The North Shore United Way has chosen a Wenham woman as the winner of its second annual Live United Leadership Award for her work at growing the local hospice organization.

Diane Stringer will be presented the award on Friday morning during a breakfast event at the Hellenic Center in Ipswich.

The award was created to "recognize the outstanding leadership, commitment and values of an individual who supports the work of a nonprofit organization on the North Shore and someone who embodies the community spirit of 'Live United.'"

Stringer has shown commitment and dedication as president and CEO of Hospice of the North Shore and Greater Boston, according to her colleagues.

“She’s built the agency from the ground up,” says Judy Cranney, currently the vice president and COO for Hospice of the North Shore and Greater Boston. “It’s privilege to work with her.”

The sentiment is expressed by many people who know Stringer, including NSUW executive director Margo Casey.

“Diane started as a nurse and volunteer. She grew from being a nurse and doing the work and now she’s CEO,” Casey said. “I am a peer of hers and I believe in recognizing people before they retire."

In fact, Stringer began her work with Hospice of the North Shore and Greater Boston in 1989. Fresh out of Harvard University, where she earned a Master's degree in health policy, she wasted little time.

“I have worked with Diane for nine and a half years. She has been a mentor to me,” said Cranney. “She is a strong, talented leader and no matter the health care environment she always puts patients and families first."

Of Stringer’s many accomplishments one that stands above the others is the Kaplan Family Hospice House. According to Christine McCann, a philanthropist and co-chairwoman of the Live United event, the facility is a direct manifestation of Stringer’s vision.

“The Kaplan House is the first hospice facility licensed for inpatient care in the state of Massachusetts,” said McCann. “It’s really a jewel in the crown."

Stringer had high expectations (and) recognized that we’re in the business of helping people face the end of life.”

McCann, who is now retired, explained that (being) an experienced development person, she was tapped by Stringer in the organization’s early days.

“I said 'well I’ll give you two years' and (in the end) I was here six because we couldn’t find land (for the Kaplan House).”

As a young, strictly volunteer-run organization, the then-Hospice of the North Shore received grant money from NSUW.

“We liked to do it because it was a way to say we’re supporting fledgling organizations,” said Casey.

“Now they don’t need to rely on us, they run their own fundraisers. They’ve gotten off the ground to fly on their own.”

Of choosing to recognize Stringer’s achievements Casey concluded, “We’re thrilled to do it, (she) is really to be celebrated.”