NCH manager honored as Unsung Heroine by Cook County Commission on Women’s Issues
A longtime manager at Northwest Community Hospital was honored today as a 2012 Unsung Heroine by the Cook County Commission on Women’s Issues. Maureen Seleski, who manages Senior Services for the Arlington Heights hospital, was presented the award at the Chicago Cultural Center.
Her recognition stemmed from a nomination made by Arlington Heights Village President Arlene Mulder, who wrote in part, “Maureen Seleski approaches every cause with passion. She works tirelessly on senior transportation, service accreditation, hospice and respite issues. Maureen champions the frail elderly, women’s health and the disadvantaged.”
Although known for senior citizen advocacy, Seleski served five years as a foster mom for infants. Her nursing experience inspired her to make that commitment to build a solid foundation for numerous children.
Helping others and staying involved in the community is second nature to Seleski, who has worked at NCH for 20 years. She is a founding member of Women In Need Growing Stronger (WINGS), Access to Care (medical care for the working poor and underinsured), Township Riders Initiative Program (TRIP) and the northwest suburban Senior Celebration Day. She was the first female member of the Arlington Heights Lions Club, and is board president for Escorted Transportation Services/Northwest, which arranges volunteer transportation to get the frail elderly to medical appointments.
“Maureen never hesitates to share her time and talents to make a real difference in the community, and that speaks volumes about the type of employee she is as well,” said Bruce Crowther, NCH’s president and CEO.
Seleski has been a member of the Arlington Heights Senior Citizen Commission since 1992. She also is involved with the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago’s Health & Wellness Committee, Northwest Suburban Transportation Consortium and Northwest 2020 Human Care Council.
The Cook County Commission on Women’s Issues advises the Cook County Board on matters of concern to women and girls. The group’s activities span a range of issues that include violence, child care, economic equity, development of girls, and women’s health.