We gathered last week to celebrate the accomplishments of nearly 60 employees during our annual Years of Service Awards. Staff ranging from 10 to 40 years of service were honored by Board President Mike Rurak and with moving tributes read by their managers.
This special tradition included our CEO Joan Hatem-Roy, LICSW, at left, who marked her 40th anniversary with the agency.
Chief Human Resources Officer Shelley DeSimone shared heartfelt praise and highlighted Joan’s career at the agency, which began right out of college. Early in her career, Joan was our first Protective Services Caseworker and was instrumental in developing our social work licensing program, which was ultimately adapted statewide.
Joan has brought AgeSpan to many heights during her time as an agency leader. Among her accomplishments, Joan spearheaded AgeSpan’s integration into the health care arena, negotiated a first-in-the-nation contract to deliver a self-care program with managed care, and introduced and advanced culturally sensitive nutrition services and other health equity initiatives to improve access to our communities.
Since stepping into the role of CEO in 2017, Joan has led the agency through the 2018 natural gas explosions; a merger; the pandemic, and a rebranding initiative. Through the years, she has developed a national reputation as an innovator, thought leader, and source of technical assistance and encouragement to other organizations around the country. In 2021, she received the national Excellence in Leadership Award by USAging.
“She is a supportive and inclusive leader,” Shelley noted, “All with an eye to making sure our consumers get the best services possible and that this is a great place to work.”
In response, Joan brought it all back to our employees and what makes AgeSpan such a special place: “I have an amazing staff. It’s always been so wonderful to work with all you,” she said. “Even when challenges come our way, we figure it out together. I’m so lucky.”
