Cassandra Buchanan’s hard work and dedication has been rewarded.

Buchanan was named Merit Health River Region’s 2014 Employee of the Year. Employees are nominated for the award by their colleagues based on their commitment to patient care, professionalism and contributions on the job.

“Cassandra is reliable and cares about what she does. She goes above and beyond,” said Leigh White, the outreach coordinator for Merit Health River Region.

Buchanan has been on staff since August 2002 as a caterer in food services and said she attributes this recognition to advice she received from her mother.

“My mama told me if you don’t do it right don’t do it all,” Buchanan said.

“Multitasking” is how Buchanan described her job.

“I do cooking. I do catering, but catering is my main job,” she said.

“Cassandra does everything in the kitchen. She cooks in the production area when needed. She takes care of our doctor’s lounge on a daily basis. She works in the cafeteria as needed, and like today, she catered for 40 people,” said John Pelton, director of nutrition and food services at Merit Health River Region. “With Cassandra, I don’t have to check on anything to make sure it’s done properly. I think she is our employee of the year because she is so versatile.”

Buchanan said her favorite catering event is when the hospital prepares meals for the Miss Mississippi Pageant contestants.

“I really enjoy when we do the Miss Mississippi Pageant. I like meeting the contestants and seeing their different attitudes and personalities,” she said.

The hospital is in charge of preparing two meals — a boxed lunch and a dinner — for the contestants.

Buchanan’s cooking responsibilities do not end when she leaves her job. She is the mother of a 16-year-old son, and when he gets out of school, he is hungry, she said. She also does some catering jobs outside the hospital.

“I just did one Sunday for my church. It was for our 15th anniversary,” she said.

Buchanan said when she is not cooking or taking care of her family she likes to travel.

“I love to travel, and I spend a lot of time with my son when he travels with the band,” she said.

Her most memorable trip is a recent journey to Nashville where she accepted her award for employee off the year.

“This was my first time to fly, and it turned out to be real nice,” Buchanan said.

The six hospitals of Merit Health each named their 2014 Employee of the Year. Those selected were chosen from among 3,300 employees for the recognition.