Gannett Announces Winners of the ‘Unsung Heroes’ Awards
McLEAN, VA – Winners of Gannett’s 20th annual “Unsung Heroes” awards were announced today by Craig A. Dubow, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI). They are:
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Ronald Cobbs, Prepress Operations manager, USA TODAY. Ron is at the center of organizational change in the production department at USA TODAY. He has taken on several major technological projects over the years, culminating in 2006 with the development of a new approach to satellite network management. Ron worked with IT, made sure staffers were trained and kept the project on track. His steady approach encourages his staff to do their best. Meanwhile, he is flexible, hard working, dedicated to smart and creative ideas and focused on USA TODAY’s success.
George Colley, facilities engineer, The Greenville (SC) News. George was responsible for transforming 8,200 square feet of the newspaper’s circulation department into Gannett’s first Center of Excellence, a regional customer service operation. First he had to find room for and move circulation employees to other areas, then he had to raze the old space and create an entirely new call center – all in a 40-year-old building without current schematics. Along the way, he managed employees and outside contractors. Said one: “We simply could not have gotten the project off the ground without George.”
Darcy Gurganous, supervisor, Corporate Services, McLean, VA. Darcy brings true professionalism and intelligence to her job overseeing events and conferences at Gannett’s corporate headquarters. With unceasing good nature, Darcy delivers seamless service and superior results. Her multiple nominators say she is the hardest working, most dedicated, compassionate and conscientious person they have ever worked with. “When I read the description of the Unsung Hero award,” said one, “one of the pictures in my head is Darcy Gurganous.”
Adeline Hageman, Human Resources manager, Reno (NV) Gazette-Journal. In her 45-year career, Adeline has preferred to remain behind the scenes, assisting in the success of her supervisors and her peers. Her expert knowledge, institutional memory and attention to detail have aided Reno’s award-winning Human Resource efforts for decades. Her tact and humility are known throughout the organization. Says her nominator: “She asks for nothing and gives everything she’s got.”
Phil Humes, News Operations manager, WXIA/WATL-TV, Atlanta, Ga. Phil is the person in Atlanta that ensures superior news coverage everyday. But he does far more. He is willing to step in and do whatever is needed to get the best possible product on the air. Daily, Phil manages his staff through difficult transitions – from changing the way tape is edited to launching High Definition at the station. Said his nomination: “Versatility in talents, dedication to work ethic and passion to improve our product are traits Phil Humes shows everyday.”
Nigel Waters, maintenance manager, Newsquest Oxford. Nigel is the one to count on when the chips are down, his nominator says. Never complaining and always on call, Nigel is totally dedicated to his job. “Whether Nigel is repairing the roof, clearing the drains, moving office furniture, managing our health and safety or divulging the knowledge of his wealth of experience, Nigel is always happy in his work and always has our staff and Newsquest at heart.”
Alexis Ziobro, home delivery manager, The News Journal, Wilmington, DE. No fewer than 10 staffers at The Journal Register nominated Alexis Ziobro as an Unsung Hero, all describing her as a top professional, a wonderful boss and a terrific person. Among the descriptions: problem solver; compassionate supervisor; a leader by example; honest; loyal; and fair. A 22-year veteran of the Wilmington circulation department, Alexis is the glue that keeps the department together, and the person everyone turns to for help, guidance and respect. Said one: “I’m in awe of her morals, character, work ethic and her person. … I always refer to her as the ‘genuine article’.”
“There were many, many unsung heroes at Gannett in 2006, as we implemented our strategic plan and began the transformation of our company. Everyone has given their all and worked incredibly hard. Today’s honorees truly are the best of the best. This is a group that is loyal, selfless, dedicated and honorable,” Dubow said. “I am proud to work with each and every one.”
The winners were selected from more than 130 nominations this year. Each winner will receive $1,000 and be honored at a reception March 13 at corporate headquarters in McLean, VA.
Judges for the Unsung Heroes awards were Dubow; Gracia Martore, executive vice president and chief financial officer; Sue Clark-Johnson, president, Gannett Newspaper Division; Paul Davidson, chairman and CEO of Newsquest plc; Roger Ogden, president and CEO of Gannett Broadcasting; Craig Moon, president and publisher, USA TODAY; Roxanne Horning, senior vice president of Human Resources; and Wendell Van Lare, senior vice president of Labor Relations.
Gannett Co., Inc. is a leading international news and information company that publishes 90 daily newspapers in the USA, including USA TODAY, the nation’s largest-selling daily newspaper. The company also owns nearly 1,000 non-daily publications in the USA and USA WEEKEND, a weekly newspaper magazine. Gannett subsidiary Newsquest is the United Kingdom’s second largest regional newspaper company. Newsquest publishes nearly 300 titles, including 18 daily newspapers, and a network of prize-winning Web sites. Gannett also operates 23 television stations in the United States and is an Internet leader with sites sponsored by its TV stations and newspapers including USATODAY.com, one of the most popular news sites on the Web.
Media inquiries:
Tara Connell
Vice President of Corporate Communications
(703) 854-6049
tjconnel@gannett.com
Media inquiries:
Tara Connell
Vice President of Corporate Communications
(703) 854-6049
tjconnel@gannett.com