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Newsmakers in business, Oct. 9
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The Times wants to know about new management hires and promotions, major awards and other newsworthy accomplishments involving local businesses. We’ll publish the information each Sunday on the Business page and gainesvilletimes.com. Send information, including photos and contact information, to news@gainesvilletimes.com; please put Newsmakers in the subject line. You also may use regular mail at Newsmakers, The Times, P.O. Box 838, Gainesville, GA 30503.

NE Ga. Medical Center’s Gorecki named as cancer liason physician

Dr. John Gorecki of Gainesville recently received a three-year appointment as cancer liaison physician at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

Cancer liaison physicians are an integral part of cancer programs accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer.

Gorecki is among a national network of over 1,600 volunteer physicians who are responsible for providing leadership and direction to establish, maintain and support their facilities’ cancer program. He is a member of the multidisciplinary cancer committee at the Medical Center.

Cancer liaison physicians are responsible for spearheading CoC initiatives within their cancer program; collaborating with agencies, such as the American Cancer Society; and facilitating quality improvement initiatives utilizing data submitted to the CoC’s National Cancer Database. For more information, visit www.facs.org/cancer.

Social Security cites Blue Ridge’s Gooch for public service efforts

Dena Gooch, a technical expert from Blue Ridge, was awarded a Commissioner’s Citation by the Social Security Administration for her outstanding performance and exemplary public service. 

Under Gooch’s guidance, the Blue Ridge contact station, which serves the mountainous tri-state area of Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee, has become the most efficient Social Security office in Georgia. The contact station has three full-time employees and sees on average 190 visitors a week. 

“Dena has a unique rapport with people,” said Cindy McCubbins, district manager in Gainesville. “She possesses natural communication skills and everyone she assists appreciates her efforts because she is experienced, knowledgeable and dependable. Her compassion for each individual motivates her to work hard. Locally, she is referred as Ms. Social Security.”

Gooch, a University of Georgia graduate, began her career with the Social Security Administration in 1973 as a Claims Development Clerk. In 2007, she was promoted to the technical expert position.