Oct. 13—LEWISBURG — Evangelical Community Hospital's President and CEO Kendra Aucker has been named one of Pennsylvania's Distinguished Daughters.
Gov. Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro recognized Aucker as one of 10 new inductees for the Distinguished Daughters Class of 2023 at the Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania annual luncheon in the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg on Wednesday. Aucker is among a trailblazing retina surgeon-scientist, an anthropologist, the treasurer of the Democratic National Committee, a chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and others.
"I am very honored and humbled," said Aucker. "I live in a small community and we're taking care of rural health care. That's what I do. I love the area and have been here my whole life. It's an honor to be with the caliber of women and experience the history, to look back on the accomplishments since the 1940s. It's a reminder that inside these communities, there's a lot of people doing a lot of work, there's a lot of women doing a lot of work. Our state has a history of women doing good things and setting the path for people like me."
Aucker said she received a letter in late August about the recognition but only learned this week at the luncheon that she was nominated by members of the hospital board. The nominations are reviewed and approved by the governor, she said.
"It's a team sport," said Aucker. "I wouldn't be able to do the things I have been able to do without the team of people I work with, from the executive staff to the front-line workers to the physicians to the board of directors. My job is to serve the community."
Aucker, who attended the luncheon with her daughter, was appointed president and CEO in July 2015 after serving the hospital previously as executive vice president/chief operating officer. Aucker has been an integral part of Evangelical Community Hospital's senior leadership team since 1990.
"For 75 years, the Distinguished Daughters have recognized the achievements of Pennsylvania women — leaders who make a difference in our communities every day," said Shapiro in a prepared release. "This new class of inductees builds upon that long tradition, and Lori and I are pleased to welcome an incredible group of women — leaders in public service, health care, business, and education — into the ranks of Pennsylvania's Distinguished Daughters. Your hard work showcases what we can accomplish for the good people of Pennsylvania when we all come together."