Allied Services Welcomes New Employees ROBERT FENNER, LPN: Allied Services Integrated Health System welcomed Robert Fenner, LPN, as Wellness Director for the health systems personal care facility, The Terrace, in Scranton. Fenner received his practical nursing degree from the Wilkes-Barre Area Career & Technical Center. As Wellness Director, Fenner looks forward to helping residents set and reach personal goals to help improve their quality of life. Prior to joining Allied Services, Fenner served as Wellness Director for other area facilities. BRENDA BOUCH: Allied Services Integrated Health System announced Brenda Bouch as Activities Coordinator for The Terrace personal care facility in Scranton. A veteran employee of Allied Services, Bouch has 13 years of experience in caring for residents at the Terrace. With her wealth of personal care knowledge, Bouch looks forward to enriching the lives of residents through activities and excursions.
AAA North Penn Recognizes Employees AAA North Penn recently celebrated employee anniversary dates ranging from 5 to 40 years of service. Select employees were honored at the Annual Employee Recognition Luncheon for reaching their milestone years. “According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median number of years workers had been with their current employer was 4.1 years in January 2022, unchanged from the median in January 2020. We are very proud of our employees for reaching such milestones based on these statistics.” stated Nina Waskevich, Vice President Brand & Membership. AAA North Penn serves AAA members in the following area(s): Lackawanna, Monroe, Lycoming, Wayne, Bradford, Susquehanna, Pike, Tioga, Wyoming, Potter and Sullivan Counties First row: Ann Marie Esolen (25), Bonnie Gray (25), Linda Brown (25), Melissa Chilet (10). Second row: Tara Glynn (5), Cheryl Mach (15), Melissa Patton (5), Karen Forsburg (25), Karen Emery (5), Sandra Humen (15), Carol Pugh (30), Kimberly Fleming (15). Back row: Nina Waskevich (10), James Farrell (15), Patti Kane (5), Roxanne Garman (5), Randy Jones (10), Patricia King (10), Thomas King (5), Glenn Zumbach (40). Absent from the photo: Bruce Pearlstein (5), Reba Destefano (5), Keith Bloom (5), Sara Richards (15), Cathy Zielinski (25), Theresa Shupp-Rosso (35).
NET Credit Union Promotes Employees NET Credit Union makes career moves with multiple employee promotions. Scranton, PA March 13, 2023 – Mary Rapach has been promoted to Director of Member Experience. In this roll, Mary will manage Branch Operations, the Member Service Center, and corporate training. Mary has over 20 years of diversified banking experience and her goal is to unite all of our front line member experiences with consistent sales and service standards. Phil Zvirblis has been promoted to Branch Operations Manager. In this roll, Phil will manage all branch operations. Phil has nearly 10 years of banking and credit union experience and has lead our branches in serving our members. Sean Thorpe has been promoted to Scranton Branch Manager. Sean has over 13 years of banking experience and knowledge. Sean has been an asset to NET for over 6 years and has been a cornerstone of our lending department. Jessica Tonkin has been promoted to Olyphant Branch Manager. Jessica has dedicated 14 years to NET and has worked in many departments throughout the years. Jessica has been essential in the development and training of our branch staff. Christina Dehaba has been hired as Taylor Branch Manager. Christina brings with her over 20 years of lending and management experience. Jean Seifert has been promoted to Scranton Assistant Branch Manager. Jean has served as a key member of the NET team for nearly 27 years. Jean has excelled at training new employees, while overseeing all facets of the teller line, and has demonstrated relationship building skills with both employees and members. Devon Hessmiller has been promoted to Olyphant Assistant Branch Manager. Devon has been an asset to NET for 15 years. Devon has excelled at learning new processes in the branch and has been integral in the running of the branch with the implementation of new software and training new tellers. Jessica Hernandez has been promoted to Taylor Assistant Branch Manager. Jessica has been with NET since 2017 and has been member-centric in her roles in collections and lending. Jessica also brings with her years of experience in business development. Jessica Fashouer has been promoted to Member Service Center Supervisor. Jessica has been with NET Credit Union for 15 years. With the knowledge and skills she has accumulated during that time, she is an invaluable part of the creation and development of the Member Service Center.
