2007-2008 PIC Divisional Employees of the Year

Congratulations to Lynn Donnelly, Juanita Harris, and Erica Lanyi who are being recognized as Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc. Divisional Employees of the Year. Nominations were received in April and all those nominated will be invited to a luncheon with the President this summer. Those selected as the Employees of the Year are highlighted below. In June, Tim Yurcisin, President awarded each a $500 check and a bouquet of flowers.

Juanita Harris has been employed with the Private Industry Council since 1994 working as an Instructor Aide for Head Start until 2007 when she became a Classroom Support Personnel for Pre-K Counts. She was nominated for Employee of the Year by a Head Start manager who noted that while working in Head Start, Juanita excelled in her skills as an Instructor Aide. She has a vast understanding of program policies, procedures, and regulations and demonstrated the ability to use the knowledge to make decisions day-to-day and provide input for program changes. She was supportive of her fellow co-workers and her Instructors. All Head Start Instructors found Juanita to be an effective aide and a co-teacher willing to do whatever necessary to get the job done. She participated on many Head Start committees as well as her position within the bargaining unit - Recruitment, revising the Family Activity Calendar, Literacy, PIPD, LMPCP, revising Dress Code. Juanita always maintained the highest dignity when representing herself as an employee for the program and communicated need for change positively. According to a member of senior management, Juanita has been an exemplary employee. She is a true professional and definitely is an asset to the PIC organization.

Erica Lanyi is a Recruiter/Counselor in the Adult Education department. She works out of the Greensburg office and over the past year has provided much support to the PA CareerLink Westmoreland. She was nominated by an employee of the Westmoreland CareerLink who indicated that Erica is exceptional in her knowledge of Adult Education and how Adult Education supports and fits in the organization. Erica applies her program knowledge to problem solving for students and case managers. She is always available and happy to help with challenging situations and never fails to find a solution that will best serve the student and help the case manager. She immediately responds to resolve issues no matter what other demands she is trying to meet. While Erica strives to meet the needs of internal and external "customers" she maintains an extremely pleasant and professional attitude. She extends great concern and care when working with participants. Erica ensures that they understand the application of assessments and each person feels positive and validated. According to her supervisor, Erica has continued to meet her recruitment goals while assisting the CareerLink with special projects such as Sony and training requirements. Additionally, Erica often changes her schedule to accommodate clients during evening hours.

Lynn Donnelly is a secretary at the PA CareerLink Westmoreland. Some of her fellow CareerLink employees nominated her saying that Lynn is a multi-talented individual who demonstrates that she cares about people. Her knowledge of CareerLink programs is very good, especially On-the-Job Training and Customized Job Training services for the employer. Lynn processes numerous telephone calls from providers, participants and employers. She filters their questions when she can, therefore freeing up the other staff members' time. She maintains updated records, prepares reports and detects discrepancies in data, reminds staff of follow-up needs, proof reads training outlines and monitors employment requirements of participants in training. As a dedicated employee, Lynn wears a smile even during stressful situations, demonstrates the "team player" concept and helps to keep the office operating smoothly. She is expedient in completing her work and always strives to get it done correctly the first time. As an ETI graduate, Lynn is proficient in the use of various computer applications and is always willing to help others that may encounter technical challenges. Even outside of work, Lynn keeps alert for information such as job openings to pass on to other staff members. She has improved the filing system at the CareerLink and is an active participant of the safety committee. According to her supervisor, Lynn always gives 110%. She is on top of everything and helps to keep everyone organized. She will not settle for doing anything less than her best. Not only does she excel in her own duties but she has learned CWDS to assist customers that call to lighten calls on other staff.

Congratulations Erica, Juanita, and Lynn! Keep up the great work!