08/21/2023

Wentworth-Douglass Hospital Leader Receives National Lifetime Achievement Award

DOVER, NH – David Dagenais, Wentworth-Douglass Hospital’s senior director of plant operations, was recently awarded a lifetime achievement award from the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE).

Dagenais, who has worked at the hospital for more than 30 years, accepted the prestigious Crystal Eagle Leadership Award during ASHE’s 60th Annual Conference and Technical Exhibition in San Antonio earlier this month.

“I’m extremely grateful for this acknowledgement from ASHE and to all those who've supported and worked alongside me throughout my 32 years at Wentworth-Douglass,” Dagenais said. “Every professional decision I’ve made was guided by a commitment to advance healthcare engineering and serve our community with a safer, healthier environment.”

As a distinguished leader in the ASHE community for more than 25 years, Dagenais serves on the ASHE Advisory Board first as Region 1 Representative and, in 2015, as Advisory Board President. He is also active at the local level with the New England Healthcare Engineers’ Society and was the chapter’s president in 2011. Dagenais has represented ASHE and its members on several code development committees throughout his career, including those for the National Fire Protection Association and the Facilities Guidelines Institute. He is also a highly engaged ASHE faculty member and has presented as an instructor or expert panelist at numerous ASHE education events and conferences.

“Dave is a true asset to the ASHE community. He has been a mentor to countless ASHE members and a fierce advocate for ASHE’s interest in the compliance arena for decades,” said ASHE deputy executive director Chad Beebe. “He’s a leader in every sense of the word, and the organization is fortunate to count him among its members.”

Dagenais says his position has significantly evolved during his three decades at Wentworth-Douglass, but his approach to the job has remained the same.

“When I first started, I viewed my position as simply a job that provided consistent work and opportunity for growth.  I learned very quickly that working in healthcare was very different. I became empowered knowing that my work was going to have an impact on someone’s well-being,” he said.

“This is certainly a proud moment for our entire organization,” said Wentworth-Douglass president and COO Darin Roark. “This award is a testament to Dave’s exceptional leadership qualities, innovative spirit, and unwavering commitment to Wentworth-Douglass and our Seacoast community. His tireless efforts have had a transformational impact on not only our hospital, but his entire field.”