A “Really Special” Event: VNSNY’s 2018 ESPRIT Award Winners Are Honored at November 27th Ceremony

From clinicians and other service providers on the front lines to the organization’s administrative support staff, managers, and colleagues in corporate areas, the excellence of VNSNY’s workforce was on full display Tuesday evening at the 2018 ESPRIT Awards. The ceremony honoring this year’s 14 ESPRIT winners drew a full house of family, friends and co-workers to the New School’s University Center at 13th Street and Fifth Avenue.

“This outstanding group is part of a long line of remarkably committed and extremely passionate VNSNY staff, stretching all the way back to our founder Lillian Wald’s earliest days,” said Marki Flannery, VNSNY’s President and CEO, as she welcomed this year’s honorees. Each winner was then introduced and presented with their

individual awards by Kerry Parker, EVP, General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer, and Michael Bernstein, EVP and Chief Administrative Officer. The event included the presentation of a special posthumous award to Jose Valdes, Administrative Assistant with CMHS’s Comprehensive Care Management program, who passed away earlier this year. Following the presentations, the attendees enjoyed a catered reception at the New School.

“All of our co-workers go above and beyond every day to do a great job, whatever their roles. The ESPRIT Award winners are the best of the best, and they deserve to be celebrated in style,” notes Linda Reid, Director of Workforce Planning and Diversity for Human Resources. “As we approach the end of the year, it’s wonderful to have a chance to come together to reflect on the amazing contributions each of our ESPRIT Award winners have made to VNSNY and the community at large,” adds Caroline Umhoefer, HR Specialist, who served as project lead for the event.

“Everything about the ceremony was really special, from the lovely venue to the great spread at the reception and, of course, the ceremony itself,” says 2018 ESPRIT winner Shannon Harris, who was recognized for her exemplary work as Hospice Physician Fellowship and Medical Staffing Coordinator. “It was great to meet and hear about the other winners, and especially touching to witness the tribute to Jose. His wife and family were noticeably moved to be there to receive his award.”

Meet this year’s ESPRIT award winners!  Please click here.