Joe Johnson, Palmetto GBA president and chief operating officer, with Owen Pirkle, accounting manager.

Since joining the Medicare Cost Accounting group in January 2023, manager Owen Pirkle has proven to be a valuable subject-matter expert and audit leader. In recognition, Owen was honored with the Manager of the Quarter, Excellence in Leadership Award during the third quarter managers’ meeting.

Owen’s knowledge and expertise in navigating critical department processes has proven extremely valuable. With his guidance, the department successfully overcame challenges to produce a thorough work product for the monthly estimate at completion (EAC) forecast cost-report submissions. This resulted in a 100 percent performance and quality rating to date. Because of team members like Owen, Cost Accounting’s overall performance has been outstanding with a 99 percent quality and performance rating through August 2023.

“Owen is a very good manager,” said Cost Accounting Supervisor Keith Warnick. “His biggest asset is his knowledge of the department and willingness to discuss and train on it.” In addition to his exceptional leadership and work performance, Owen was recognized for his in-depth cost analysis and reporting skills as well as his strength in forensic accounting.