In March, seven McLeod Health Engineering/Facilities Management team members were recognized with awards at the 2026 Harbor Freight Skilled Trades Youth Summit for their contributions to the McLeod Health Skilled Trades Youth Residency Program. Each year nominations are submitted to the Harbor Freight Foundation for awards such as the Mentor of the Year and Outstanding Jr. Fellows. McLeod swept awards in both categories. Carl Ford also served as the closing speaker for the Summit.

2026 Outstanding Jr. Fellow of the Year Awards

• Summer Mancuso – McLeod Health Carolina Forest
• Jose Lopez-Medrano – McLeod Regional Medical Center

2026 Mentor of the Year Awards

• Emily Lucero – Vice President of Facilities Management
• Carl Ford – Associate Vice President of Facilities Management
• Chris Melton – Director of Facilities Management, Coastal Facilities
• Kelton Batten – Assistant Director of Facilities Management, Coastal Facilities
• Laiquan Ellison – Building Maintenance Mechanic II, McLeod Health Dillon