FORT WORTH BUSINESS • FortWorthBusiness.com • APRIL 20162 PAID ADVERTORIAL

As the daughter of a 62- year career admin, I believed that an awards program recognizing the invaluable

contributions of administrative assistants was long overdue. So I created one.

After two extremely successful years in Tarrant County, we’re thrilled to be celebrating the 3rd annual Fort Worth Admin Awards. With more than 70 different companies submitting 240 nominations in support of Tarrant County-area administrative professionals, there is clear appreciation for this invaluable community of professionals and all that they do to move their organizations forward.

The Admin Awards is the first program of its kind in the United States to publicly honor the contributions of administrative professionals and we are proud to say it began right here in North Texas – especially as we roll this important program out nationally. With Dallas in its fifth year and

Fort Worth in its third, we’ve recently announced The Silicon Valley Admin Awards which will take place on May 10th, 2016 followed by The Denver Admin Awards on November 16th, 2016.

This year’s Admin Awards was carefully guided by an important group of administrative professionals, better known as the 2016 Fort Worth Admin Awards

Advisory Board. Their guidance, wisdom, candor and commitment contributed to the success of this year’s program in countless ways – and helped us avoid countless missteps.

The independent board of 12 judges, comprised of executive assistants and executives, reached a single consensus early on; competition was fierce. And nomination after nomination enlightened the judges to the many accomplishments, responsibilities and talents administrative professionals demonstrate through their work.

The Fort Worth Admin Awards would simply not be possible without the support of our sponsors – and this year we have a new Presenting Sponsor, Burnett’s Staffing. The Burnett’s Staffing team has been an incredible partner to The Admin Awards and we are so very honored to celebrate their 50th year anniversary with them!

Burnett’s Staffing has been providing outstanding staffing solutions and expertise to the North Texas community for five decades! Wow!

Our Award level sponsors, Marsh & McLennan Agency, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, Moss Adams and DHD Films are also critical to our success and we are so thankful for their support and friendship. Additionally, we’d like to thank the many companies that supported their finalists with an Admin Advocate and Table Sponsorship. These companies make The Fort Worth Admin Awards possible.

See you next year at The 2017 Admin Awards!

My Very Best,Sunny Nunan Founder & President The Admin Awards™

A LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER

Ryan Akins, Regional President, Dale Carnegie Training

Julie Brown, Executive Assistant, ACH Child and Family

Services

David Campbell, Vice President, Huitt-Zollars, Inc.

Wayne Carson, CEO, ACH Child and Family Services

Tammy Ekrut, Sr. Administrative Assistant, XTO Energy

Joy Kidd, Operations Director, Woodcreek Designs

Leah Keyes, Retired Executive Admin, Texas Christian

University

David Nolet, Managing Director, JP Morgan

Karen Smith, Human Resource Manager, Cantey

Hanger LLP

Amanda Stallings, Executive Director, JPS Foundation

Patti Steelman, Vice President & Controller, Fort Worth

Chamber of Commerce

Evelyn Torres, Office Manager, OCG PR

Julie Brown, Executive Assistant, ACH Child and Family ServicesLori Fielding, Senior Executive Assistant, UNT Health Science CenterJamie Gilbert, Senior Administrative Assistant, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth Norma Gorena, Executive Secretary, Kenneth Davis ElementaryLona Henderson, Sr. Administrative Assistant, Texas Health ResourcesSterling Hunter, Administrative Coordinator, UNT Health Science CenterVictoria Jackson, Regional Employee Benefits Contracting & Systems Administrator, Marsh & McLennan Agency LLCGwynavere Kinney, Executive Assistant, Child Study CenterJill McCluskey, Director, Administrative Services, Wiseda CorporationSusan Noakes, Senior Administrative Assistant, Lockheed Martin AeronauticsTerri Scott, Business Assistant, CC StudiosMelissa Simpkins, Executive Assistant, GRACERita Switzer, Administrative Assistant, Lockheed Martin AeronauticsLee Tayon, Sr. Executive Assistant, UNT Health Science CenterPhyllis Washington, Sr. Executive Administrative Assistant, Alcon Laboratories, Inc.Ruth Washington, Senior Administrative Associate, UNT Health Science CenterTracy Winston, Sr. Administrative Assistant, Texas Health Resources

THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT PARTNERSThis event would not have been possible without our event partners who have donated countless resources of time, energy and passion to help make

The Admin AwardsTM a success.

