The staff of NICE will usually have a variety of opinions to proffer on our work environment but one thing we all agree on is that we have a tightly infused team spirit. Indeed, it is so obviously and intrinsically interwoven in our collective tapestry that often role boundaries are deliberately blurred. Virtually everyone is forever willing to jump to the assistance of a colleague struggling with a project or needing to be absent. Cross-functionality reigns supreme at NICE.
This past quarter was especially difficult as we were headed towards the end of the year. With several of us rushing to use up vacation hours, it was unusually complicated. So, those of us left behind had to pull as much extra weight as we could possibly manage. Therefore, as one may imagine, trying to determine which one among us stood out in exemplary fashion was no easy task. Yet, as the votes begun to roll in one by one, distant tolling bells could be heard distinctly chiming one name over and over as each was cast: Cindy Cunningham.
And with good reason.
This winter alone, our Cindy offered and took on the work of two people; the Financial Manager’s and to no mean extent, the President’s role; effectively working three jobs including her own. Talk about a team player! This forced her to arrive way too early and leave dangerously late on a daily basis. She did so without complaint. Her efforts guaranteed everyone got their pay on time during the holidays!
Even on a good day when she is only required to run her official title duties, Cindy will be the self-designated “Maintenance Guy” who will fix it. We have a saying in the office, “When all else fails, call Cindy”. This can be said for anything from haggling with a supplier, troubleshooting a computer program, providing language and perspective on a donor proposal, through fixing a jammed door to solving a plumbing issue. Just state your problem. And where would we get our daily morning drive without Cindy’s coffee burst? She has faithfully and dutifully fixed it for the entire office, complete with a variety of delectable, rich, Creamer flavors, all personally bought. On a cold day, look for Cindy; she will probably have soup.
To put down everything great and wonderful about this mighty woman of action would result in a heavy book. Suffice it to say that just knowing Cindy is around, provides an acute feeling of comfort that all will be well.
Enough Said.
Therefore, for looking out for each one; for running quickly to our aid regardless of the task; and for constantly providing all the sweeter things of life (chocolate!) to make the daily grind seem that much lighter; we, the entire staff of NICE, would like to state that having no other exceptional way to express our collective gratitude, we do hereby unanimously and proudly crown Cindy Cunningham, Director of Resettlement & Operations and our Angel of Favor, Staff of The Quarter, Winter 2012.
Thank you Cindy!
