- Chester County Intermediate Unit
- Staff Recognition
#CCIUCelebrates
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At the Chester County Intermediate Unit, we understand that a little recognition goes a long way. Each month, the CCIU celebrates three to four staff members that exemplify our organization's core values and beliefs. In addition, our Ambassador program also recognizes one staff member as the Ambassador of the month for having the highest engagement and awareness levels on our social media platforms. Congratulations to our Supervisors of the Quarter, December Employees of the month and our December Ambassador of the month! On a quarterly basis, we celebrate leadership staff who are wonderful examples of dynamic leaders who use their insight and talent to help improve the work we do at the CCIU and beyond.
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Supervisors of the Quarter
Jennifer ChicoskyJennifer Chicosky, Marketing and Community Engagement Manager in the Communications and Learning Solutions Division, consistently focuses on improving the customer journey and overall customer satisfaction, while improving the internal efficiencies and data reporting capabilities across multiple IU divisions.When Jen began working at the CCIU as the admissions manager almost ten years ago, she initiated and led the process of transferring the TCHS application process from paper to digital, creating new opportunities for efficiency, customer relationship building and real-time data reporting. Customer information no longer lived within paper documents and spreadsheets, but residing in a real-time, powerful online environment that has been proven to improve the communication process allowing our districts and families to be supported in a more timely fashion.In the spirit of continuous improvement, Jen knew that there was even more that could be done to further strengthen both the customer experience and our internal customer management, data collection and decision-making processes. Jen researched and proposed a new solution utilizing the Salesforce platform, allowing for the online customer relationship management system to be fully customized and built exactly to the needs of the CCIU. Jen has been actively working with her team and with colleagues from Student Services and Career, Technical and Customized Education to review current processes, finding ways to improve them and then manage the custom build.Jen has managed to drive this large, organization-level initiative while continuing to be a strong marketing and customer experience resource for all divisions. Her ideas and insight are highly valued and she is always willing to say yes to anyone asking for her help. She epitomizes the team spirit of CCIU and will continue to be an impactful member of our Team CCIU. Congratulations, Jen!Bryan HarpelDirector of IT Infrastructure Bryan Harpel has spent the last 26 years ensuring that CCIU’s networks, servers, computer hardware, telephony, door access, video and data security are all top-notch. Starting out in computer repair, he built the department until the task of connecting the ever-expanding CCIU organization led him to pioneer the IT division’s networking efforts, later to grow into the IT Infrastructure Department. Bryan has personally designed and overseen the multifaceted and technically intricate infrastructure of more than 30 major construction and renovation projects over the years, using his expertise to minimize costs and maximize value, all while ensuring that everything operates flawlessly on the first day.Bryan capably leads an often unsung but impressive team of dedicated infrastructure engineering experts who design, implement and manage the many systems that form the complex foundation that underlies literally all of CCIU’s daily work. From storing and protecting every bit of our data to countless daily threats, guaranteeing reliable and secure transmission across our many networks while keeping our many servers running and up-to-date, Bryan and his team perform their job daily with sharp, technical talent and skill.This past school year, Bryan worked closely with TCHS Brandywine Assistant Principal Dave Purdy when Chester County detectives contacted the CCIU with information that Pennsylvania’s Safe2Say hotline had received a serious but false threat originating from the TCHS Brandywine network. Bryan and his team swung into action, extracting and forensically analyzing thousands of log entries from the firewalls, servers, and WiFi access points, cross-referencing the data to form a detailed timeline of device movement across the school’s network, and ultimately identifying the specific device from which the false report was made.For his outstanding leadership, tremendous expertise, and swift action under pressure, as well as his impressive individual dedication and work for CCIU over many years, please join us in recognizing Bryan Harpel as the Supervisor of the Quarter!Dave PurdyAssistant Principal Dave Purdy has been at TCHS Brandywine since the opening of the new school building in 2012. During his tenure, Dave has been instrumental in the development and growth of many of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) and student activity programs. Dave has shown his exceptional leadership in writing and facilitating grants leading to the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment for all three TCHS campuses.Dave displays his success in his ability and interest in supporting teachers who transition from positions in professional industry to the classroom. Dave is also a student advocate. He takes time to truly get to know students at TCHS Brandywine. Students often seek out Dave to share positive news or just to say hello, which is indicative of the positive rapport Dave has with students. Dave is commended for consistently building strong relationships and partnerships with all school stakeholders, including students, parents, staff members and our business partners.This past school year, Dave worked closely with the Director of IT Infrastructure Bryan Harpel when Chester County detectives contacted CCIU with information that Pennsylvania’s Safe2Say hotline had received a serious but false threat originating from the TCHS Brandywine network. After Bryan and his team completed their investigation, Dave then took over, quickly linking IT Infrastructure’s analysis with his school’s video and attendance data, coordinating with Brandywine’s administration, and combining it all to form a comprehensive set of evidence that the joint CCIU team turned over to the Chester County District Attorney’s office. -
May Employees of the Month
Leteida Johnson, Instructional Assistant, CCDC
Leteida Johnson has been a member of Team CCIU for over 18 years and is recognized for her outstanding contributions as a teaching assistant. Her dedication and patience towards students are remarkable, and she is always willing to go above and beyond to help. Leteida is a true leader who cares about her colleagues and their needs. Her positive attitude and calm demeanor are highly appreciated by her peers. We are lucky to have Leteida as part of our team, and it is my pleasure to recognize her as an Employee of the Month. Congratulations, Leteida!
Mary Jo Thompson, Math Specialist, Non-Public Services
With over 15 years at the CCIU, Mary Jo Thompson has made significant contributions to our programs as a math specialist. Her extensive knowledge and expertise in the field of math have helped students and colleagues alike. Mary Jo's work has had a positive impact on student achievement, and her guidance and support have helped to improve the quality of our programs. We are grateful for her contributions to our team, and I am pleased to recognize her as an Employee of the Month. Congratulations, Mary Jo!
Drew Givler, Barbering Instructor, TCHS Brandywine
Drew Givler is an outstanding educator and a dedicated member of the TCHS Brandywine team. His patient and understanding nature, along with his willingness to go above and beyond to help students and staff, make him a true asset to the school. Drew's dedication to his students is evident in the way he offers constructive feedback, provides suggestions, and ensures that they are well-equipped to be successful now and in future endeavors. We are thankful for Drew's selfless nature and dedication to the success of his students and it is my pleasure to recognize him as an Employee of the Month. Congratulations, Drew!
Laura McGinley, Teacher, Brandywine Virtual Academy)
Laura McGinley is a remarkable online instructor who goes above and beyond for her students. Her kindness, caring attitude and positive energy are infectious, making her a pleasure to work with. She demonstrates the qualities of what every teacher should aspire to be. Laura's dedication to her students is commendable, and she always makes sure that they have the support they need to succeed. Her passion for teaching and her ability to brighten every encounter with her students make her an invaluable member of the BVA team. We are grateful for her contributions to our team, and I am pleased to recognize her as an Employee of the Month. Congratulations, Laura!
On behalf of the CCIU, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to each of our Employees of the Month for their dedication to our organization. Your contributions have helped us achieve our goals, and we are proud to have you as part of our team. Congratulations once again on this well-deserved recognition!
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Ambassador of the Month
Congratulations to our April Ambassador of the Month, Tammy Arnst! Tammy is a secretary at Chester County Learning Center (CCLC), and her posts drove in the most engagement for April. Tammy's posts of students participating in building incentives and working in class generated 406 reactions, 31 comments and 4 shares!! Congratulations, Tammy!
