SHELTON, WA – Mason Health Facilities Manager Doug Darling has been named Mason Health’s Employee of the Month for August 2026, becoming a three-time recipient of the District’s employee recognition award. Darling first earned the honor in 2013 and again in 2019. Receiving recognition for a third time is a meaningful milestone for the longtime employee, whose Mason Health career spans more than two decades.

“I was very surprised to get the nomination,” he said. “It felt good to know that I’m still doing what I have always done and that my efforts are still being recognized.”  

Darling, a lifelong Shelton resident, joined Mason Health in 2005 as a groundskeeper, bringing with him experience gained while working seasonal positions at Lake Limerick Golf Club, where his father worked for years. Since then, he has steadily advanced through a variety of roles. He served as Maintenance Technician II beginning in 2018, became a Lead Maintenance Technician around 2020, was promoted to Facilities Supervisor in 2021 and was named Facilities Manager in April 2026.

For Darling, the opportunity to grow professionally while remaining in his hometown has been one of the most rewarding aspects of his career.

“The reason I like the work I do is that it’s something different every day,” he said. “Why I stay here is because my family time is important to me. To have this opportunity to grow, stay in one place, and continue to advance has meant a lot. The commute time you avoid is time you get back with your family. Along with the growth opportunities, competitive wages, and benefits, Mason Health is one of the best places to work in town.”

As Facilities Manager, Darling is focused on professional development and advancing Mason Health's facilities operations. He plans to complete several healthcare facilities certifications, including Certified Healthcare Operations Professional. Looking ahead, he is considering further education, as he continues to build his leadership skills. Darling is also playing a key role in Mason Health’s ongoing campus expansion and construction efforts. One of the accomplishments he takes the greatest pride in is the strength of the Facilities team.

“This is the first major construction project I’ve been involved with from this perspective,” Darling said. “I'm hoping with my experience and history here that I can help make the process as smooth as possible. Being here as long as I have, I can strongly say this is the best all-around team, in terms of cohesiveness and morale, that I've ever seen. I'm proud to have been a part of that. I look forward to continuing to improve processes, being proactive, and finding ways to help streamline our work so our team can spend more time in the field.”

Six years ago, Darling and his family built a home on five acres just outside Shelton, where they enjoy the balance between work, family life, and the outdoors.

He and his wife, Stephanie, who works at Tollie’s Café, are the proud parents of two daughters: Rylee recently graduated from high school and plans to pursue dental hygiene, while Delaney is entering her freshman year and hopes to earn a varsity soccer spot while also exploring an interest in welding.

When he’s not at work or studying, Darling enjoys spending time with his family, woodworking, and hunting. An avid deer and elk hunter, he never misses his annual hunting trip each fall.

“Life is full of choices,” Darling said. “If you don’t like where you’re at, pick another one. Shelton has provided me with the life that I have. I’ve been able to grow here. To receive this honor a third time is truly humbling. It motivates me to keep improving and keep giving my best every day.”

Mason Health, Public Hospital District No. 1 of Mason County is ISO 9001 Quality Management System certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and is a licensed and accredited acute care hospital with a level four emergency trauma designation. The Board of Hospital District Commissioners are Don Welander, President, Lori Brady, Secretary, and Pamela Schlauderaff, Trustee. Mason General Hospital and Mason Clinic are ENERGY STAR® certified and Mason Health is the recipient of one Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Award, three Partner for Change Awards, two Greening the Operating Room Awards, the Making Medicine Mercury Free Award, the 2025 Emerald Award, and the 2026 Greenhealth Champion Award. To learn more about Mason Health’s sustainability efforts, visit https://www.masonhealth.com/about/sustainability-environmental-stewardship. There are more than 100 physicians on staff in 19 specialties. For more information or to find a health care provider, visit www.masonhealth.com. To learn more about DNV, visit www.dnv.com/healthcare.