Community of Hope, a Nazarene Compassionate Ministry Center, presented the 2017 Tom Nees Award for Exceptional Service to Robert L. Sloan, who has led, advised, and served as a connector for 44 years. 

This honor is granted annually by the organization in honor of founder Tom Nees, recognizing the recipient for his or her long-standing, impacting service to the women, men, and children who turn to the Community of Hope for help. 

Sloan was the founding board chair who, in partnership with Nees, had a vision for Community of Hope and brought it to life. He has continued his active involvement for more than four decades, serving as an advisor to executive directors and a friend-raiser in all ways. He has served as a member of a recent, successful capital campaign committee and as a fundraising event host committee member. 

“Bob was one of the first people I met with when I became executive director 16 years ago,” said Kelly Sweeney McShane. “Bob has regularly offered me wisdom and guidance throughout my entire tenure, and I am deeply appreciative. This work is very personal for Bob — a man of deep faith and humility — and it shows through in all that he does.” 

As he accepted the award from Nees and McShane, Sloan shared stories of the lives that impacted him, clients, and fellow visionaries.

“Thank you for thinking of me and for providing me with more recognition than I deserve," he said. "I accepted the award in the name of all of those who began the work and who continue the work.” 

Sloan has shared his heart and expertise through a lifetime of work in healthcare administration, including a 27-year tenure as president and CEO of Sibley Memorial Hospital, an entity of the Johns Hopkins Health System. He retired from Sibley in 2012 but continues his legacy of serving others as president and CEO of the Jane Bancroft Robinson Foundation. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation and WETA National Public Television. Past board appointments have included Olivet Nazarene University Alumni Board of Trustees where he graduated from in 1968, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, the DC Hospital Association, and the Olivet Nazarene University Alumni Board of Trustees. Sloan has also received recognition from the District of Columbia Hospital Association, who created the Robert L. Sloan Leadership Award for hospital leaders who have demonstrated the quality of leadership inspired by Robert L. Sloan, and in 2013 he received the Healthcare Council of the National Capital Area’s Matthew F. McNulty, Jr. Award in recognition of exemplary contributions to the healthcare field in the National Capital Region. 

By our calculations, Sloan has impacted the lives of thousands of families who are overcoming homelessness and tens of thousands of healthcare patients. 

The award was introduced at Community of Hope’s 35th Anniversary in 2015. Previous award recipients include Christopher Kerns of Fort Myer Construction and Dodie Brady of Global Harmony Through Personal Excellence. 

--Community of Hope via NCN News submissions

Editor's Note: Tom Nees is the former director of what is now the Church of the Nazarene's USA/Canada Region.

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