On May 25, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia held its 21st annual employee recognition event.
On May 25, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia held its 21st annual employee recognition event. Together, the organization’s staff honored employees who reached special employment milestones and also inducted new members into the Circle of Excellence, which recognizes employees for their creativity, commitment, positive spirit and contribution to the mission of the Jewish Federation and the community.
Naomi L. Adler, Esq., Jewish Federation CEO, said in her welcoming remarks at the event: “The work we do is so empowering; I’m so glad we take this opportunity to recognize all of you who help make it so inspiring.”
Adler noted that Jewish Federation staff members collectively have 857 years of service, which averages out to eight years and nine months per employee. Adler pointed out: “Statistics for 2015 tell us that the average tenure for most employees is between 4.4 and 4.6 years. We are almost double this statistic. I believe this is because we focus on making this a great place in which to work, which includes a wonderful mission and talented people.”
Four employees were recognized for their five-year work anniversaries, five staffers were celebrated for 10 years of service, one employee was honored for 15 years with the Jewish Federation and Karen Golden, director, community campaign, was honored for 20 years of service.
Roger Pedro, kitchen manager; Robin Schatz, director, government affairs; and Daniella Slon, manager, digital marketing, were welcomed into the Circle of Excellence. Employees are nominated for this award each year by their peers; a Circle of Excellence Selection Committee made up of approximately seven staff members reviews all nominations and ultimately selects up to three employees they feel exemplify Jewish values and work excellence. Friends and family members of Pedro, Schatz and Slon joined them at this celebration of their professional accomplishments.
Donna Freyman, director, human resources, for the Jewish Federation, who launched the program, said: “We started formally acknowledging employees for their service to the Jewish Federation over 20 years ago. I don’t think any organization can take the commitment and dedication of its employees lightly. I believe we are positively recognizing our staff members in lots of ways throughout the year, but it’s also nice to stop and take time as a group to celebrate each other and the important work that each person does on behalf of the community.”
