Hospital CEO, EDC member finds presents of all shapes, sizes for final gift ideas story
How can Mike Murrill top a grand piano as a Christmas gift for his wife? By sticking these diamond stud earrings from Browning & Sons in her stocking. He found other great gifts as well on his shopping trip through town Monday.
Mike Murrill feels connected to Hinsdale - and to Amita Adventist Medical Center Hinsdale - in a unique way.
Murrill, who became president and CEO of the hospital in May, was born in its labor and delivery unit. His dad worked there as an accountant, and his uncle is a former hospital HR director. Even Murrill's grandfather was affiliated with health centers, running a mission hospital.
"Hearing stories of his and his experiences inspired me," said Murrill, who also is president and CEO of Amita Adventist Medical Center La Grange, a position he has held since 2017.
He's also a new member of the Hinsdale Economic Development Commission, a position he's pleased to hold.
"As part of our community, it just felt like it was a really important place for me to spend my time," he said, noting that the hospital not only has a long history in the community but is the largest employer in town. He's excited about working to help make more connections between residents and the business community.
He and his wife, Melissa, have two sons - Mason, 11, and Max, 10, who are in sixth and fourth grade, respectively, at Hinsdale Adventist Academy.
Murrill moved to Kansas City, Kansas, when he was 8 years old, but he has some memories of growing up here.
"It's surreal coming back," he said.
Murrill accompanied the Hinsdalean Monday afternoon for the fourth installment of this year's gift ideas series and selected the following items.
• The gorgeous colors of Jean-Francois Millan's "Octobre in Champagne" oil on canvas are sure to be appreciated by sister-in-law Renee, a painter herself. Expressions Gallery of Fine Art, $14,000
• A Vintage Havana faux leather casual sneaker with a gold star accent will appeal to 14-year-old niece Amelie. "I like the bling," Murrill said. Alixandra Blue, $90
• Mom Mary will enjoy an 1890 German wall clock, which sounds a gong on the hour. Hinsdale Watch Shop, $1,250
• A 7-foot Model B Classic grand piano in an ebony satin finish will get plenty of use from its recipient, wife Melissa. Steinway Piano Gallery, $112,000
• Brother-in-law Troy will be anxious to hit the slopes out west on Blizzard Brahma 88 all-mountain skis, Marker bindings and Rossignol All Track Pro 120 boots. King Keyser, $1,449
• Dad Larry will look great sitting behind a Jonathan Charles executive desk with three drawers, leather inlays, ornate claw feet and antique gilding. Trumeau Design & Decor, $4,439
• Brussels sprouts and butternut squash with maple syrup, pumpkin seeds and cranberries will be a tasty and healthy contribution to the Amita office Christmas party. Kramer Foods, $15.98 for two pounds
• Eight-year-old niece Kiki will love walking her new cavadoodle Daisy (being passed down to her by her great uncle) sporting a blue nylon collar decorated with festive snowmen. Velvet Touch, $19.99
• A Simon Pearce five-sided 6-inch crystal evergreen tree will let any host or hostess know how much the party invitation was appreciated. Char Crews, $155
• Uncle Roger (the former hospital HR director) will enjoy a selection of four ounces of smoked salmon and two pounds each of Scottish salmon and Ora king organically raised salmon. Burhops, $116
• There's nothing wrong with putting a little something for yourself under the tree, especially if it's a Bulova Acutron automatic stainless steel watch with a tonneau case and leather strap with deployment buckle. Caffray Jewellers, $795
• A connoisseur of Christmas decorations, mother-in-law Sharon will be thrilled to display a 37-inch Father Christmas, clad in gold brocade robes with velvet trim and a velour gown and bearing gifts. The Courtyard, $80.75
• Two dozen assorted cupcakes are the perfect treat for son Max's fourth-grade Christmas party at Hinsdale Adventist Academy. Sweet Ali's Gluten Free Bakery, $96
• Since the piano won't fit under the tree, wife Melissa will love finding Roberto Coin 18 carat rose gold Pois Moi diamond studs in her stocking. Browning and Sons, $2,000
