February 12, 2026

Each February this prestigious award honors one associate

Each February, one Nova associate is honored with our prestigious Steward of the Year award. This annual award recognizes an associate who has gone above and beyond to embody our core values (Act with Passion, Work Together, Be Accountable and Build Trust), while contributing to the success of Nova and our culture as we deliver flexible self-funded health benefit solutions to employers across the country.

The recipient of the 2026 Steward of the Year award, Manny G., does all of that and more, according to his colleagues, who submitted two separate nominations on her behalf. One of his nominators and his direct manager, Jill B., manager, customer service, called attention to the extra effort Manny put forth over the past year as he took on leading a second team of care navigators after staffing changes. Not only was he suddenly responsible for overseeing Nova's largest team of member-facing associates, but he did it with grace and impeccable leadership.

"This nominee was handling both the Nova and Independent Health Self-Funded Services customer service teams as the sole supervisor since October 2024," Jill wrote. "He was able to create leadership bench strengh within the department because of his phenomenal coaching and mentoring. He not only talks the talk - he walks the walk. He is accountable to a fault, demanding perfection of himself, but always gives grace to his team while still being sure we are accountable to our clients and members."

In taking over leadership of a second team of customer service associates, Manny had to quickly learn new systems, processes and establish relationships to serve a different line of business. His nominators noted he collaborates with other departments to solve issues and bring new ideas to life. In addition, he is described as fair, consistent, direct and committed to the success of the individuals he leads. 

"Customer service is where the magic happens and having a magical team and department starts with a supervisor who is committed to the success of each person on the team," noted Jill. "Our team's impact to the business is felt daily, if not hourly."

Manny's colleague, Adam B., added, "His unwavering commitment to both his colleagues and our customers sets a remarkable standard of excellence. He has not only been an exceptional mentor in my professional development, but he has also demonstrated impeccable leadership across our customer service teams."

Manny not only received two nominations for 2026 but was nominated in a previous year.

Congratulations again to Manny, our 2026 Steward of the Year, and all our deserving nominees:

• Courtney F., nominated by Chrissa B.
• Emily C., nominated by Annalisa C.
• Emily S., nominated by Cathleen P.
• Lorene B., nominated by Corinne D.
• Loretta S., nominated by Katie S.
• Lynn F., nominated by Tammy F.
• Jason P., nominated by Rozana A.
• Molly H., nominated by Laura S.
• Jasmine R., nominated by Raynette S. and Krystale T.
• Justine J., nominated by Bridget F., Lori Z., Manny G., Tracey B., Dylan M., Crystal V., Cristian L., Jennifer S., Knakiyta G., Maggie P., Amanda N., Alicia S., and Larissa N.
• Prisilla O., nominated by Jerame D., Jess B., and Nikki R.
• Sue C., nominated by Michele M.

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