March Ambassador takes care of Reid buildings, grounds ‘as he would his own home’

March 10, 2023 -- When wind chills sent already frigid temperatures into you-can-catch-frostbite-in-minutes range during the holidays, Jon Norris was cheering on his team as they worked to keep Reid Health's grounds safe for patients, visitors, and employees.

"I have never once seen Jon have a bad day. Even at Christmas this year after 24 hours straight in minus-50-degree temps, Jon was letting his guys know what a great job they were doing," a co-worker said. "He came back in with only eight hours off to colder temps and more snow and wind to continue the fight so everyone would arrive to clean and clear parking lots and sidewalks."

Reid's March Ambassador is the health system's grounds supervisor. A member of the Engineering Department for more than seven years, Norris began as a groundskeeper before moving into a leadership role.

"First impressions are everything, and when you come to Reid, you want it to be clean, safe, and beautiful. I enjoy being outside and making the place look good," he said.

"I'm motivated to come to work because I love what I do and the people I serve with."

Co-workers say that motivation clearly shows in the way Norris approaches his role at Reid.

"Jon never misses an opportunity to say hello or ask how I'm doing when I pass him in the hall," one person said. "He takes pride in what he does and treats this facility and the grounds as he would his own home. Visitors repeatedly remark how beautiful our campus is, and it makes me feel proud to work here. So much of that is due to Jon's dedication and hard work."

"Over the past few years, we have opened several new locations, and Jon has helped to coordinate the move of equipment and supplies from site to site," another co-worker said. "He is active and involved in the process and never complains, especially when asked to move the same item again. He does his job with a smile, maintains a positive attitude, and makes move day much easier for everyone involved."

"First impressions are everything, and when you come to Reid, you want it to be clean, safe, and beautiful. I enjoy being outside and making the place look good." -- Jon Norris, Reid Health Grounds Supervisor

A native of Lewisburg, Ohio, Norris still lives in the town with his wife, Torrie, and their two sons, Trenton and Wyatt. Norris has an associate's degree in fish and wildlife management and loves to hunt, fish, trap, and raise chickens. The family attends Community of Faith Church where Torrie serves as children's ministry director.

"Jon looks for ways to help others, jumping in when he sees someone carrying something heavy or struggling," a co-worker said. "He's always kind and caring and is an example of how a Reid employee should live and behave. He always has a pleasant smile and kind greeting to all he encounters.

"He is a role model for his own staff and for all of us."