Allied Services Welcomes New Employees Brenda Reibson, MDiv: Allied Services Integrated Health System proudly announced Brenda Reibson, MDiv, as the new Bereavement Coordinator for their Hospice program. Reibson holds a Master of Divinity and a Certificate in Counseling from Missio Seminary (formerly Biblical Theological Seminary). In her role, Brenda will provide support services and spiritual care to bereaved families and individuals after the passing of a loved one. She brings more than 6 years of pastoral experience to her new role at Allied Services. Alysha Suley, MM, MT-BC: Allied Services Integrated Health System welcomed Alysha Suley, MM, MT-BC, as a new Music Therapist for their Wilkes-Barre Hospice Center. Suley holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy and a minor in Psychology from Berklee College of Music and a Master of Music Therapy from Colorado State University. In her role, Alysha will provide music support services to patients and families receiving care at the inpatient center in Luzerne County. She brings more than 10 years of music therapy experience to her new role at Allied Services.
Precision Software Seeking New Hires Precision Software Innovations is a fast-growing Cloud-Based Point of Sale Company that provides a complete technology solution to restaurateurs, located in the heart of Jessup, PA. Our goal is to completely revolutionize the restaurant-related software industry. This past year we have met with all types of restaurants across the US thanks to food and restaurant tradeshows across the nation, and to expand our network we have to first expand our office. Precision is looking to expand their reach and wants you to join their rapidly growing company. We are currently seeking individuals who have experience in sales and technical support. Aside from technical experience, we also look for experience in restaurants, along with a multitude of other skills. Everyone in our office wears multiple hats and brings a lot to the table on a daily basis, making Precision what it is today. Working for Precision you will join a passionate, close-knit team who cares about their customers, along with gaining valuable experience in technology solutions and establish connections across the US and Canada. We also offer a ton of benefits to our employees, including flexible schedules, health & life insurance and paid time off. If you are interested in joining the Precision Team and to learn more about our current openings, send your resume over to careers@precisionpos.com. We can’t wait to meet you!
Tobyhanna Performance Awards Highlight Character Traits of Extraordinary People A successful organization needs both creative and agile leaders, common traits among award winners setting the standard for others to follow. Panels of judges chose five individuals to receive Tobyhanna Army Depot Employee of the Quarter awards. One award winner was subsequently named the Army Materiel Command, U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, and C5ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) employee of the quarter. Robert Hagenbaugh earned the command- and depot-level awards for actions taken while working as an electronics technician in the Production Engineering Directorate’s Site Installation and SATCOM Engineering Branch. Co-workers use words like loyalty, duty, respect and integrity to describe Hagenbaugh. In addition, they maintain he guards his teammates jealously, recognizes them regularly and never seeks recognition for himself, according to the nomination package. “It is truly a great honor and privilege to receive these performance awards,” Hagenbaugh said. “I don’t consider these awards as an individual award, but more of a group award knowing that our team is succeeding and moving in the right direction.” Hagenbaugh spends a great deal of time traveling the world with his team, providing life cycle engineering and sustainment support for technical control facilities, mission command facilities, strategic command centers and home station mission command centers. His depot career began 20 years ago. “Tobyhanna is involved in this mission because of Bob’s superior high level communication with site and program office personnel, in addition to a word of mouth reputation spreading throughout the Army of the depot’s ability to support these missions,” said former branch chief Shawn Smith. “Bob’s work ethic and tireless dedication to duty, team and mission set the standard and is contagious within the branch.” Jeremy Kuzmiak and Hagenbaugh were selected Tobyhanna Army Depot’s Employees of the Quarter, for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021, junior and senior categories, respectively. Kuzmiak is a firefighter recognized for work accomplished while assigned to the Installation Services Directorate’s Fire and Emergency Services Branch. The depot fire department recently completed a process known as Community Risk Assessment and Standards of Cover (CRASOC). The result is a comprehensive report that provides an assessment of risk as well as sets baseline and benchmark performance goals for the organization. “Kuzmiak surpassed expectations analyzing and updating more than 100 pages of information well ahead of the deadline,” said Daryl Gebhardt, fire chief. “He volunteered to take on this massive project while still performing his regular duties.” Kuzmiak was able to compose the report using skills he learned during a fire department analytics class. That, combined with years of additional training and hands-on experience helped the firefighter break down emergency response operations to show areas where the fire department excels or needs improvement. Officials noted the 14-year Tobyhanna veteran also shares knowledge gleaned from authoring the