January 2025 Employee of the Month Mary Regen
The January Employee of the Month is an employee who has demonstrated consistent quality of work, been an asset to the community, presented an attitude of helpfulness, cooperative and been a positive role model for the Town of Jonesborough. This person was not only nominated by their entire staff but by a fellow co-worker who reflected on her commitment not only to her staff but to the Town of Jonesborough.
Mary Regen joined the Town of Jonesborough in 2015 as the Senior Center Director. She is known for her commitment to the Senior Center, her highest desire to serve the Town, the dedication she has for her staff and her continued support of all Town activities.
One nomination that was received states that the Jonesborough Senior Center is highly acclaimed, has received multiple awards, is accredited- the very valid reason for the success is Mary who works tirelessly throughout her tenure to build a firm foundation for our senior community. The passion Mary shows for the members is nothing short of amazing but is a small portion of the excellent work she accomplishes for her members day in and day out. One of Mary’s recent accomplishments is the
First Annual Christmas at Lincoln Park which not only brought together local businesses and community organizations to decorate Christmas trees to raise funds for the Senior Center Benevolence Fund, but this endeavor brought the community together and added a special new holiday tradition for many residents. Mary worked alongside the Park & Rec Director, Chris Kudera, to make this event as successful as it was. The tree lighting was a resounding success and enjoyed by all. If you know Mary, you know she strives for excellence in everything which she is involved; the Senior Cetner is providing mental, physical and emotional fitness, entertainment and most of all community- it is indeed providing a place to be active, fit and connected which is their mission statement.
The nomination from the Senior Center Staff was signed by every employee of the Senior Center which demonstrates their level of support for their leader who treats them with compassion, respect, and dignity day in and day out. The nomination spoke to the work of Mary with the Lincoln Park tree project and the amazing success of this project. In addition, the staff spoke of Mary’s commitment to teaching cooking and craft classes and managing the vegetable garden which feeds the senior center members through the
Café Connection meals. The nomination spoke of Mary’s willingness to host the Honor Flight of the Appalachian Highlands preview party of the WJHL special filmed during Mission 10. This event displayed to over 70 guests that night, the amazing facility. Mary’s commitment to serve Veterans is demonstrated through the work with Honor Flight but, also, with her organization and support of the monthly Veterans meeting hosted at the Senior Center and the Annual Veterans Day lunch for over 100 Veterans and guests at the Center. The staff shared that Mary is a diligent worker with a positive can-do attitude and is not afraid to ger her hands dirty and never asks the staff to do anything she is not willing to do herself. These words speak volumes to the dedication that the staff has for Mary, but that dedication is a two-way street as she cares about her staff and is dedicated to coaching, empowering, and leading the amazing Senior Center team.
Thank you, Mary! You are appreciated!