(Worcester, September 15): Following remarks by Governor Charlie Baker at the MassForward 2022 “Partnerships for a Better Workforce System” Conference, MA Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Rosalin Acosta and Joanne Pokaski (AVP of Workforce Development, Beth Israel Lahey Health System) honored MassHire staff and leaders during the 4th Annual MassHire Awards ceremony.
Two MCRWB staff were among the honorees:
- Edward L. Gagne, Director of Youth Services and Adult Literacy Programs) received the “Living MassHire” Award. Ed has for more than 30 years advanced workforce development for youth throughout Central Massachusetts and beyond, earning national recognition for his groundbreaking and pioneering initiatives.
- Resource Development Coordinator Bruce Mendelsohn was recognized as a Finalist in the category of “Ingenuity.”
MassHire Awards recognize and affirm exceptional, forward-thinking behaviors in service of the MassHire mission. Individuals and partnerships were honored for living the MassHire Values. Thirteen finalists were selected from 24 nominations submitted; one award was conferred per category. Awardees included:
- COLLABORATION: John Nesti (Employer Services Manager, MassHire Greater Brockton Workforce Board)
- RELIABILITY: Phylis Gedeon (Youth Program Coordinator, MassHire Springfield One-Stop Career Center)
- INGENUITY: Samantha Fonseca (Data and Program Manager, MassHire Cape & Islands Workforce Board)
- RESPECT: Madeline Colon-Rivera (Career Advisor, MassHire Lowell Career Center)
- LIVING MASSHIRE: Edward L. Gagne (Director of Youth Services and Adult Literacy Programs, MCRWB)
- MASSHIRE CHAMPION: Robert (Bob) Bower (Special Advisor to the President for Workforce Development, MA AFL-CIO)
The awards ceremony was the capstone of the two-day MassForward conference, which took place at the DCU Center in Worcester.