CRASOC with his co-workers, according to Gebhardt. “This award means a great deal to me and I want to thank all the people who helped me along the way,” Kuzmiak said. “I couldn’t have done it without them.” Robert Knecht, Joseph Twardowski and Steven Warner were selected Tobyhanna Army Depot’s Employees of the Quarter for the first quarter of fiscal year 2022, supervisor, senior and junior categories, respectively. Knecht’s performance as the Systems Integration and Support Directorate’s Welding Branch chief set him apart from his peers. He leads a group of skilled artisans who perform duties here and at multiple temporary duty locations around the world. His responsibilities include managing a robust welding mission by maintaining effective processes and procedures in the shop, tracking training requirements for employees, and providing necessary equipment and supplies to meet customer requirements. “Robert keeps track of all welding certifications held by shop personnel making sure they are current for AS audit readiness and that Tobyhanna is up to industry standards,” said Hiram Gillyard, Integration Support Division chief. “He also encourages team members to find ways to cut costs by streamlining processes.” Motivated by unwavering determination and dedication, Knecht keeps a positive mindset no matter what is going on around him, according to Gillyard. “This award means the world to me having been recognized for the efforts of dedication and commitment to the organization and the warfighter,” Knecht said. “Teamwork is the key to my success. Working together as a team enables us to learn from one another while working toward a common goal.” A number of employees applauded Twardowski for accomplishments while serving as the C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) Directorate’s Secure Communications Branch chief. The individuals who nominated the work leader describe him as someone who goes above and beyond to support the mission. Twardowski is the first person to step up when something needs doing, they wrote on the submission form. Coworkers also noted that the team looks up to the branch chief, saying he sets the example. Twardowski is responsible for making sure the cost center has everything it needs to meet the monthly production schedules. For instance, he verifies assets are inducted in a timely manner, determines and order parts for individual jobs, schedules employee training, and ensures deadlines are met on time and within budget. “The team I work with is always doing what they need to do to meet customer expectations,” Twardowski said. “I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to work with. My success is measured by the successes of those around me.” Warner distinguished himself while working as a firefighter in the Risk Management Division. It was his idea to develop a program to mentor new employees as they adjust and learn new processes and policies in Tobyhanna’s Fire and Emergency Services Branch. “Steven is an informal leader and mentor among his peers due to his vast knowledge of Tobyhanna and his experience as a firefighter and paramedic,” Gebhardt said. “This program provides peer-to-peer support and mentoring as the employee gains the knowledge, skills and abilities to effectively execute their duties in the most productive manner.” Warner’s journey of self-improvement consists of activities that develop a person’s capabilities and potential — personally and professionally. According to his coworkers, the fire captain continuously demonstrates a high degree of knowledge, professionalism and personal courage. “Steven places the needs of his peers before those of himself and strives to make the department the best through his continued selfless service and contributions to the team,” Gebhardt said. The new mentoring program ensures that all new employees will get all the pertinent information to be successful at Tobyhanna. “Throughout my career, I’ve learned that having a strong team helps everyone,” Warner said. “I wanted to make sure that all team members were being trained the same and all areas were being covered so I developed a new employee guide, then assigned senior firefighters to each new hire guide them through the process.” Recognizing employees for a job well done links to a TOBY2028 objective — Invest in our People. The objective centers on developing an agile and innovative workforce dedicated to providing the best value to the warfighter. The quarterly awards program identifies and rewards junior-, senior- and supervisor-level employees who, in the performance of their assigned duties, have established a pattern of excellence. Nominations can be submitted by co-workers, who work with the nominee, directly or indirectly, with a minimum of at least four nominators or by an employee’s supervisor. Winners receive a special parking space for the quarter, On-The-Spot Award and plaque. Winning packages are forwarded to the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) to compete in their respective categories. Tobyhanna Army Depot is a recognized leader in providing world-class logistics support for command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C5ISR) systems across the Department of Defense. Tobyhanna’s Corporate Philosophy, dedicated work force and electronics expertise ensure the depot is the Joint C5ISR provider of choice for all branches of the Armed Forces and industry partners. Tobyhanna’s unparalleled capabilities include full-spectrum logistics support for sustainment, overhaul and repair, fabrication and manufacturing, engineering design and development, systems integration, post production software support, technology insertion, modification, foreign military sales and global field support to our joint warfighters.
