Two Italian civilians take home top AF honors

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Justin Weaver
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Two Italian civilians were recently recognized as the best in the Air Force in their specific career fields.

Dr. Erica Brescacin was selected as the Air Force's best civilian medical information systems manager, and Manuela Solda was selected as the Air Force's top medical facilities manager.

Dr. Brescacin was honored as the top civilian computer systems manager out of 88 Air Forces hospitals and clinics around the world. This accomplishment is even more noteworthy as it is the second time Dr. Brescacin has been honored.

Doctor Brescacin was also recognized as the best civilian information management manager in USAFE, competing against 11 other managers at Air Force hospital and clinics across Europe.

"I couldn't be more proud, but am not surprised that Dr Brescacin has been selected as the U.S. Air Force's Medical Services best information systems civilian professional," said Lt. Col. John Savage, 31st Medical Support Squadron commander. "The best of those working in more than 80 hospitals and clinics, she has done a masterful job leading a diverse team of Italian and U.S. personnel."

Dr Brescacin's most notable accomplishments have been her ability to lead her team in outstanding customer service, and to advocate for and receive funding for infrastructure upgrades that will keep the 31st Medical Group at the forefront of technology applications.

"An example of her ability to predict and plan to support future needs was her work to lead the team to create a state-of-the art server room to house many unique medical systems," Colonel Savage said. "This effort has been so successful, Aviano will soon be home to the backup servers for the Air Force's digital radiology images for all patients in Europe."
Mrs. Solda was honored as the best facility manager for an Air Force clinic and hospital.

"Mrs. Solda is a passionate professional who is singularly responsible for the great environment our patients are treated in, and our staff can work in," said Colonel Savage. "She is the most knowledgeable facility manager I've worked with in my 19 years as a hospital administrator."

Mrs. Solda manages the hospital and overseas €1.2 million in new construction annually. She led her team to modify multiple hospital systems to reduce energy consumption by more than 25 percent in a two-year period. The hospital is considered the most energy efficient U.S. military hospital and ranks in the top one percent of all hospitals in the world for energy efficiency. Her focus on energy savings led her to be recognized by the Department of Energy and the Aviano hospital to be recognized as the "greenest" of any U.S. military hospitals.

"Mrs. Solda is quickly becoming a leader in energy-efficient medical care," Colonel Savage said. "Known throughout the Air Force for her successes and 'green' work,' she is frequently being asked to share her experiences with other medical facility managers."