Wright-Kegelmyer, who has worked at TRC for 28 years, received the Joseph Trusso Jr. Employee of the Year Award. As administrative support coordinator in the human resources department, she fields most phone calls to the HR help desk. She treats people with respect, maintains her composure when callers become emotional and does whatever is needed to obtain answers to people’s questions.

Wright-Kegelmyer has taken on leadership roles in organizing staff-appreciation events. In addition, she volunteers her time for events such as the Laurel Memorial Run/Walk, the Marine Toys for Tots drive and other community causes.

She was nominated for the award by staff in TRC’s employment and community-based services department, which appreciates her for quickly resolving employment matters.

The award is named in memory of the late Joe Trusso, who served on The Resource Center’s board of directors for 38 years and was a strong advocate for TRC employees.

Lindsey Johnson, president of the Consumer Bankers Association, speaks during an industry conference in Las Vegas, on Monday, March 28, 2023. Johnson became president of the CBA in 2022, representing the trade and lobbying organization for the nation’s big retail banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, US Bank, PNC and others. Before she joined CBA, she was president of the trade association for the mortgage insurance industry. Consumer Bankers Association via AP

TRC’s other major employee honor is the Norma J. Smith Award. It is presented to a staff member who has excelled in providing direct support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The 2022 award was given to Schmidt, who has worked at TRC for seven years.

She was honored for her efforts in her role as a direct support professional in one of TRC’ homes. Schmidt assists residents in getting ready for their day and ensures everyone looks good before they head to their day program. She then spends her day making sure household duties and chores are completed to her high standards. She works extra shifts to ensure the home is properly staffed and the residents receive the level of supports they deserve. Schmidt was promoted to one of the lead positions in the home after spending hours on her own time to complete the required computer training. On days when the manager is off work, she keeps the home running smoothly.

“I am a truly blessed manager to have Tanya as a DSP that cares for the individuals and understands the TRC mission statement and goes above and beyond daily to honor it,” said Lisa Peterson, the home’s manager.

The award was created in memory of the late Norma Smith, who worked as a direct support professional at The Resource Center from 1983 to 1991.

Also nominated for one of the awards were Britnie Barmore, Kevin Blackwell, Roland Cartner, Hjector Cintron, Patricia Clark, Abby Counts, Heather Crandall, Kathryn Curtis, Daniel Farnham, Marcos Figueroa,

Walter Gabalski, Audrey Griewisch, Abigail Hooper, Deseree Johnson, Terri Johnson, Robin Kestler, Debra Larsen, Paula Morello, Elizabeth Osarumwense, Natalie Rosario, Brianna Skinner, Jessica Smith, Cheryl Stow, Christin Sweat, and Amanda Trout.

Those who served on the awards selection committee were staff members Victoria Bardo, Rhonda Howard, Melissa Rasmussen, Resa Rosen-Murray, and Donna Trusso; and community members John Bauer and Carrie Swanson of the Jamestown Chamber of Commerce; retired TRC employee Kathy Field; retired Jamestown Community College employee Nelson Garifi; and Richard Kimball, vice chair of TRC’s board.