The old adage, “If you want something done, ask a busy person,” applies to Lisa M. Betrus, CEO/administrator of Valley Health Services Inc. and a 2003 Accent on Excellence honoree.

In addition to Betrus’ many duties as head of Valley Health Services, she is involved in numerous community organizations.

She is a Community Care Alliance advisory board member, Rural Metro Ambulance Services chairwoman, a board member of Planned Parenthood of Mohawk-Hudson, and a member of the board of directors of the Central New York Arts Council.

Betrus is also an active member of the audit committee of the Resource Center for Independent Living.

“Working on women’s health issues and promoting the arts is very important to me, so I try to do what I can,” she said.

In her professional life, Betrus, 32, also started a for-profit pharmacy affiliate to contain runaway drug costs.

It’s a multi-million dollar company that provides prescription coverage to thousands across the state.

She also created the Palliative Care Center, a partnership with BlueCross BlueShield that provides specialized end-of-life care for the terminally ill.

And, in collaboration with Bassett Healthcare, she created the first cardiac rehabilitation center in Herkimer County.

“Lisa’s contribution to the community started many years prior to being in her current position,” wrote nominator Burt Danovitz, executive director of the RCIL, in his nomination letter.

“As a teenager, Lisa worked/volunteered at a nursing home and quickly realized (what) her passions were. As a result, she has developed an entire career path that has been consistently geared toward serving those individuals ... who need significant quality and care,” he said.

Betrus also serves on the committees for the Herkimer County Rural Health Network, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Utica Region and Excellus Corp. Health Plan Quality Management.

Betrus said her Accent on Excellence honor came as a pleasant surprise.

She said the program is a good way to recognize the accomplishments of young people in the Mohawk Valley.

“I think we’re all so busy doing our own thing, we don’t realize who else is out there making a difference,” she said.