VNSNY’s 2018-2019 ACE Leadership Program Kicks Off in Style
The 28 participating staff members in this year’s VNSNY ACE (Achieving a Culture of Excellence) Leadership Program gathered on Wednesday, October 17 for the program’s official kick-off. The hour-long event was also attended by more than 40 senior leaders, participants’ supervisors, and ACE alumni.
President and CEO Marki Flannery, SVP and Chief Human Resources Officer Marian Haas, and VP of Talent Management & Organizational Development Andrew Wise each addressed the audience, explaining the program’s role in developing and refining leadership skills, and encouraging the group to take full advantage of the opportunity for growth that ACE presents.
The program participants are selected based on criteria such as job performance, leadership potential, and a desire to grow within the organization. “In this 125th anniversary year, the ACE program really embodies VNSNY’s DNA,” Andrew notes. “It’s about going above and beyond, fostering individual and team growth, and building connections and collaboration within the VNSNY community.”
“The involvement of senior leadership in the program sends a clear message that our contributions to VNSNY are recognized,” says ACE participant Jeri Goodman, Social Work Manager for Clinical Operations Support at VNSNY Home Care. “It also shows VNSNY’s commitment to growing talent from within and helping staff build important collaborative relationships. I loved being in a room with so many colleagues from across the organization!”
Program manager Amanda Weiner is directing her fifth ACE program—a job that, in her words, is “the most fulfilling way to give back to VNSNY.” Amanda adds that she’s looking forward to getting to know this year’s participants through upcoming workshops and coaching sessions. “Each year, the program builds on the success of previous ACE years,” she says, “yet it also organically changes to meet the strengths, interests, and development needs of the new cohort.”
In a special touch, at the close of this year’s kick-off each participant received a personal note from his or her supervisor, mentioning the reasons why they were nominated and expressing wishes for their success. “I always feel appreciated, but reading the note complimenting me on the details of my performance really touched me,” says ACE participant Daniel Afful, Associate Hospice Information System Analyst for Hospice and Palliative Care.
Taking a Field Trip to the Henry Street Settlement
Immediately after the kick-off meeting, participants began their ACE journey with a step back in time as Amanda escorted the group by subway to the Henry Street Settlement on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Like VNSNY, the Settlement is celebrating the 125th anniversary of its founding by Lillian Wald. Gathering in the building where it all began, attendees viewed Henry Street’s special 125th anniversary historical exhibit, saw where the early visiting nurses slept, and assembled on the front steps for a group photo. “Everyone left feeling very connected to the history and mission of the organization,” says Amanda.
“I was really inspired by Henry Street, and learning more about Lillian Wald,” notes Daniel. “The fact that one person was able to help so many made me feel like I’m a part of something huge—and that with resources and training, I can also make a difference.”
“There’s a constant cycle of change and growth at VNSNY,” adds Jeri. “Visiting Henry Street was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with our history, and to see the work we do every day in that context.”
Participants in VNSNY’s 2018-2019 ACE Leadership Program
Alison Bartolone Gill Strategy & Performance Improvement
Amery Moultry Education & Professional Development
Amy Wu Finance
Ann Mary Ferrie Government Affairs
Ashley Rivera VNSNY CHOICE
Bryan Campbell Information Technology
Christina Lomax VNSNY CHOICE
Chrystal Bowen Population Health
Daniel Afful VNSNY Hospice
Deborah Cho Community Mental Health Services
Diane DeFerrari VNSNY CHOICE
Edelwina Gloria CHHA Home Care Services
Jeri Goodman CHHA Home Care Services
Joyann Thompson Partners In Care
Julianne Kasinow Risk
Kan Tai Wu Human Resources
Kimberly Colorito Compliance
Krishna Medipally Information Technology
Marina Soloveychik Business Development / Intake Services
Mayra Ortiz VNSNY CHOICE
Michael Providence VNSNY Hospice
Mollie Judd Community Care Management Partners
Ravá Blackwell Business Development / Intake Services
Ripul Patel VNSNY CHOICE
Rivkah Brenenson VNSNY Hospice
Rohit Bhasin VNSNY CHOICE
Samuel Jackson Research Center
Wilfredo Martinez VNSNY CHOICE