2016 BOARD OF JUDGES 2016 ADVISORY BOARD

3FORT WORTH BUSINESS • FortWorthBusiness.com • APRIL 2016

THE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD

THE COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD

WINNER: Kayla Cardinale, City of Mansfield

WINNER: Suzy Gardner, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth

FINALISTS

FINALISTS

The Rookie of the Year Award celebrates an administrative assistant or receptionist, new to the administrative profession (career as an admin started less than 3 years ago), who has demonstrated the greatest potential to excel. This award honors professionals that are starting their career as an administrative professional, have reentered the workforce as an admin or made a career change to an administrative role.

The Community Champion Award is awarded to the administrative professional who best demonstrates a commitment to serving others in their community and works internally to inspire employee volunteerism, community service and good corporate citizenship.

Kayla Cardinale was born and raised in Cleburne, Texas. Living there until she was twelve when her family

moved to the Mansfield/Arlington area, of which she now proudly considers home. She began working at the age of sixteen at the local Tom Thumb as a cashier. Promoting to a customer service manager a short six months later at that time was almost unheard-of. Kayla went on to graduate from Summit High School in the Mansfield Independent School District.

Kayla’s faith and desire to learn more drove her to Dallas Baptist University to study business. At this time, she began working as a teacher’s assistant at the First Baptist Arlington CDC, again promoted a short three months later to a lead teacher.

One of her two greatest accomplishments came at this time by the name of Evan, a couple of years later Jackson would be born.

When the opportunity to work for the City of Mansfield presented itself she had to take it. Having a track record of advancing rapidly this would be no different. After realizing Kayla’s ability she was very quickly moved into an administrative role working with the Education Specialist and the Director of Utilities for the City.

Suzy is the administrative assistant to Terence McCarthy, MD, Medical Director of the Fort Worth Emergency

Services Collaborative and Chief of Medical Staff, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth. In addition, she supports Amanda Robbins, MS, APRN, GCNS-BC; Program Director, Fort Worth Emergency Services Collaborative and Co-Chair, for the Fort Worth Safe Communities Coalition. She brings many years of executive office experience to the numerous coalitions and committees she serves.

Suzy is truly an exemplar of passion and commitment to helping her community. For the past 25 years, she has volunteered countless hours of time and effort to supporting a number of community services organizations, including the

Tarrant Area Food Bank, the Presbyterian Night Shelter, the Union Gospel Mission, and many sub committees of the Fort Worth Safe Communities Coalition.

Suzy’s most recent endeavor is developing the DFW Birthday Brigade, based on the national Birthday Party Project. Working with a group of volunteers, Suzy puts on monthly birthday parties for homeless children living at the Presbyterian Night Shelter, complete with cake, balloons, and gifts for children whose birthdays would otherwise just be another dreary, cheerless day.

Suzy exemplifies commitment to improving our community, through her tireless volunteerism, her amazing professionalism and commitment at work, and through her boundless positive energy and good humor.

LISA BOYDBrackett & Ellis

MEGAN JASPERSkyline Sector 5

LINDA HASTINGSPlaza Medical Center

DANELLA HITRIChrist Chapel Bible Church

TYLER KENNEDYGovernment Capital

Corporation

CARISSA TURNERSkyline Sector 5

FORT WORTH BUSINESS • FortWorthBusiness.com • APRIL 20164 PAID ADVERTORIAL

THE ABOVE THE CALL RECEPTIONIST AWARD

THE ACHIEVER AWARD

WINNER: Jeanine Luther, Cash America International

WINNER: Paula Davis, Bell Helicopter

FINALISTS

FINALISTS

The Above the Call Receptionist Award honors the RECEPTIONIST that goes above and beyond the call in delivering an exceptional first impression and serves internal and external customers with professionalism, enthusiasm and care, leaving a lasting impression with all they come into contact with. (*NOTE: Nominee must spend 50%+ on average of their time daily fielding/handling phone calls in order to qualify for this award.)

