RHA DIRECTORS SPOTLIGHT January 2021
As the executive assistant to the CEO, Angel is assigned several tasks daily and completes each with passion and grace. Having a natural characteristic to assist others, accompanied by her vast knowledge of most computer and IOS software, Angel has been deemed the software “Guru” and is frequently called upon by her peers to assist with computer and cellphone software manipulation. More often than not, saving the enquirer hours of frustration and fury.
Her knowledge and kindness were recently put to the test when a peer
approached her to make a tribute video for an upcoming employee retirement. Michaela Harris, Chairperson for the
Employee Appreciation Committee, states, “The work on this video took her several hours, over several days, and was mostly done on her personal time. My vision could not of come to fruition if it was not for Angel. She went above and beyond to not only help a co-worker but to help create a lasting memory for a long-standing, valued team member here at RHA.”
Seeing the positive, going above and beyond to help others be successful, and ensuring others feel included and equal makes Angel not only a valuable employee but also a remarkable person. We are genuinely proud to have her as part of our RHA team!
RHA DIRECTORS SPOTLIGHT DECEMBER 2020
As our December recipient of the Director’s Spotlight award, Mike Murray is the epitome of a kind and caring leader. Throughout his more than 35 years with the Rockford Housing Authority, Mike has shown true compassion to his fellow workers and the clients we serve. Mike is a self-motivated and dedicated individual who ‘s resourcefulness and leadership have benefited our residents, agency and community.
Always willing to help where help is needed, his overall maintenance knowledge and proficiency has set a standard for all who follow in his footsteps. He has served our residents well, as can be seen in his efforts to provide the best quality unit for our residents.
As stated in his nomination, “Mike makes it a point to provide the residents a safe and sanitary home, he would live in himself”. “He has a vast knowledge of the job he does and treats the residents with respect.”
Mike’s dedication, knowledge, and leadership demonstrates why Mike Murray is deserving of the Director’s Spotlight Award for December 2020. Congratulations Mike!
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RHA DIRECTORS SPOTLIGHT GRAND PRIZE WINNERS 2020
RHA celebrated at their annual employee holiday party, virtually via zoom. During the party, the results for the Directors Spotlight Grand Prize Winners were announced. These awards are the objective of the Directors spotlight, that was introduced in 2020, for the participation of all employees throughout the year, to recognize fellow workers going above and beyond their duties, exhibiting a willingness to help out, not only with coworkers, but residents, and the community they serve. Each month, the employees are asked to nominate their fellow workers for acts observed throughout the month.
During this inauguration year, there was a 7-way tie for first place on receiving the most nominations! Due to the overwhelming circumstances and challenges that 2020 has brought to our team, the executive team felt that it was fitting to award each first place nominee with the grand prize of $1,000 instead of dividing it! Congratulations to: Eunice Green, Lisa Olson, Stephanie Penix, Chuck Doyle, Troy Hadie, and Justin Espinoza.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the recognition and nominee submission from fellow coworkers. Congrats to Lynn Feirn, who won for submitting the most nominations during the year and received a $500 prize!
January will start a new year of nominations for one person each month to be acknowledged, with awards provided at the end of 2021.
RHA DIRECTORS SPOTLIGHT OCTOBER 2020
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Ms. Lisa Olson has been a valued team member with the Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) for more than 14 years. During her time with our agency, Lisa has served our clients in several different roles, advancing through the ranks with each role, and currently serves as the Property Manager for RHA’s Scattered Sites developments as well as our non-profit, Bridge Rockford units. She is extremely dedicated and hardworking, always willing to lend a hand to fellow staff.
As stated by her peers, even when faced with a staffing shortfall, Lisa is there to assist when asked, and she always treats everyone with the same respect and positive attitude. “She juggles a lot as the manager of Scattered Sites, and I’m so impressed by how she holds it all together. She is a great example for all who work at RHA and plays a crucial role in our overall success.” Lisa exemplifies RHA’s core values, which is evident in her caring, respectful, and professional leadership of her site. “She is a person of Integrity, who is willing to hold herself accountable.” Lisa genuinely embodies the company’s spirit and our core values in everything she does, and she inspires us all to do the same!
