In this edition of What’s Your Why?, we’re honored to spotlight William (Brian) Bynam, Area Market Executive for Hospice in Muskogee and Vinita, Oklahoma in honor of Memorial Day. Brian served in the United States Air Force as a medic from May 1991 to December 1994, first stationed in Turkey in support of the Gulf War, then at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas. The values he gained during his service—compassion, discipline and commitment—continue to shape his leadership in hospice care today. 
We asked Brian to share more about his “why,” what keeps him going, and how his journey led him to Compassus.
How does being part of this team (Compassus) contribute to your sense of purpose or direction?
Being a part of Compassus, what we do each and every day for patients, families and teammates fills my cup. Who we are drives me to get up and going every single day.
How has working here helped you grow or develop, personally or professionally?
I have had the privilege and honor to not only lead a great group of colleagues for the past five years but also been led by those who truly prioritize professional and personal growth. Every step of the way, we are encouraged and challenged to be the best version of ourselves.
What personal values drive you in your role, and how does your work align with those values?
Compassion, discipline, self-worth and encouragement. Being a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force as a medic, these are values that not only existed during my service but also ones I have carried throughout my life. This is my driving force, and being a team member of Compassus allows me to engage in each of the values every day of the week.
What was a pivotal moment in your career that led you to hospice/home health care?
As a young child, I always had an interest in helping others. My mom said it was what I was made to do. Before entering the military, my plan was to work on a pre-med degree then pursue a career as a doctor. Plans shifted a bit, but I still had the same desire to serve and care for others. I have had various careers post-military, such as sales and ministry. I have worked in some sort of sales or customer service for nearly 35 years in all. However, about 13 years ago, I stepped away from serving in church work and wasn’t sure what was next. My wife is actually the one who encouraged me to go back to school for yet another degree and pursue my dream of working in healthcare. So I did exactly that and earned a Bachelor of Nursing at Langston University. Making a move to hospice was what made the most sense as it completely aligned with my healthcare aspirations and strong desire to minister and care for people.
What was a defining moment that made you feel proud to be part of your team/Compassus?
I am not sure there is just one single moment because I have some amazing colleagues that would do anything to assist, help, and care for others. I think that is why they are successful every day—because they do this exact thing with every one person they come in contact with. I don’t see them just as my team, I see them as my extended family. As a team, we not only celebrate professional wins, we celebrate personal wins as well.
How do you feel your work makes a difference for the people we serve or the team around you?
Each and every person we serve is just as important as the next or last. It is a culture we cultivate around here—when we feel we are important to the work we do, it shines through every aspect of our lives.
What motivates you to keep coming back, even on challenging days?
Because I can’t see myself doing anything else on the face of this planet. Even when I take time off, I am thinking about who we are impacting in the world around us. It’s not just something I do, but it’s something my family does. They all know the passion I have for my career, what I do, and who I do it for. My kids always tell me that they learned compassion, love, work ethic, and how to serve others from me. This is what I was made for.
If you could share one thing about the impact of your work with the community, what would it be?
My family, friends and community know what I do for a living. There’s not a day that goes by that I won’t hear from someone asking questions and how I can help. I love to be a trusted source for each and every person—no matter the ask, I will find an answer or find them the person who does.
What part of your job gives you the most satisfaction or fulfillment? Why?
This is hard to pinpoint to just one thing, as I feel there are so many things that fulfill me every day. I love leading the Compassus Growth Team in Muskogee and Vinita, Oklahoma. Every member of the team calls to share their day—whether it’s good or not so good—we talk through every situation, then refocus on how we can make the best of whatever they are facing. I think the thing that drives me the most and truly speaks to who I am at my core is the opportunity I have every day to encourage others. Every day of the work week I send a little encouraging quote to my team—not just the local growth team but also to my Region 10 peers. I love it when they respond to those every morning, but the ones that impact me the most are when I see the response: “Thanks, I needed that today!” I am working at being the best version of myself each and every day—and that’s what I want for all those I come in contact with.
Thank you, Brian, for leading with heart, lifting others with purpose, and showing us all what it means to live the Compassus mission every day. You are a remarkable example of compassionate leadership in action.