The Achiever Award recognizes the admin that successfully managed and completed a significant project that had a positive company-wide impact. For example, projects such as office relocations, social media campaigns, corporate events and activities, software implementations, reorganizations and rebrands would be among examples of Achiever Award-worthy nominations.

For 24 years, Jeanine Luther has worked at the corporate office of Cash America International, Inc. (NYSE:CSH). As the

main receptionist, she has had a front row seat in watching the company grow. Jeanine answers the main switchboard for the company, as the retired Chief Executive Officer insisted upon callers being greeted with a live, friendly voice. In her busiest hour, she answers more than 70 phone calls. Affectionately dubbed as “The Voice of Cash America,” Jeanine voices many of the company’s recordings and makes important announcements over the building intercom. You’ll also find her performing general office duties and maintaining several different directories for coworkers.

Jeanine is known for her positive attitude, infectious smile and courteous demeanor. Everyone that works with her, beginning with

members of the senior leadership team, the Founder of the company, members of the administrative support staff and colleagues hold Jeanine in high regard for her service and professionalism.

She is most proud to work for a company that started with one pawnshop, by a local entrepreneur with a vision. Cash America now operates in 20 states with more than 800 shops where pawnbrokers assist customers with their financial needs from loans to discounted, pre-owned merchandise, including fine jewelry.

Although a native of southwest Iowa, Jeanine has grown to love Fort Worth since moving here in 1991. She looks forward to someday retiring in this area, and spending more time with her husband, their daughter, and the friends they’ve made over the years.

Ms. Davis entered the world of admin support at the age of 18 at the company where every admin of

a certain age in Fort Worth, Texas started: the Tandy Corporation. Times certainly have changed, and the tools available to the admin have changed with it. Ms. Davis certainly would not have guessed that the highlight of her first job would be the cutting-edge automatic adding machine; the device would come to be called a “calculator” and it wouldn’t be the last time the Tandy admin would have to adapt to the technology curve.

Every job she’s had since then has included newer, quicker, more-efficient ways of streamlining her admin role. Better tools, advancing means of communicating, and evolving workplaces have made some aspects of the admin’s role simpler. This is not

to say that with new technology comes new challenges, but she enjoys being able to learn and adapt to a continually evolving way of doing things. She has a hard time imagining not having email to communicate not only with the world, but also with the person sitting in the next cubicle. Every gadget, device or method introduced to the business world has made the admin of today relevant and vested in the success of their team.

Paula is passionate about her admin role. She has been fortunate to work for some great companies, mostly great bosses, and has been afforded many opportunities to grow personally and develop her admin skills. She is grateful every day for her job and does not take it lightly. She may answer to the nickname “Pit Bull”, but she is really just a faithful Golden Retriever.

ARSELIA GONZALEZSkyline Sector 5

LINDA HERNANDEZMarsh & McLennan Agency – Southwest

RACHEL FLANAGANWeir Oil & Gas

TENA PRUITTXTO Energy

VICKI YARNELLGRACE

STACY SPEARSGameStop

5FORT WORTH BUSINESS • FortWorthBusiness.com • APRIL 2016

THE ADMINISTRATIVE EXCELLENCE IN GOVERNMENT OR PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

THE LOYALTY AWARD

WINNER: Theresa Parsons, Tarrant County

WINNER: Mary Nell Kirk, Texas Christian University

FINALISTS

FINALISTS

The Administrative Excellence in Government or Public Service Award honors Administrative Professionals who have been employed in the government or public service sectors for at least five years and have made significant contributions to the success of their organization. Administrative Professionals in this area would work for the city or county government, a public or private educational institution, healthcare organization, non-profit, military, law enforcement, or fire and rescue.

The Loyalty Award is presented to the fiercely loyal administrative professional that has a 10 year or greater history of effective service to their current organization in an administrative role, and consistently demonstrates tireless dedication and commitment to supervisors, employees and customers.

