11/24/2025
🥁🥁 DRUM ROLL PLEASE! 🥁🥁
We're excited to announce that Ed Kiefer is our Employee of the Month! Ed is our Director of Learning & Development, leading training initiatives for team members and over 15,000 direct service professionals each year with Easterseals MORC's Educational Center.
Below is a snippet of his nomination:
“I am honored to nominate Ed Kiefer for Employee of the Month for his exceptional leadership, dedication, and impact across our organization. He recently led his team in planning and executing the first-ever Direct Care Worker Conference, an event designed to develop, recognize, and uplift a group of employees who are often overworked and under-supported. What is truly remarkable is that he and his team accomplished this in just three months, a process that normally takes a year, without compromising on quality of work. The conference was engaging, well-organized, and meaningful, leaving a lasting positive impact on attendees.
Throughout this process, he consistently demonstrated dedication, a positive attitude, and outstanding customer service, ensuring every participant and team member felt supported, heard, and valued. Ed goes above and beyond, always thinking creatively about how to help others succeed. He is an exemplary team player, collaborating with colleagues at every level, from frontline staff to senior leadership, and is always accessible to offer guidance and support.
Ed is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all voices are represented and that every individual feels recognized and empowered. His leadership is marked by kindness, focus, and a genuine desire to elevate others, creating an environment where people feel valued and inspired.
His commitment to the success of the conference was evident through his proactive involvement and willingness to take on additional responsibilities. He exemplified extraordinary customer service by ensuring all attendees had a positive experience, even in unexpected situations. For example, one attendee who had driven a long distance and was scheduled to stay overnight was initially told they could not check in due to not having a credit card on file. He personally intervened to resolve the issue, removing stress and ensuring the attendee felt welcomed and valued.
He fostered a collaborative environment by encouraging input from all team members and supporting their efforts. He consistently worked side by side with colleagues, ensuring the conference was a team achievement and that every contribution was recognized.
His optimism and solution-focused approach were contagious, motivating the team to stay engaged and overcome challenges. Even during stressful moments, he maintained a calm and encouraging demeanor, which created a supportive atmosphere for everyone involved.
He ensured that the conference reflected inclusive practices, considering diverse perspectives and needs so that all participants felt valued, represented, and included. His leadership prioritized equity and fostered an environment where everyone could fully participate and benefit," -- Kim Moore, Director of Human Resources
With over 22 years of dedicated service to Easterseals MORC, we extend our heartfelt thanks to you, Ed! 🧡💙
