``I was totally shocked to hear that
I was chosen as an Ambassador,’’ said
Brian Wrubleski, director of Food Service
at Bassett Medical Center since 2003. ``I
always try to do the best at what I do,
and I do what I do because I love it. I like
working with the people.’’
Bassetts Ambassador Program recognizes
staff who consistently demonstrate
core values of quality, respect, service,
integrity and friendliness.
``It doesn’t matter if it’s a dignitary eating
the food I’ve prepared, or a patient in
the hospital. When someone enjoys my
food, it’s very satisfying,’’ said Wrubleski.
Wrubleski’s enthusiasm is evident daily,
in his work ethic and the way he treats
others.
``We are a close knit group and I know
my staff. I know what’s going on in their
life,’’ said Wrubleski. ``My door is always
open.’’
Wrubleski’s career path has shown him
to be a person who cares about people.
Initially, he worked as a police officer
in Massachusetts for seven years and a
counselor for at-risk and violent youth
offenders. And when Wrubleski was considering
a career change, he realized his
passion for both food and people, graduating
summa cum laude from Johnson &
Wales Culinary School in 1988.
``I’ve done every job in food service,
from running a restaurant, to college
dining, to working at the Hyatt Regency,’’
he said.
What keeps Wrubleski busy when he
is not working or volunteering his time
and talents cooking and helping others?
He likes running, has completed three
Boston Marathons, and would love to
do another. He plays basketball on an
over-50 league at the gym, and is getting
into outdoor cycling. How does he fit
everything in?
``I thrive on stress,’’
explains Wrubleski.
``The more stress the
better.’’
In his recommendation
letter,
Dr. Robert Lancey,
chief of Cardiac
Surgery, said, ``Brian
is truly the epitome
of a high performing
employee. He sets an example for dedication
to work, and is an exemplary leader.’’
Wrubleski and his wife Mel (Bassett
nurse practitioner in cardiac surgery who
has returned to school for training as a
nurse anesthetist), live in Cooperstown
and have two daughters _ Alexandra, 20,
is studying nursing, and Natalie, 17, is a
high school senior.