Having over 20 years’ experience in working with governmental entities and the general public, Theresa relocated

from Kansas in 2001 for better opportunities. She began her career with Tarrant County in the Criminal District Attorney’s office as a Legal Secretary. An opportunity for advancement presented itself, and she transferred to the Civil Section of the District Attorney’s office as a Mental Health Assistant in 2005. Although this position was emotionally challenging at times due to the delicate nature of each case, it was most rewarding to be able to assist these families during a difficult time.

In 2008, she joined Commissioner Gary Fickes’ office where she worked with Commissioner Fickes in creating what has become an award-winning e-newsletter, “Northeast Newsletter”, now in its 9th year.

As the Assistant Precinct Administrator, Theresa is actively involved in building strong departmental communications, as well as working tirelessly on numerous events to better the lives of those living in Northeast Tarrant County. One event she has been involved with since the beginning and is very passionate about is Empowering Seniors, a Health and Lifestyle Expo for Caregivers, Boomers & Seniors. Now in its 8th year, they are expecting a crowd of over 2,400 attendees.

Mary Nell Mulholland Kirk is a native of Fort Worth. She attended Arlington Heights

High School and North Texas State (now UNT). Mary Nell and her husband Jon moved to Houston after their marriage and reared their three children there. Scott, David and Kathy are all graduates of Texas Christian University.

Mary Nell and Jon moved back to Fort Worth in 1989 and Mary Nell began her work at TCU. In her 27 years at TCU, Mary Nell has had the privilege of working as administrative/executive assistant for three Chancellors: Dr. William E. Tucker, Dr. Michael R. Ferrari, Jr. and Dr. Victor J. Boschini, Jr.

Commended by her peers for

her superior work ethic and loyalty, Mary Nell has an impeccable reputation as a consummate professional. She demonstrates a high quality of performance no matter what task is undertaken. She continuously demonstrates a tireless commitment to her organization and is said to be a role model for staff and students alike.

Mary Nell and Jon are active in their church and enjoy spending time with their children and seven grandchildren. They are also avid TCU fans and attend as many home football and baseball games as they can. In fact, Mary Nell’s loyalty for TCU runs so deep that she wears purple nearly everyday!

CONNIE CASAREZCommunities In Schools

of Greater Tarrant County

DENAE FREEMANYMCA of Metropolitan

Fort Worth

WANDA BORDENWestwood Contractors, Inc.

LINDA GERCHKelly Hart & Hallman LLP

DONNA HINZEDollamur Sport Surfaces

TRAYCE GALLMANTexas Health Fort Worth

TRACEY MCVAYCity of Fort Worth

SUSAN MITCHELLBrown Dean Wiseman Proctor Hart & Howell

MICHELLE SOULESBaird, Hampton

& Brown, Inc.

FORT WORTH BUSINESS • FortWorthBusiness.com • APRIL 20166 PAID ADVERTORIAL

THE ADMINISTRATIVE EXCELLENCE IN HEALTHCARE AWARD

THE SPIRIT AWARD

WINNER: Nancy Feist, Alcon

WINNER: VENESHA BURELSMITH, Higginbotham

FINALISTS

FINALISTS

The Administrative Excellence in Healthcare Award is presented to an administrative professional employed within the healthcare industry including but not limited to healthcare providers, hospital systems, physician groups, pharmaceutical companies, and medical device suppliers and vendors. This nominee should have a passion for the healthcare industry, exceptional customer service skills and a positive impact on their organization, co-workers, vendors and clients.

The Spirit Award celebrates the administrative professional who consistently exhibits a positive, spirited outlook and exudes good energy that rubs off on everyone around them. Their can do attitude and overall spirit is contagious and uplifting, drawing people to them on good days and bad.

Nancy Feist joined Alcon Laboratories, Inc. in 2013 providing executive support to the Head of Global Integrity and

Compliance, as well as the Global and Regional teams located across the globe. Nancy has extensive experience with all administrative tasks, including scheduling, correspondence and event planning. She takes great pride in being fully committed to her role and focusing on her team and customers with integrity and building lasting relationships to move the business forward.