“Lisa is a helpful coworker and someone that I consider a friend. She has such an amazing work ethic and is always willing to help where needed.” States, Lynn Feirn, property manager of BlackHawk. We are proud to have Lisa as a team member and love to see our team members making personal connections. We look forward to Lisa’s future at RHA.
RHA DIRECTORS SPOTLIGHT SEPTEMBER 2020
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Mr. Robert Lojanica has been part of the Rockford Housing Authority team for more than four years. During this short time, Robert has made a considerable and measurable impact on our agency. Which is evident through his continued resourcefulness and dedication to his work, both of which benefits our staff, residents, and community. “Simply put Robert is willing to step up to provide excellent customer service to our residents, co-workers, and vendors.”, states Chuck Doyle, Physical Asset and Quality Assurance Manager.
Robert routinely accepts assignments, some extremely challenging without complaint. Mr. Lojanica has served our agency as an Inventory Specialist for our entire maintenance department; recently transitioning in the Quality Compliance Inspector for our HCV and LIPH departments. In this role, Robert preforms HQS inspections for HCV clients/landlords, and UPCS Inspections for our LIPH developments. Robert is the perfect detail-oriented type of person to successfully fulfill this role. In doing so, Robert is a critical partner to our compliance team, ensuring that all HCV properties are maintained and inspected in compliance with HUD regulation, and he assists our property management and maintenance teams prepare their properties for HUD inspection.
Always willing to accept special projects, Robert is distributing face coverings to all RHA residents ages two and above. As he always does, Robert has taken this task a step above, at delivery, Robert is performing a quick safety inspection and speaking with residents regarding any maintenance concerns and reporting any findings to the property management team.
Continuing, Chuck Doyle QAQAM states, “Robert’s work, dedication and initiative have demonstrated outstanding character and is deserving of the Director’s Spotlight Award for September 2020. Robert upholds the vision, mission, and core values of our Agency. Get to know him if you get a chance and I promise you will be glad that you did.”
We are proud to have Robert as a member of our team, and we look forward to his future at RHA. Well done Robert!
RHA DIRECTORS SPOTLIGHT AUGUST 2020
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The winner of the Director’s Spotlight for August is Ms. Felice Woitynek!
Felice is a self-motivated, dedicated and extremely helpful employee. She continually volunteers her time to assist our agency in resident programs and events, her dedication to our residents is unmatched. She maintains accountability through her continued professionalism, attention to detail and reliability. Felice is extremely supportive to her staff and peers and often is called upon to assist others and always gladly accepts. She serves our agency with a friendly, helpful and cheerful manner. “Felice is a leader at this agency in both work ethic and attitude as her integrity and compassion exist in every interaction. She personifies our core values and works each day intentionally to make RHA’s Vision and Mission a concrete reality. “
We are genuinely proud to have Felice as a member of our RHA Team!
RHA DIRECTORS SPOTLIGHT JULY 2020
Directors Spotlight Winner — Troy Hadie
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Troy is a self-motivated and enthusiastic employee who holds himself accountable and instinctively recognizes the needs of our properties and clients and addresses those needs without hesitation. Throughout his 28-year career, Troy has served in several maintenance roles, but none more critical than that of the mentoring of our maintenance trainees.
Troy’s overall maintenance knowledge, attention to detail, professionalism, and leadership skills make him the perfect
coach and teacher to our maintenance team. Through his guidance, our maintenance team has been elevated to a level rarely matched by others, providing the best quality unit and customer service to our clients. We are proud to have Troy as a member of our team, and we look forward to his future at RHA.
