Howard Center recently celebrated staff members reaching important years-of-service milestones with the agency. At a luncheon at the Doubletree by Hilton in Burlington, agency board members, leaders, and colleagues thanked staff members who have been with Howard Center for as many as 50 years.
Speaking to the assembled staff who have reached at least ten years with the agency, CEO Sandy McGuire said, “People often talk about Howard Center as though it’s just a name or a structure, but in truth, it is you. It is each of us. It’s your dedication, your compassion, your work. You are the living legacy of this organization.” McGuire noted that the 81 staff being honored had a combined 1,340 years of service.
Kelly Deforge, President of Howard Center’s Board of Trustees said, “I am in awe everyday seeing the work that you all do and hearing about the work that you all do and I’m so very thankful, and I thank you for giving hope to so many Vermonters.”
Staff members who reached five years of service were celebrated at an event earlier in the year. Among the 81 staff being honored for ten years or more of service were Ed Giroux, Kim Burgess, and Sandy McGuire who marked 25 years with the agency; Cathie Buscaglia and Laura Pierce who reached 30 years of service; Lisa Bilowith who reached 35 years; Dave Kronoff who reached 40 years; and Valerie Koropatnick who reached 50 years of service.