Karen Gerrity, Nederland Town Administrator. Please join me in congratulating this year’s winner, Miranda Fisher. In less than a year and half with the Town she has mastered the art of being a Town Clerk, was promoted to Deputy Town Administrator and embraced her new role in overseeing the building and planning department, has earned the respect of her co-workers, elected officials and business owners, and provides support to all departments in too many ways to mention.  Here are some of the comments made by her co-workers:

She goes above and beyond her job duties and does it with a smile on her face.  She goes out of her way to help others.

In less than a year’s time, Miranda quickly distinguished herself by tackling the Town Clerk position, and through her phenomenal organization and focus, as well as her limitless capabilities, she was named Deputy Town Administrator, a position created because she is deserving of recognition. Her positive, chipper attitude even in the face of challenges, her support of team members in every department, her capacity to manage multiple things simultaneously, and her goal-oriented mindset make her an incredible asset to the Town and to her fellow coworkers. She models excellent behavior, and it is a joy to work with and for her.

She learned her job quickly and has continually assumed additional tasks and responsibilities. She is always willing to help, support and assist in any way she can.  She has a can-do attitude and manages to be pleasant and matter of fact in the face of opposition. I appreciate Miranda’s ability to lead while all the while being a team player.

This year’s second place winner is another shining star. Please join me in congratulating Jen Landon who has stepped fully into a leadership role in the Utilities Department. Her helpful attitude, industry knowledge, and positive disposition make her an excellent team member, role model and crew chief. She is approachable and smart, kind, and skilled. Here are some of the comments made by her co-workers:

“Jen has assumed the position of “lead utilities operator” with a great deal of grace, and enthusiasm and is capable of adjusting quickly to the needs of the department and customers/residents (i.e. the constituents of the community to whom we are civil servants).”

“I nominate Jen Landon for exemplary leadership, her dedication to the utilities department, and her caring attitude.”

  “Jen Landon hands down deserves Employee of the Year. While it’s always difficult to lose an experienced leader like Nicole, Jen has courageously and masterfully stepped up to take on new responsibilities and a lot of additional work. She’s a fast learner who is skilled at utilizing her resources to what feels like seamlessly transition into her new role as leader of the utilities department. Every year she successfully achieves higher and higher levels of W/WW certification and training. She has a fantastic attitude and is always easy to talk to. Jen’s passion for her team and our community makes a true impact on our residents. The picture from this year of her and Nicki knee deep in water fixing a drainage issue speaks volumes about her work ethic and leadership by example. We are so lucky to work with you, Jen!”

It’s an honor and a pleasure to work with these two shining stars of Team Ned.

(Originally published in the December 10, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)