PRINT THIS STORY:

CHANGE TEXT SIZE:

HERE TO HELP

New class of ICSC Ambassadors named

By Carole Paul

In every organization there are certain individuals seen as best representing its values. ICSC is no different and has selected eight staffers for its Ambassadors class of 2006.

ICSC launched the Ambassadors Program last year to honor those employees displaying enthusiasm, drive, creativity and a cooperative spirit — qualities that the organization sees as representing its core values. These high performers and achievers are given a distinctive pin to wear. Being designated an ambassador is “the staff equivalent of an ICSC member receiving the trustees’ Distinguished Service Award,” said Marvin Morrison, senior staff vice president of programs and services.

The 2006 Ambassadors are Oscar Ahrens (Data Processing), Kathleen Berry (Marketing-Publishing Services), Tony del Mar (Accounting), Jean Lambert (Research), Laura McCartney (Programs and Services), Katie Pasquaretta (Member Services), Stacey Szluka (Communications and Media) and Judy Wander (Programs and Services).

“These are the role models we want to showcase to other individuals,” Morrison said.

Three members of the Ambassadors class of 2005, Madison Gross (Education), Stephanie Spooner (Government Relations) and Sally Stephenson (Value Retail News), have been named senior ambassadors to mentor and advise the new class. As senior manager of education, with nine years at ICSC, Gross knows a thing or two about mentoring. “When I’m not at ICSC, every Saturday I teach a class on the fundamentals of marketing,” he said. Spooner, who is ICSC’s communications manager for government relations, has been with the organization since August 2001. She says that her service as an ambassador has given her a lot of knowledge “about the variety of resources ICSC provides — from research to networking, from education to legislative lobbying and everything in between.” Stephenson says her sales role at Value Retail News, a nearly 15-year run so far, has ideally positioned her to help these new ambassadors. “I’m very customer-service-oriented,” she said.

The Ambassadors class of 2006 represents a wide range of disciplines within ICSC, but when asked why they think they were selected, many mention their commitment or a desire to learn and help.

And who knows more about helping than Ahrens, who as an information technology technician has been working the help desk since joining ICSC in October 2004? “I meet everybody,” Ahrens said. “Anytime there’s a computer problem, people call me and I fix it.”

Berry arrived in the print production department in January 2005. Less than a year later, the print production manager left ICSC after 15 years, necessitating a lot of fast changes within the department. “I think I’ve taken on more responsibility,” said Berry, who is senior print production coordinator.

Del Mar is ICSC’s assistant comptroller, and his career with the association dates back to October 1973. Asked to tell why he was selected, he offers, “I know I’m not good-looking — probably experience and dedication.” (A lively sense of humor may be another reason.)

Lambert, manager of global research, has been with ICSC for seven years. He works on numerous projects with other departments and also with other organizations. “ICSC obviously appreciates what I’ve done for other people,” Lambert said.

McCartney started at ICSC in September 2003. As a meetings associate, she says she develops “one-on-one relationships” with the organization’s volunteer committees. “I see [this] as a plus as an ambassador,” McCartney said.

Pasquaretta, a member services representative who joined ICSC in December 2004 and assists with conference registration, says she believes she was chosen because of her “dedication.”

Szluka has been a public relations coordinator in media relations since July 2003. She cites her strong work ethic and rapport with others. “I have good relationships with people internally and externally,” she said, “with members and the media.”

Wander, the association’s director of conventions and conferences, joined ICSC in November 1996. And why was she chosen? “Because I have a great work ethic, and I’m a professional,” she said. “ICSC is a great place to work!”

She may have it right: The ambassadors will receive a financial reward as well as additional time off and the opportunity to attend the meeting of their choice anywhere in the world. They are also invited to the ICSC Educational Foundation Dinner in Las Vegas with special guest host Jay Leno. n