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Presented by Sam’s Club of Easley, the Young Professional of the Year Award recognizes and honors an emerging leader who strives to meet the highest levels of personal and professional accomplishment, who devotes time and energy to their community, and who serves as a role model for other young leaders and professionals. On March 14, the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce was pleased to honor Todd Walker as its 2019 Young Professional of the Year. Originally from Newberry, SC, Todd Walker graduated from Newberry College in 2003 and received a Masters in Health Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2005. After earning his degree from MUSC, he served Oconee Memorial Hospital and Laurens County Memorial Hospital. In October 2016, he made his way to Easley to serve as Campus President of Baptist Easley Hospital. During the past year, Mr. Walker has led an organization of 800+ employees through a merger with Prisma Health, along with a software upgrade to create fully integrated online medical records. Organizational and operational change can cause uncertainty, but he worked diligently with all employees to maintain morale and transparency. During this season of change and transition, he demonstrated patience, steadfastness and complete professionalism, not only to the internal staff members, but also to the community at large. However, Mr. Walker’s leadership reaches far beyond the walls of the hospital. He is active in our community serving on boards for Tri-County Technical College Foundation, Cancer Society of Pickens County, and the Easley Chamber of Commerce. He also serves as a Y Mentor at McKissick Elementary, volunteers with Meals on Wheels of Pickens County as a driver to deliver meals, and was recently named Chairman of the 2019 March of Dimes campaign. He is also active in his local church and coaches his son’s basketball team. Mr. Walker is a true servant leader, serving as a mentor and role model to offer guidance, support and empowerment to others.