Page 3 - Work Force December 2023

OPWDD workers honored for service
ALBANY — CSEA members employed by the state Office for People With Developmental Disabilities were recently recognized as OPWDD Employees of the Year for their outstanding service and dedication.
“This event is an opportunity
to highlight and recognize the important work that each and every one of you do, and excellence, commitment and positive attitude that you display every day,” said OPWDD Deputy Commissioner for Administration Adrienne Mazeau.
During the recognition ceremony, agency staff and administrators spoke about how these workers go above and beyond to help enrich the lives of the individuals in their care.
“It’s great to
take time out
from our busy
days to honor
and recognize
the intensely
hard work that
people put into
their jobs every
day,” said OPWDD
Commissioner
Kerri Neifeld. “At
every level and every day, people are working to hold up this system that we are so lucky to be stewards of. One thing that connects everything we do is your dedication to the system and dedication to providing the best possible services for people
OPWDD Deputy Commissioner for Administration Adrienne Mazeau.
December 2023
with developmental disabilities, and always pushing to do more and better, and keeping the people who we support every day front and center in their work.”
Many of the honorees have dedicated their entire careers
to serving individuals with developmental disabilities, including showing an unwavering commitment to caring for individuals, and displaying a positive attitude.
“Having colleagues and co-workers who bring these characteristics to their jobs every day is vital to us doing this work,” said Neifeld. “We want you to know that we see you and appreciate you.”
“I want to congratulate all of
the CSEA members who were recognized. You, along with your colleagues, go above and beyond every day to provide dedicated
and compassionate care to the individuals who receive services,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan. “You are truly making a positive difference in their lives, as well as in your communities.”
CSEA Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Committee Chair Faye Wilkie-Fields, who is also the Brooklyn DDSO Local President, stressed that our union members are dedicated to caring for individuals, even while working long hours and often facing understaffing.
Annette Jamison, who also serves
as Executive Vice President of the Long Island Developmental Center and Sagamore Children’s Psychiatic Center Local.
Elizabeth Hammond, Bernard Fineson DDSO.
Tonya Miller, who also serves as Hudson Valley DDSO Local 1st Vice President.
Neifeld
Troy Carley, Broome DDSO.
James Russell, Central New York DDSO.
Terri Bove, Finger Lakes DDSO.
Honorees Evelyn Acosta and Malgorzata Riddel were unable to attend the ceremony and are not shown.
Here are the CSEA members who were recognized. The Work Force will be featuring profiles
of these honorees in upcoming editions.
Long Island Region:
Annette Jamison, Developmental Assistant 2, Long Island DDSO
Metropolitan Region:
Evelyn Acosta, Developmental Assistant 2, Staten Island DDSO Elizabeth Hammond, Developmental Assistant 2, Bernard Fineson DDSO
Malgorzata Riddel, Direct Support Assistant, Metropolitan DDSO
Also recognized was Fatmata Turay, who was recently promoted to a registered nurse position at Brooklyn DDSO.
Southern Region:
Tonya Miller, Developmental Assistant 3, Hudson Valley DDSO
Central Region:
Troy Carley, Developmental Assistant 3, Broome DDSO
James Russell, Developmental Assistant 1, Central New York DDSO
Western Region:
Terri Bove, Developmental Assistant 2, Finger Lakes DDSO
“We are there
for our individuals
regardless of the
situation; we are
the ones that
many of them see
every day,” said
Wilkie-Fields. “We
are so much more
than a paycheck
here and we serve
them because
we love them and we care. We have a true bond and we advocate for them.”
— Janice Gavin
Wilkie-Fields
The Work Force 3