Nancy has made an immediate positive impact from day one and continues to add value to the Integrity and Compliance department every day. She has developed and instituted various administrative processes that have significantly increased the department’s data tracking abilities by redesigning the outdated Country

Compliance Database. Her ingenuity has now made it the single source for real-time up-to-date information in over 100 countries. Nancy’s administrative experience in various areas including initiating organizational strategies for continuous efficient office operations is above reproach and a true testament to her integrity and dedication to our department and overall, the company.

Before joining Alcon, Nancy was with the Department of Defense for over fifteen years supporting various Squadron and Numbered Air Force Commanders. She recently moved back to Arlington, Texas after her husband’s retirement from the U.S. Air Force. Nancy has a Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Texas at Arlington. In addition to her duties as an executive assistant, Nancy enjoys spending time with her family and supporting her children’s numerous activities.

Venesha has a very strong vibrant energetic personality. Her loyalty, commitment and work ethic shine

through everything that she does. She is married to her best friend for 28 years and they have a beautiful 13-year-old daughter who keeps them busy with her activities.

Venesha is the most kind hearted considerate person you will ever meet. When anyone needs assistance, they go to her because of her “can do” attitude. Always going above and beyond what is asked, she exceeds expectations on everything she does. Venesha has worked at Higginbotham for 10 years and is the right arm to many of the executives at the agency. Her work ethic and commitment to her job, family, and church continues to

expand her various roles by her willingness to do whatever is requested.

She gives 110% on everything she does, with a smile on her face and a very quick step that keeps all the balls she is juggling-up in the air. She is fondly called “Momma V”, since she treats everyone as if they were part of her family. Our Higginbotham motto is to be “The Best in Texas”, for our customers, employees and insurance carriers and Venesha absolutely exemplifies this.

PENNY BALDWINAlcon

ESMERALDA HORNYAKSabre

JENNIFER LEGRANDNational Cowgirl Museum

and Hall of Fame

AMY ROUTHVLK Architects

CHRIS CHASEAngmar Medical

Holdings

ELIZABETH GLENNTexas Health Resources

BARBARA HALLTexas Health Southwest

RAMONA KELLEYChild Study Center

KIM WILLIAMSUNT Health Science

Center

7FORT WORTH BUSINESS • FortWorthBusiness.com • APRIL 2016

THE FORT WORTH ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR AWARD

WINNER: Leticia Fierro, Omni Hotel Fort Worth FINALISTS

The Fort Worth Administrative Professional of the Year Award is the Fort Worth Admin Awards’ most prestigious honor. This coveted award will be presented to the admin that best demonstrates the qualities listed below and significantly contributes to the company’s extraordinary success. These qualities are: High proficiency, a history of effective service to current employer, a Tarrant County-based organization, for no less than 5 years; must demonstrate a passion for commitment to the organization’s purpose, employees, vendors and clients; passion for making the city of Fort Worth a better place to live and work as demonstrated through volunteerism to a city-related cause, event, local no-profit or organization; and must be customer service oriented both internally and externally

Leticia Fierro is honored to be a member of the Omni Fort Worth opening team. She is an enthusiastic, caring and

dedicated professional with experience in all facets of Human Resources.

In her role, Leticia consistently works on multiple projects and is an excellent multitasker. She is organized and incredibly detail oriented. If anyone within the HR department has a question, there is a great possibility that Leticia will know the answer. Leticia successfully helped integrate a new HRIS and Payroll system into the hotel. She has also pioneered partnerships with TCC to offer ESL to our associates, Texas Workforce to employ youth and adults transitioning into the workforce and a Visa exchange program which allows students to visit and work

in America. While the students are here Leticia takes on the role of “mother hen” and works to ensure they have proper housing, transportation and all the necessities to live day to day in our wonderful city of Cowboys & Culture.

Leticia was born and raised in Port Hueneme, California. She is a wife, mother of 3 and grandmother to a beautiful three year old grandson. In her free time she loves to go dancing with her husband, spend time with family and Zumba away!

ROBIN BRIGGSTrinity Terrace

ROSHONDA HELMTexas Health Harris

Methodist Fort Worth

KERRI HILLAlliance Aviation Services

BEVERLY REGANBNSF Railway