RHA DIRECTORS SPOTLIGHT JUNE 2020
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The winner for June Director’s Spotlight goes to Eunice Green! Eunice is a great asset to the RHA team, she is respectful, kind, and hardworking. Eunice is very dedicated to the Lifeforce Development Institute students along with all the residents she comes in contact with. She is always ready to help the next resident, student or co-worker that needs it. Ms. Green takes on any challenge and never complains. Eunice demonstrates all of the RHA core values and beliefs but really exemplifies being resourceful and caring about her job and the people involved. Congratulations to Ms. Eunice Green!
RHA DIRECTORS SPOTLIGHT MAY 2020
As the Physical Asset, Quality Assurance, and Maintenance Manager, Chuck Doyle wears several hats throughout each day. Although none more crucial than that of “Safety Manager.” Although this is an unofficial role, Chuck takes it upon himself to ensure all staff is equipped with the safety gear needed to provide comfort and peace of mind, while performing their duties. Always going out of his way to personally check on staff throughout the agency, and address any safety concerns someone may have. Since entering this pandemic, Chuck has continued to report to work daily to inspect properties, order safety equipment, and address all maintenance emergencies, tirelessly and without complaint.
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“Chuck demonstrates our vision, mission, and core values and resourcefulness by creating a safe working environment. Chuck is collaborative by being helpful to all departments and residents, which represents leadership. Chuck is always respectful to the contractors and staff and truly cares about assisting others in getting their job done. Chuck truly demonstrates professionalism at RHA.”
We are genuinely proud to have Chuck as a member of our team and are honored to call him a leader within our agency!
Thank you to Laura Martinez, Linda Dorsey-Tillman, and Bob Lowe for recognizing the great work and caring nature that Chuck Doyle brings to our team!
RHA DIRECTORS SPOTLIGHT APRIL 2020
We are proud to announce our April 2020, Director’s Spotlight winner, Mr. Elias Soria!
Throughout his 20 + career at RHA as a Family Self-Sufficiency Specialist, Elias has always stepped outside of his responsibilities to lend a helping hand where needed, and he always does so with a “positive attitude and joking spirit.” The important role that Elias plays in RHA’s team is assisting each person in FSS with a plan that helps them reach their goals for the next five years.
He has helped many individuals throughout his time with RHA and continues to do so even working remotely. Knowing that his team is currently facing material and capacity challenges to safely provide essential services to our most vulnerable populations, our children, and our elderly, Elias is quick to joke or utter a quick poem to lift the spirits of his coworkers and the RHA residents. Elias has hopes to introduce “an open mic contest with inspiring residents who love to write as a motivational outlet in their lives”.
His continued dedication to the well-being and financial security of our residents, his passion toward his job, and his devotion to his RHA family, demonstrates our Vision, Mission, and Core Values in a manner that is unparalleled.
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RHA DIRECTORS SPOTLIGHT MARCH 2020
First Award presented to Linda Dorsey-Tillman, Procurement, Contracts and Section 3 Compliance Manager for March 2020.
When the COVID-19 directive by Gov. Pritzker was announced for social distancing, Linda, in a 48-hour time period, deployed 20 laptops for use by RHA staff members to work from home. This included wiping the computers clean, loading all necessary software and enabling the computers to allow staff to continue their daily duties, while staying home. She also configured work related cell phones, many with hotspots, for employees who had previously not been issued an RHA phone, with hotspots needed by those who did not have internet service at home. Linda was awarded $100.00 for her outstanding efforts during this unprecedented time and given a Door Dash gift certificate for lunch since
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attending lunch at restaurants currently is unavailable. We are so very proud of Linda and her service to RHA to allow us to maintain the level of service that we do, and imparting her commitment to our core values.
This video is a testimonial to Linda for the contributions and achievements she has made to not only RHA but the community as well. While helping the RHA team she also helped the community in making sure that RHA staff were capable of working from home and available to residents who rely on them. Please check out the video and more information on the RHA Directors Spotlight page here:
One of the ten core values that RHA believes in is that “professional duty” is providing effective services to residents and clients, serving the community and positively influencing the well being of society.