2010-2011 PIC Divisional Employees of the Year

Congratulations to John Chedister, Helen Gilpin, and Sue Polojac who are being recognized as Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc. Divisional Employees of the Year.  In June each was awarded a $500 check and an engraved personalized pen. 

PIC Early Childhood Development Divisional Employee of the Year – Sue Polojac
Sue Polojac is the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Manager for Head Start/Early Head Start.  In this role, she supervises ECD staff and manages the ECD area.  Sue’s nomination noted that she has a strong understanding of early childhood programs and best practices.  She promotes team work and uses the leadership techniques learned through trainings conducted at Head Start.  In addition, Sue has an extensive knowledge of the Keystone STARS system and has provided extra staff support while supervisor job positions were unfilled.  Sue assisted in the writing and implementation of the Center of Excellence grant, the implementation of the PNC Grow Up Great with Science grant, and the collaborations with Carlow College and Westmoreland County Community College as they offered onsite college courses the past two years.  She is a Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children (PAEYC) Board member for which she will serve as Vice-Chair in the coming year. 

PIC Education Divisional Employee of the Year – Helen Gilpin
Helen Gilpin is an Instructor in the Adult Education Department and currently works in the Greensburg office.  Due to her knowledge in education theory, Helen has been successful with a wide variety of students as they work to obtain their GED and nurse aide certification.  Her nomination noted that she incorporates authentic teaching materials into her lessons and helped to write the curriculum for the pre-Nurse Aide Training program as well as the Technical Math and Professional Development courses.  She also enhanced the Job Readiness curriculum.  In addition to going above and beyond for her students, Helen’s co-workers can count on her to share materials and ideas and she is always willing to cover classes for them when they are not at work.  An example of her willingness to do whatever is needed occurred this year when a co-worker required medical attention at work and Helen helped the co-worker and PIC during and after the situation.

PIC Workforce Development Divisional Employee of the Year – John Chedister
John Chedister is an Employment Specialist at the Westmoreland CareerLink in Youngwood.  He goes out of his way to help his clients and co-workers.  If he does not know the answer to a particular situation, he takes the time to identify other resources for a solution. He is described by his nominators as very hard working, dedicated, personable, and optimistic.  He is a tireless advocate for his clients, particularly those with disabilities.  He patiently listens to understand an individual’s needs and then helps them identify training or employment to meet their goals.  In addition to his Employment Specialist job duties, John has supported a regional manufacturing grant by managing the client services associated with the grant.  John is a member of the PIC Safety Committee and is the leader of the Westmoreland CareerLink Safety Team.  In order to promote healthy habits among his co-workers, John has coordinated a “Get Fit” program at the CareerLink.  

Congratulations Helen, John, and Sue!  Keep up the great work!