AKRON, Ohio — Sept. 9, 2020 — Goodwill Industries serving Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland and Richland Counties virtually recognized outstanding employees in our community during its 19th Annual Employee of Distinction Awards Program today. The event provides employers a cost-effective way to publicly recognize outstanding employees. This year 46 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 2020 Employee of Distinction Award Winners:
- AUI Customer Service Team: Paulette Lewis & Mendy Snyder, customer support specialists, AUI
This team goes above and beyond every day answering questions and solving problems that may seem overwhelming to its clients on their own. - Mario Bob, warehouse supervisor, Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank
Mario is an extraordinary leader, popular among his people and all of our staff. His leadership has been courageous, rock solid, critical and exemplary during our COVID-19 response. - Brandon Boling, docket supervisor, Brennan Manna Diamond (BMD)
Having joined the BMD family almost 2 years ago, Brandon’s growth has been ever so apparent. With a drive to learn new things and always bringing what could only be described as a can-do attitude, Brandon has established a positive presence within the firm. Brandon’s development at BMD has been noticed by all levels of the firm and he truly is a rising star. Given any opportunity he consistently shines and will brighten everyone’s day with his upbeat attitude. - Jen Brenner, business and community outreach, Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates
Jen is an innovative, determined professional. While Jen succeeds in any role, it is her heart and dedication to better the lives of the youth she works with that truly set her apart. - Jennifer Kollar, lead property manager, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA)
Jennifer’s willingness to jump in and assist anyone with anything contributes to the overall quality of life for staff and residents at AMHA. - Kellie Morehouse, jobs plus program manager, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA)
Kellie provides exemplary service to AMHA residents, colleagues and community partners while also making sure grant requirements are met or exceeded. - Karen Noftsinger, developmental therapy supervisor, The Blick Center
Karen is an example of “the best” that comes out of a crisis. She does what needs to be done – cleaning, delivering food, grant-writing. - Maggie Oliver, teacher, Akron Public Schools
She has a quiet passion to be an advocate for others, uses her talents with a purpose, and connects with students and colleagues.
“Even during this challenging time, it was inspiring to see how many people go above and beyond daily for the organizations they serve,“ stated Event Chairs Chris Canova, Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates; Pamela Crombie, Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates; and Chrissy Myers, AUI. “We were truly impressed by all the honorees and even though we could not be together in person, we were so happy to still honor them virtually!”
All honorees received a certificate and gift commemorating their nomination. In addition, the top winners received a medal and additional gift cards. Teresa R. LeGrair, President & CEO, Akron Urban League provided an inspiring keynote address.
2020 Employee of Distinction Honorees
- Monique Allen, career specialist, Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates
- AUI Customer Service Team
- Paulette Lewis, customer support specialist
- Mendy Snyder, customer support specialist
- Brandon Berens, AVP financial center manager, Fifth Third Bank
- Tammy Bigler, employment quality assurance manager, VANTAGE Aging
- Mario Bob, warehouse supervisor, Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank
- Brandon Boling, docket supervisor, Brennan Manna Diamond (BMD)
- Jen Brenner, business and community outreach, Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates
- Eileen Chambers, accounting manager, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority
- Lauren Connors, legal assistant, Kastner Westman & Wilkins, LLC
- Julie Dustman, supervisor, social services, Summit County Children Services
- Andrea Gordon, VP financial center manager, Fifth Third Bank
- Kathy Haubert, payroll coordinator, VANTAGE Aging
- Bob Irwin, youth & discipleship director, South Street Ministries
- Jennifer Kollar, lead property manager, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority
- Emily Markey, kitchen assistant, VANTAGE Aging
- Natalie McGee, site supervisor, IST
- Kellie Morehouse, jobs plus program manager, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA)
- Nichole Newell, career specialist, Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates
- Karen Noftsinger, developmental therapy supervisor, The Blick Center
- Maggie Oliver, teacher, Akron Public Schools
- Kori Peetz, children’s house assistant, Hudson Montessori School
- Aarthi Rao, associate director, product ownership, SaaS Factory
- Alice Rhodes, senior account executive, AUI
- Mary Rhodes, career specialist, Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates
- Roetzel Pandemic Essential Team, Roetzel & Andress
- Paula J. Barholt, case clerk
- Michelle Cagle, accounting assistant
- Addy Crocker, case clerk
- Judith A. Cunningham, HR assistant
- Susan I. Flowers, receptionist
- Sheila J. Graf, case clerk
- Denise Mauser, legal assistant
- Melanie L. Olson, records coordinator
- Julie A. Pfouts, legal assistant
- Deanna Pillsbury, billing & collections specialist
- Rebecca A. Ross, case clerk
- Stacy Speegle, accounts payable specialist
- Naomi Tingler, support specialist
- Susan Russo, receptionist/administrative assistant, Bober Markey Fedorovich
- Penny Schirra, executive assistant, SaaS Factory
- Kalie Stranger, facility supervisor, Hattie Larlham
- Leah Thompson, tax administrative assistant, Sikich LLP
- Stacy Timm, program director, adult day services, Hattie Larlham
- Lacy Vartenuk, desktop support specialist, VANTAGE Aging
- Wendy Voelker, development officer, Hattie Larlham Foundation
- Kathy Wilson, customer care specialist, VANTAGE Aging
Event Sponsors
Thank you to the event sponsors – Platinum: AUI; and Synthomer Foundation; Silver: Britton Gallagher; Eric & Nan McClenaghan; PNC Financial Services Group; and W3 Wealth Management; Bronze: Avaap;Bober Markey Fedorovich; Brennan Manna Diamond; Campbell Construction Inc.; Fifth Third Bank; and Roetzel & Andress; Copper: S.A. Comunale; Gold Program Partner: Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates; Diamond Patron: Jennifer & Justin Bako; David & Kathleen Bucci; Chuck & Debbie Ducey; Bill & Mary Glaeser; and Kimberly & Greg Morton; Gold Patron: Chip Clupper; and Paul & Kim Jackson; Patron: Brad Gilbo; and Mary Anne & C. Allen Nichols; Media: akronlife and WAKR/WONE/WQMX/WNWV.
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: Jennifer Bako
(330) 786-2519
jbako@goodwillakron.org