Jim Gordon is Our Employee of the Year

"He Would Have Been William Booth's Friend"

CONNECTICUT & RHODE ISLAND – At The Salvation Army's 2015 Employee Appreciation Luncheon, Jim Gordon, Director of Public Relations & Marketing, was announced as Southern New England's Employee of the Year. If you have been involved with The Salvation Army during the past decade, especially during its Holiday Store, you are most likely in agreement that Jim is deserving of such recognition and more. In fact, when many say it was great working with The Salvation Army, behind such a sentiment is that it has been such a pleasure interacting with Jim.

While the Employee of the Year is nominated by employees at The Salvation Army’s Southern New England Divisional Headquarters, you do not need to be an employee to know of Jim’s professionalism, politeness, enthusiasm, and more. With his upcoming retirement, there will be much more than just a job position to fill. Below is a selection of quotes from those who have worked closely with him during his time here:

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"It's amazing the imprint one person can make on an organization in just 10 years! Jim has become the face of the Army to many - board members, donors, media partners, politicians - you name them, Jim has spoken to them on behalf of The Salvation Army! He's intelligent; he's tireless; he's strategic; he's creative; and he will be difficult to replace. Jim is not only my colleague, but he is also my friend. I am grateful for his service to the Army and so very happy for him and his wife, Jayne, as they soon enter into retirement." – Lisa Cretella, Director of Development

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"Jim is a true professional, who is dedicated to excellence and to his craft. He has taken the Holiday Store to unprecedented heights and has, in turn, helped Greater Hartford serve those most in need during the holidays.

Jim is a constant at Salvation Army events. Whether the event begins at 4:00 a.m. or ends at midnight, you can be sure he will be there working the room and greeting new and old friends of the Army. He makes our supporters feel welcome and important. I never once heard him complain about the long hours he puts in or the rigors of hauling kettles and displays to and from!

Busy as he is, Jim is always available to say good morning, check in on how things are going, and assist with anything he can. He is a true team player.” – Dawn Fleming, Donor Relations Director

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“Jim is one-of-a-kind. The passion he puts into every undertaking, no matter how large or small, is inspirational. He has been much more than just a supervisor to me. He has been a life coach, expounding so many life lessons that it is difficult to say just how much of an everlasting impact he has had on my life personally and professionally.

I know I am not alone in saying that even once Jim retires from the Army, his presence will still be felt in how he has touched so many lives within and outside the organization. Whether those individuals remember how valued The Salvation Army through Jim made them feel or are now better people as a result of learning from his genuine character, they cannot help but agree that Jim always ‘Did the Most Good!’ Many blessings in your retirement Jim, and sincerely thank you for everything." – Adam P. Zinkievich, Director of Annual Giving

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"Oh, how I love Jim! He is a man of integrity who always strives to do better for the cause of our mission. He will be deeply missed and his shoes will be difficult to fill...

Jim was definitely my best senior camp supporter; He cared about me, my program, and my seniors... Jim has mastered the art of networking and is truly adored and respected by the community!

Above all else, Jim is my trusted friend and I am grateful to have had him in my life these past 6 years. It will be hard to say goodbye to him.

Jim and Jayne - May God continue to shine His face upon you as you turn the corner and journey on a new path of joy and surprises! The best is yet to come...” - Captain Colette Masom, Older Adult Ministry Secretary, Retired Officer's Secretary, and Women's Auxiliary Secretary

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"Jim Gordon is a man who is dedicated to his job and wants to see others do well. He is a man who cares for those who are in need... With how he relates to people of all walks of life, he would have been William Booth's friend, because they both share the same core values of looking after our neighbors, honesty, integrity, and hard-work.

Not only does he just do his job, but he cares for the Officers on the field and listens to the Officers' concerns... He is a great… liaison with the Field and Headquarters Officers.

When I came to Southern New England, I only knew a few people here, but he quickly welcomed me into the Division and has become one of my best friends. I am proud to call Jim my coworker and friend. He is a great mentor and has taught and modeled to me some things about having a good work ethnics and how it really pays off. Jim Gordon is a man who does his work, but also enjoys life, joking around, and having fun.

He is a family man who loves and cares for his loving wife, children and grandchildren. He speaks often of how he enjoys spending time with them all.” – Captain Jerry A. Uttley II, Norwich Corps Officer

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There is still time to congratulate Jim and wish him well until the end of July, 2015. Please feel free to send him and Email (James.Gordon@use.salvationarmy.org) or give him a call (860-702-0033).