PennDOT Honors Employees for Innovative Ideas The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today recognized 48 PennDOT employees with Innovation Awards for their efforts to improve work practices and create efficiencies. One team member from PennDOT’s District 4 which represents Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties were among the honorees. “PennDOT has a strong legacy of creativity to help us meet our daily mission and goals,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “I’m proud to recognize these employees for their creativity and dedication to the department.” Employees were recognized for ideas and smart practices submitted through IdeaLink 20/20 and PennDOT WorkSmart, online employee engagement systems that allow employees to share their ideas and efficient work practices. Over the last decade, PennDOT employees have submitted approximately 3,700 ideas through IdeaLink, nearly a quarter of which have been implemented. Since 2016, approximately 240 smart practices have been published in PennDOT’s WorkSmart system. Gramian and other department executives honored winner Dawn Foley during an virtual ceremony. Foley was recognized for mapping District 4’s Invoice Payment Process for non-ECMS Vendors. Project teams now have a clearer view of responsibilities, processes, and timelines to be followed. “Dawn has truly excelled in her service to the travelling public in northeast Pennsylvania. She is a valued team member within our organization and works at a very high level everyday” said Richard Roman, P.E., District Executive for PennDOT Engineering District 4. Motorists can check conditions on major roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website. Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties at www.penndot.gov/District4. Information about infrastructure in District 4, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.gov/D4Results. Follow local PennDOT news on Twitter and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.
Lackawanna College to Offer Tuition-Free Classes to Local McDonald’s Employees Lackawanna College announced a new partnership that will allow employees in 16 local McDonald’s attend college tuition-free. Under the agreement, qualifying employees at the chain’s locations operated by the Mueller family can pursue a bachelor’s or an associate degree at Lackawanna College. To qualify, McDonald’s employees must work 90 days and have a minimum of 16 hours per week to register for classes and begin earning credits. “This is a huge win for our community at large,” said Dr. Jill Murray, Lackawanna College President. “This partnership is solving the two major social and economic issues— a growing national workforce shortage and the rising cost of college tuition. Opportunities like this make college affordable and accessible – a great equalizer for all families.” The public-private partnership is one of many at Lackawanna College but is the first of several partnerships that will cover a student’s full tuition. “Our organization is so excited to partner with Lackawanna College, “said Christina Mueller-Curran, owner/operator of Mueller family McDonald’s. “This partnership is so meaningful because it will be a way to provide accessible education for our employees and allow them to fulfill their personal goals and ambitions. We look forward to seeing the personal and professional growth and development of our employees as a direct result of their ability to continue their education if they so choose.” This opportunity is exclusively available at the Mueller family McDonald’s in Allentown, Bethlehem, Carbondale, Clarks Summit, Dickson City, Eynon, Honesdale, Mountain Top, Old Forge, Scranton, Shavertown, Tunkhannock, Wilkes-Barre, and Wyoming, To learn more about this partnership and others, visit www.lackawanna.edu/partners.
Geisinger Launches Nursing Scholars Program for Employees Nurses make up the largest segment of the healthcare workforce and play critical roles in caring for patients. Now, Geisinger employees interested in a nursing career will have an easier path. By launching a new career development program, Geisinger will provide financial, educational and wellness support to its employees pursuing a career in nursing. The Geisinger’s Nursing Scholars Program eases the financial burden of nursing school and is open to any employee who’s worked with Geisinger for a year or more and isn’t already a registered nurse (RN) or provider. The program awards $40,000 in financial support with a 5-year work commitment as an inpatient nurse. The goal is to support 175 scholars per year by offering rolling admissions to the program. While supporting employee career and professional goals, the program will also mitigate a shortage of nurses across the organization and beyond. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nation needs 1.1 million new RNs by 2022 to avoid a nursing shortage. “There is a recruitment gap of approximately 300 registered nurses per year across the Geisinger system,” said Janet Tomcavage, chief nursing executive at Geisinger. “According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Employment Projections, registered nursing is listed among the top occupations in terms of job growth through 2029. The RN workforce is expected to grow from 3 million in 2019 to 3.3 million in 2029, an increase of 7%. Community members across our footprint can join the Geisinger workforce and take advantage of this wonderful career advancement opportunity.” The program serves as an entry point into the healthcare profession for high school students and for anyone considering a career in nursing. Community members who are not Geisinger employees can apply for available positions within Geisinger and qualify for the program after only one year of employment. “We are aware