GREENFIELD – Joe Mitko, of Ware, has joined the Baystate Franklin Medical Center leadership team as manager of Supply Chain.  In his new role, Mitko oversees materials management, central supply, the print shop, and purchasing for BFMC.

Mitko comes to BFMC from Baystate Mary Lane Hospital, where he was the materials-purchasing coordinator.  While at BMLH, Mitko oversaw a period of organizational change in the Materials Department and participated in several Baystate Mary Lane Hospital committees. 

Prior to working for Baystate Health, Mitko served in the Navy, stationed with a Marine Corps Unit, as a combat medic.  “Learning the clinical language during my time in the military was a great help when I entered the materials management field,” said Mitko.  “I am able to speak both English and ‘nurse,’ giving me the ability to meld the clinical and materials worlds.”

In fact, while at Baystate Mary Lane, he was awarded a Nursing Collaboration  Award for his outstanding service to and teamwork with the nursing staff.

“Working in materials and purchasing is rewarding if you’re a ‘people person,’ which I am,” Mitko continued.  “In my position, I interact with staff in all different departments – both clinical and non-clinical.  Particularly with the clinical staff, I need to be an advocate for the nurses and physicians; understanding what they need and being able to procure it for them.”

In his new position at Baystate Franklin Medical Center, Mitko hopes to help his staff be more proactive.  “I don’t ever want to hear, ‘We can’t do that!’”  He also hopes to help institute a updated, on-line ‘shopping tool’ -- a computerized system for tracking and ordering supplies.  “It was one of my greatest achievements while I was at Baystate Mary Lane,” Mitko stated.

Mitko leads a busy life outside of his work at Baystate Franklin Medical Center.  He runs the Polish American Citizens Club in Ware; has a party tent rental business; and loves being outdoors – fishing, hunting, hiking, paddling, golfing, and riding his Harley. 

“Though I do miss being able to walk to work every day as I did in Ware, I am enjoying the scenic drive to and from Greenfield,” Mitko said.  “And I have really appreciated how welcome everyone at Baystate Franklin Medical Center has made me feel.”