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Nice article in Aiken Standard today regarding the annual Galaxy Gala, which benefits the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center at the University of South Carolina Aiken. Wackenhut Services Inc., - Savannah River Site was one of the event's cosponsors.
Congratulations to Lisa Clark of the WSI-Oak Ridge team. The Oak Ridger has a story about her being promoted to the position of Budget Manager.
In her new role she'll be responsible for the administration of the WSI-OR annual budget process and the management of local National Nucelar Security Administration and Department of Energy Oak Ridge Office funding requirements.
Congratulations to Justen Parker, Special Operations Manager for WSI-Oak Ridge, who was recently presented the Elliot P. Sydnor, Jr. Leadership Award. Parker is a member of the elite Composite Adversary team (CAT) which is composed of the top DOE Protective Force personnel from across the country.
CAT operators train to think like terrorists and develop ways to challenge DOE's security measures to ensure that security police officers are trained to handle possible scenarios.
The Sydnor Award is presented to the CAT member who exhibited exceptional leadership qualities at the semi-annual CAT training session by respecting the opinions, abilities and contributions of others by making sound, decisive decisions for the betterment of the team.
The award was presented to Parker by the award's namesake, Colonel (US Army, Retired) Elliot "Bud" Sydnor, a man widely regarded as a true American hero who has spent more than 30 years serving his country as a military officer. He is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross and a charter member of the Army Rangers Hall of Fame.
Congratulations to Keith Sowinski of Wackenhut Services, Inc-Savannah River Site (SRS) who recently earned the Certified Quality Auditor certification from the American Society of Quality. The certification is bestowed only to those quality professionals who demonstrate a proficiency in, and a comprehension of, quality auditing tools and techniques.
Successful candidates for certification are expected to be able to apply a variety of auditing techniques in examining, comparing, and evaluating products, processes and quality systems to specific standards. Candidates must also be able to plan, develop, communicate, and execute an audit within a defined scope.
"This is an honor for Keith and our organization," said James H. "Bud" Isom, Wackenhut's SRS General Manager. "Professional excellence is one of our core values, and we congratulate Keith on his accomplishment."
Keith began his Wackenhut career in 1990, after serving 20 years in the U.S. Army, and is currently the company's Quality Assurance Supervisor.
The Knoxville News-Sentinel has a story regarding Wackenhut Services, Inc. Oak Ridge and contract negotiations with a newly organized union local that represents firearms instructors, alarm-station operators, dispatchers and other support personnel.
According to the story, the contract with Local 149 of the International Guards Union of America would cover about 50 workers at Oak Ridge National Lab, the Y-12 National Security Complex and the Federal Office Building.
Congratulations to the Wackenhut Services Inc. Savannah River Site team on establishing a new record for United Way giving! This year, WSI-SRS employees donated $173,000, an increase of $39,000 from 2006.
In addition, the company raised $25,000 through its 20th annual United Way Golf Tournament, resulting in a total donation of $198,000.
"I am extremely grateful that our employees have once again embraced the United Way," said James "Bud" Isom, WSI-SRS General Manager.
Numerous WSI-SRS employees spearheaded the effort. Julia Kizer and Kesha Starlings, WSI-SRS Employee Campaign Managers, along with Jackie Kane, coordinated briefings for the protective force and arranged distribution of pledge forms. Jackie was also heavily involved with the United Way of Aiken, serving on the Communications Committee and Special Events Committee as well the Loaned Executive Recruitment Chair.
Melinda Bolen served as the WSI-SRS Loaned Executive, coordinating United Way briefings for local companies and organizations and making presentations as needed. Also, Rich Allen served as the United Way of Aiken's Campaign First Chair, and will assume Campaign Chair duties for the 2008 campaign. Sharon Cormier served as a trainer for this year's group of loaned executives.
Congratulations to Wackenhut Services, Inc. Savannah River Site on being one of three finalists for the 3rd Annual Excellence in Workplace Diversity Award, sponsored by the South Carolina Diversity Council in conjunction with the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.
The award recognizes companies that have made significant progress in the area of workplace diversity or that exemplify the most outstanding diversity programs.
WSI-SRS was cited as a "model for diversity in South Carolina." The company was subjected to a rigorous qualification process, with an independent selection board reviewing Wackenhut's ongoing initiatives to determine the effectiveness of its diversity programs.
"We are extremely proud to be a finalist selected from among companies across the state of South Carolina," said James H. Isom, WSI-SRS Senior Vice President and General Manager. "It serves as a measure of our continuing progress in valuing diversity at WSI-SRS."
Specific accomplishments highlighted at the event included WSI-SRS employment and support of veterans, and the leadership commitment to recruiting, hiring and promoting of qualified women and minorities. Sonoco Products of Hartsville won the top award and joining WSI as finalists were Washington Savannah River Company of Aiken, and Bon Secours St. Francis Health System, Inc. of Greenville.
Since 1996, the Wackenhut Services Inc. Nevada Test Site team has sponsored the Back to School Supplies Drive through the Clark County School District's School-Community Outreach Program. The supplies drive supports area schools such as the Quannah McCall Elementary School.
In this photo (l. to r.) Genevieve Hines, Pat Jimenez, Paul Prunier and Edith Avila display just a handful of the items donated to the school during this year's drive.