that many of our employees are keen to pursue a nursing career but need additional support from us in achieving their dreams. This comprehensive nursing scholars’ program is designed to provide financial, educational and well-being support for Geisinger employees who would like to become registered nurses,” added Tomcavage. Geisinger will support the employee scholars in preparation to go back to school to set them up for success. Guidance in choosing a school and type of degree is available via an internal website and personal counseling. Those who wish to attend prep classes may do so through internally offered classes designed by Geisinger experts. Basic math, navigating online classes and work-life balance are some of the courses offered. While employees are in school, support via study groups, mentoring from Geisinger nurses and professional development opportunities will be available at Geisinger. “Studying while working is a huge undertaking and we understand that employees will need more than just financial support. We want to be able to support our employees’ well-being and provide them with help that they might need when preparing to go back to school. Geisinger’s Nursing Scholars Program is designed to motivate and support employees in achieving their best at work and at school,” said Rebecca Stoudt, associate dean of nursing student education at Geisinger. Geisinger partners with various nursing schools across its footprint, and has created easy access to healthcare for many Pennsylvania communities. The Geisinger Career Center, a recruitment and career services hub, offers community members and Geisinger employees the chance to make a difference through available job opportunities in the health system. Beyond the physical career center, located at 529 Mill St. in Danville, anyone interested can make virtual or phone consultations to learn about Geisinger careers. Candidates can speak with a Geisinger representative about open positions, and current Geisinger employees can learn more about professional development resources and events. Open positions at Geisinger are also listed at jobs.geisinger.org. To find out more about the career center or to make an appointment, call 877-564-6447 or email GeisingerCareers@geisinger.edu.
Woodloch Pines Resort Honors its Employees After an extremely challenging year and three-month closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Woodloch Pines, an all-inclusive family resort in the Pocono Mountains, was more eager than ever to recognize the hard work and dedication of its longtime employees. Although the annual in-person staff meeting and celebration could not take place, the Kiesendahl Family, who have owned and operated the business for over 60 years, took the time to honor and reward their loyal team members with gift certificates and golden nametags in recognition of their service. Woodloch has a very special history, which is a large part of what creates such an exceptional staffing base. When Woodloch founders Harry and Mary Kiesendahl first purchased the property back in 1958, the couple was looking for an escape from the hectic hustle bustle of life in New York and a way to reconnect as a family. As the resort grew over the years, both guests and staff alike grew to become family members as the Kiesendahl’s welcomed them with open arms. Of the 1,091 part and full-time workers, 199 have served the company for at least a decade. Considering that the hospitality industry is well-known for its high turnover rate, this is certainly a notable accomplishment. 99 of these staff members have worked for the family resort for at least 20 years and another 40 for 30-plus years. One such employee, John Taninies, is celebrating his 40th year working at Woodloch. After graduating high school, Taninies began his career during the summer of 1981 working the waterski dock on the family resort’s lake. He also washed dishes in the evening and was asked if he would like to work in the kitchen full-time. He enjoyed the experience enough to pursue his culinary degree at Sullivan County Community College in New York from 1983 to 1985 while maintaining his job at Woodloch. During the summer of 1984, Taninies worked with a classmate who owned a catering company that was serving athletes and staff at the U.S. Open and the Los Angeles Olympics, after which he returned to Woodloch. He went on to help open the brand-new kitchen and bakery at The Inn at Woodloch, built to accommodate the growing number of guests at the Poconos resort. After 21 years of managing The Inn and spreading his talents across Woodloch’s various kitchens, Taninies found his way back to where he originally began his culinary career — the kitchen of the resort’s Main Dining Room — which he has been managing since 2006. “John has been a dedicated part of Woodloch’s team for the past forty years. He continues to share his expertise and leadership to this day. His strong guidance and work ethic have earned him the respect of his peers throughout Woodloch, and we have been fortunate to have John as part of our extended family,” remarked Bob Kiesendahl, co-owner and Food and Beverage Director of Woodloch Resort.“Our staff members are second to none. We are where we are because of them, and we couldn’t be more grateful, especially given the past year’s challenges,” continued Bradley Kiesendahl, Woodloch’s President and C.E.O. “Thanks to their efforts, Woodloch has maintained its longstanding reputation of providing first-class hospitality through our most difficult days. We are deeply appreciative of the hard work, genuine care, and unending compassion our team members display each and every day.” The Poconos resort is excited to announce that it is currently hiring new employees. For more information, please visit: https://www.woodloch.com/view/careers/.