From left, CSEA members Nicole Rivers, Amanda Pitts, Michelle Miranda and Ugonda Toney are recognized for their outstanding work at OPWDD.
ALBANY — CSEA members were among the state Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) staff who were honored at the agency’s recent 2024 Employee of the Year Awards ceremony, held in Albany.
The awards bring together staff from OPWDD facilities and offices around the state to recognize those whose work best exemplifies the mission of the agency.
OPWDD Acting Commissioner Willow Baer welcomed honorees, noting that “You truly put people first.”
“We are the hardest working team in state government,” Baer, added in reference to the state team.
“CSEA OPWDD members deserve every bit of recognition they receive. Their hard work in caring for some of our state’s most vulnerable citizens should not go unnoticed,” said CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan. “Congratulations to all the awardees. We owe our appreciation to all our dedicated OPWDD members.”
Awards were divided in three categories: State Operations Individual Honorees, Regional Office Honorees (both team and individual) and Statewide Team Honorees (both team and individual).
From the Self-Direction Unit, Regional Field Office 4, CSEA member Frank Coleman was recognized as part of the statewide team. Coleman, a direct support assistant, started work in 2021.
Thirteen OPWDD workers were recognized with State Operations honors as OPWDD Employees of The Year 2024, including six CSEA members:
- Ugonda Toney, direct support assistant, Capital District DDSO.
- Kaci Fox, developmental assistant 2, Finger Lakes DDSO.
- Tammy Roldan, food service worker 1, Hudson Valley DDSO. Roldan was also recognized for 35 years of service.
- Nicole Rivers, licensed practical nurse, Metropolitan DDSO.
- Amanda Pitts, developmental disabilities secure care treatment aide 2, Sunmount DDSO.
- Michelle Miranda, developmental assistant 3, Western New York DDSO.
— Therese Assalian
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- From left, Sunmount DDSO Local member Amanda Pitts and Acting OPWDD Commissioner Willow Baer.
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- From left, Deputy OPWDD Commissioner – State Operations John Barbuto, Western New York DDSO Local member Michelle Miranda and Acting OPWDD Commissioner Willow Baer.
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- From left, OPWDD Deputy Commissioner – State Operations John Barbuto, Metropolitan DDSO Local member Nicole Rivers and Acting OPWDD Commissioner Willow Baer.
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- From left, OPWDD Deputy Commissioner – State Operations John Barbuto, Capital District DDSO Local member Ugonda Toney and Acting OPWDD Commissioner Willow Baer.
