Miami, Florida, August 2, 2007—Marketing a new hospice program is not easy—particularly when you’re covering two counties. But that’s what Jeff Hogan did—very successfully, for several months—as a sales representative for VITAS Innovative Hospice Care® of Volusia/Flagler Counties. Hogan was honored for his accomplishment at the company’s prestigious National Employee Recognition Awards.

VITAS, the nation’s leading hospice provider with 8,640 employees, each year recognizes those who best serve their patients, families and fellow employees. Hogan, who lives in Ormond Beach, was among this year’s 25 honorees. He received the “Bringing Our Brand to New Markets” Award.

Formerly a respiratory therapist, Hogan joined VITAS in 2005 as the new program in Volusia and Flagler counties was being launched. For several months during the start-up, Hogan was the only sales representative for both counties. Nonetheless, he helped steer his program to milestone admissions levels. He has since been promoted to director of market development.

Volusia/Flagler Business Manager Keisha Santiago says it is his positive attitude that fuels Hogan’s success. But it might also be a keen sense of compassion. Once, while accompanying a new nurse on a patient admission, Hogan learned that the patient loved to fish. Hogan promptly organized a fishing trip for the patient and his son because “it was a wish of the patient.”

As one of the “best of the best,” Hogan was rewarded with a weekend celebration at a beachfront hotel in South Florida.