Athens Hospital Director Shares Her Passion For Community Service

Tammy Gilland boasts a versatile career and several accolades. Gilland has been an Athens resident since 1990 when she began working at the University of Georgia (UGA). She is currently the director of Community Relations at Piedmont Athens Regional and has extensive affiliations, such as leadership, community service and advisory roles, which showcase her commitment to organizations like Rotary, Junior League and various community boards.

We spoke with Gilland about her insights into leadership and volunteer work, along with what she loves most about living in the Athens community.

Answers have been edited for clarity and length.

Patch: How long have you lived in Athens, and what made you decide to get more involved with your community?

Gilland: I have lived in the Athens-Clarke/Oconee County communities for 33 years. I graduated from UGA in 1988 and was one of the lucky ones that got to return to the area to live and work. My passion for community service was fueled by my participation in the 4-H Club as a child and continued through college. [The] 4-H opened my eyes to the needs of my community, the importance of partnerships and collaborations and the impact that can be made through hard work and dedication.

Patch: Can you tell us about the awards you have won and community achievements that you are particularly proud of?

Gilland: While at the UGA, I was the first female student initiated into the Sphinx Honorary Society. I have been honored with the ATHENA Award presented by Athens Area Chamber of Commerce; Diamond Award presented by the Oconee County Chamber of Commerce's Women in Business Council; Athens Woman of the Year presented by the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia; Shelby J. Lacy Award presented by the Piedmont Athens Regional Foundation; Angel Award presented by the Junior League of Athens; UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences Pacesetter Award, Outstanding Service Award, Distinguished Alumni Award and Centennial Honoree; Rotary 4-Way Test Award and Rotary Robert S. Stubbs Guardian of Ethics Award; UGA Blue Key Young Alumnus Award and the General Federation of Women's Clubs Jennie Award.

I am also a graduate of LEAD Athens, Leadership Oconee, Leadership Jackson County, Leadership Georgia and Leadership GHA (Georgia Hospitals Association).

Patch: What projects or events have you been a part of in the Athens area, and what did you enjoy most about them?

Gilland: I have been blessed with the opportunity to be a part of numerous community projects. Several of my favorites include securing Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax funds for the restoration of the Taylor-Grady House in 2004; raising funds for the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support through the In Their Shoes Walk; serving as the facilitator for both LEAD Athens and Leadership Oconee; helping create the Leadership Jackson Alumni Association and creating Piedmont Athens Regional's annual Holly Jolly Holiday Party.

The one thing that I have enjoyed most about all these projects is the opportunity to meet and serve new people in our community. It is truly amazing to see the talents of others making a positive difference in our community.

Patch: What do you wish others knew about the resources, events or programs available to them in Athens?

Gilland: One of my favorite quotes is by Helen Keller, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." If you see a group or organization doing something you like, don't wait to be asked to get involved. Step up and volunteer yourself. If you see a need that is not being addressed, step up and ask for help.

Patch: What do you love most about Athens?

Gilland: I love that we live in a very caring and giving community. Nothing warms the heart more than seeing a neighbor reach out to help a neighbor. We are people of action and we get things done.

Patch: Is there anything else you'd like Patch readers to know about Piedmont Athens Regional or your other volunteer initiatives?

Gilland: As a part of my job, I get to work with the Piedmont Athens Regional Auxiliary. This is an amazing group of volunteers who donate their time and resources to improving the programs and services of Piedmont Athens Regional. We are always looking for new members. If anyone out there is interested, I encourage them to please contact me.

The Classic City Marathon is coming to Athens on Jan. 28, 2024. We will need over 300 volunteers that day to welcome our runners and make them feel at home in the Classic City. If anyone is interested, please contact me.

Family Promise of Athens provides temporary housing and assistance for families in our community. Our signature fundraiser, La Table, is scheduled for Feb. 27, 2024, at 1055 Barber St. If you are interested in hosting a table or simply attending, please contact me.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.