industry leading value-added services, and educational opportunities.

About Premier Inc.

Premier Inc. is a leading healthcare improvement company, uniting an alliance of more than 4,000 U.S. hospitals and health systems and approximately 165,000 other providers and organizations to transform healthcare. With integrated data and analytics, collaboratives, supply chain solutions, and consulting and other services, Premier enables better care and outcomes at a lower cost. Visit PremierInc.com for more information.