The Association of Laboratory Managers (ALMA) has recognized an outstanding laboratory manager each year since 2002 with the Excellence in Laboratory Management Award sponsored by Agilent Technologies. Nominations are solicited each year beginning in June and the ALMA Board of Directors selects the winner to receive the award consisting of a plaque and $3,000 honorarium. The award for 2013 was presented to Dr. Thomas York on October 24th by Shanya Kane, Agilent Vice-President, at ALMA’s 34th annual conference in Lake Buena Vista, FL.
Dr. York has served the Commonwealth of Virginia for nearly 20 years as the Director of Analytical Services, Deputy Director, and the current Director of the Virginia State Consolidated Laboratory. He has over 40 years of extensive experience working in clinical, research and public health laboratories with 35 of those years in laboratory management. He retired from the United States Navy, Medical Service Corps in 1984 with 20 years of service and is a veteran of two foreign wars. He has served on numerous advisory committees and task forces, and is active in many professional organizations including the Association of Public Health Laboratories.
Dr. York has dedicated his career to serving public health, and possesses a wealth of expertise which encompasses disciplines in laboratory management, microbiology, bacteriology, immunology, biochemistry, forensic and environmental analyses. He has served as an expert consultant for many programs, advisory committees and task forces and is actively affiliated with several professional organizations including the Association of Public Health Laboratories. Some of his major career achievements include managing blood resupply for all military hospitals in the Gulf War and building laboratory capacity within the Commonwealth to better respond to acts of terrorism.
Dr. York holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry from Central Michigan University. He also has a Master of Science in Clinical Pathology and a Ph.D. in cell biology/biochemistry from Michigan State University. Additionally, he is a board certified Clinical Consultant and Laboratory Director. Dr. York was nominated for the award by a coworker who cited a long list of notable achievements including the hiring, training and mentoring of critical and highly technical management and scientific staff.
