AKRON, Ohio — Sept. 7, 2023 — Goodwill Industries serving Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland and Richland Counties recognized outstanding employees in our community during its 22nd Annual Employee of Distinction Awards Program yesterday. The event provides employers with a cost-effective way to publicly recognize outstanding employees. This year 52 employees were nominated for the Employee of Distinction Award.
Nominations for the Employee of Distinction Award are reviewed based on quality of work, dedication to the business, and extraordinary efforts with the honor going to the top nominations with the highest average rankings. Congratulations to the 2023 Employee of Distinction Award Winners:
- Stachia Lawson, Home Supervisor, The Blick Center
Stacia loves her job and treats each of her residents with care and compassion. She works hard to make the group home their home, where they feel valued and respected.
- Toby Liechty-Clifford, Early Learning Program Instructional Coach; Teacher of the Year 2023, Akron Public Schools
Toby’s willingness to attend events beyond regular school hours and his selfless dedication to providing volunteer work exemplify his commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and families.
- Amy Marsteller, Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority
Amy has served the residents living with AMHA for over 20 years, contributing to the improved overall quality of life of our residents. She serves as an avid advocate for our organization and the vulnerable population we serve.
- Charlotte Morris, Finance Supervisor, The Blick Center
Charlotte is upbeat and has a positive can-do attitude that encourages those around her. Even with multiple work sites, staff always turn to her for guidance, she is a great resource about all things Blick. - Kimberly Skelley, Social Work Coordinator, Hattie Larlham
Kim often takes the lead to work with state/local agencies when discrepancies arise with areas involving Medicaid and Social Security benefits. She utilizes her many contacts at these agencies to get issues resolved.
“It was inspiring to see how many people go above and beyond daily for the organizations they serve“, stated Event Chairs Pamela Crombie, Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates; and Chrissy Myers, AUI. “We were truly impressed by all the honorees!”
All honorees received a certificate and gift commemorating their nomination. In addition, the top winners received a medal and additional gift cards. The keynote address during the event was provided by John Groce, Men’s Basketball Head Coach, The University of Akron.
2023 Employee of Distinction Honorees
- Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority Valley View Team
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- Randy Eppley
- Ashanti Hammond
- Dan Henry
- Francie Lambert
- Nichole Mullens
- Raemicah Rivers
- Cheryl Vincent
- Nicole Argirakis, Performance Coordinator, Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates
- Misty Arntz, HR Specialist, Clarity HR
- Marsha Calalesina, Intake Specialist, Child Guidance & Family Solutions
- Kalie Catterall, Distribution Office Administrator, Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank
- Keren Childers, Human Resources Director, IBH Addiction Recovery
- Choices, Interim Co-Executive Directors
- Sarah Coberly
- Trish Grimm
- Morgan Dent, Career Specialist, Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates
- Delaney Dickey, Documentation Specialist, Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates
- Lauren Eaken, Career Specialist, Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates
- Diana Esbenshade, Billing Department Supervisor, Child Guidance & Family Solutions
- Sheri George, Assistant Controller, Hernandez Construction Services, Inc.
- Emily Gilanyi, RN, Nurse, Hattie Larlham
- Brelinda Greer, Enrollment and Matching Specialist, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Summit, Medina, and Stark Counties
- Amber Homan, Tenant Accounting Supervisor, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority
- Paul Hulgin, Maintenance Worker, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority
- Kendal Kovacs, Lead Administrative Specialist, Community Support Services
- Kiersten Mayo, Match Support Specialist, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Summit, Medina & Stark Counties
- John Milan, Employer & Community Engagement Professional, Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates
- Alexus Miller, Resource Sustainability VISTA, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Summit, Medina, and Stark Counties
- Cheryl Owens, Training Specialist, Hattie Larlham Center for Children with Disabilities
- Julie Peteya, District Manager, Swensons Drive Ins
- Heidi Phillips, Career Specialist, Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates
- Rita Putaturo, Executive Legal Assistant, Brennan Manna & Diamond
- Christina Rhodes, HR Specialist – Payroll & Benefits Administration, Community Support Services
- Terri Shavers, CCBHC Manager, Community Support Services
- Cassandra Smith, Receptionist, Kastner Westman & Wilkins, LLC
- Melanie Smith, RN, Nurse Manager, Hattie Larlham
- Summit County Children Services Client Rights and Quality Improvement Department
- Jennifer Jones, Performance Management Analyst Researcher
- Elizabeth Mangon, Deputy Director, Human Resources & Training
- Jessica Miller, Department Director, Client Rights & Quality Improvement
- Emily Oyler, Coordinator, QI/Developer
- Brady Stewart, Coordinator, QI/Developer
- Sandra Suppan, Outpatient Therapist, Sr. Clinical Consultant, Child Guidance & Family Solutions
- Cheryl Todd, Wellbeing Coordinator, Sandridge Crafted Foods
- Vicki Trettel, Senior Administrative Assistant, Apple Growth Partners
- Samantha Vetrick, Site Based Specialist, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Summit, Medina, and Stark Counties
- Nykia Walker, Accessibility Manager, METRO RTA
- Kaiya Watauchi, Career Launch Program Coordinator, Akron Children’s Hospital
- Laura Williams, Director of Construction, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority
Event Sponsors
Thank you to the event sponsors – Diamond: Clarity HR; Platinum: Synthomer Foundation; Gold: Fifth Third Bank, Sonya & Tom Presper; Silver: Britton Gallagher; Eric & Nan McClenaghan; PNC Financial Services Group; W3 Financial Group; Bronze: Bober Markey Fedorovich; Brennan Manna & Diamond; Marc Servodio CFP®, AIF® – Vita Advisors, LLC; Table Sponsor: Akron Children’s Hospital, Kastner Westman & Wilkins, LLC, Towpath Credit Union; Patron: Mekal Banyasz; Gold Program Partner: Akron Public Schools, The Blick Center, Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro’s Department of Job and Family Services; Silver Program Partner: Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Summit, Medina and Stark Counties, Child Guidance & Family Solutions, Community Support Services, Hattie Larlham, IBH Addiction Recovery, Summit County Children Services; Bronze Program Partner: Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, Choices; Diamond Patron: David & Kathleen Bucci; Dr. Pleas R. Chambers III; Chuck & Debbie Ducey; Bill & Mary Glaeser; William & Susan Hanlon; Danielle Kimmell, Charles & Leslie Zonfa; Gold Patron: Parker Berry II, Chip Clupper, Laura Judge, Diane & Derek Smith; Media: akronlife; WAKR/WONE/WQMX/WNWV; In-Kind: Akron Civic Theatre; Akron Zoo; AUI; Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates; The Peanut Shoppe.
About Goodwill Industries Serving Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland & Richland Counties
The Goodwill Industries of Akron, Ohio, Inc., is a not-for-profit corporation that helps individuals prepare for, find and retain employment. Operating in the five-county region of Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland & Richland, the agency was established in 1927. It is a private, independent organization, operating as an affiliate member of Goodwill Industries International. Goodwill helps to directly strengthen the region’s workforce through its employment programs and indirectly through the net proceeds from its retail outlets and business services division. For more information about GIA, visit www.goodwillakron.org or call 800-989-8428.
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Contact: JoLene Gordon
(330) 786-2519
jgordon@goodwillakron.org