The Resource Center presents annual employee awards

Don Traynor, Jacob Schweinsberg and William Dorman were honored with The Resource Center’s top staff awards for 2025.

Don, who has worked for TRC since 1993, received the Joseph Trusso Jr. Employee of the Year Award. He was chosen for the award based on his efforts in supporting employees at The Resource Center and similar organizations in achieving certification through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals.

When The Resource Center and the other organizations that comprise The Collaborative of New York received a grant to support their employees in attaining NADSP certification, Don willingly took on a leadership role. As a local administrator for the grant, he supported two other agencies while also assisting two other local administrators as they supported the rest of the organizations. Don has provided in-person and virtual training, phone call support and technical help. He took on these additional responsibilities while supporting TRC staff as they seek NADSP certification and performing his regular duties as the staff learning and development training coordinator.

Through Don’s efforts, more than 100 people have achieved NADSP certification. “Don’s commitment to the development of direct support professional and frontline supervisory staff who are rooted in ethics, skills and competencies directly enhances services and supports to people,” said Michele Albaugh, Director of Staff Learning and Development. “He lives the mission and is making a difference at TRC as well as with the organizations in The Collaborative of New York.”

Don is committed to assisting direct support staff to acquire the skills and knowledge they need to provide high-quality supports to people with disabilities. Evelyn Wright-Kegelmyer, Administrative Support Coordinator in TRC’s Human Resources Department, said Don’s dedication stems from his long career, which has included 10 years providing direct supports to people with disabilities and more than two decades supporting staff to perform at their best.

“If you were to roll out Don’s 33-year journey with TRC into a neat, statistical timeline that noted the impact he has made with his co-workers and people supported, it would be apparent that from the beginning Don has worked to enhance the independence and integration of individuals with disabilities,” she said.

The award is named in memory of the late Joe Trusso, who served on The Resource Center’s Board of Directors for 38 years and was a strong advocate for TRC employees and people with disabilities.

Don Traynor holds his Employee of the Year Award while posing with, from left, Resa Rosen-Murray, who has worked at The Resource Center for 45 years; Donna Trusso, who retired last year after a 39-year TRC career; Michele Albaugh, TRC’s Director of Staff Learning and Development; and Denise Jones, Chief Executive Officer. Resa and Donna are relatives of the award’s namesake, Joe Trusso.

Jacon received the Norma J. Smith Award for excellence in providing direct supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He joined The Resource Center in 2023, and in his role as a Community Coach he supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their efforts to achieve their employment goals. Supervisors praised Jacob for his knack for bringing fun to TRC’s Community Pre-Vocational Services Program, such as designing hands-on games that have a vocation theme. He also came up with the idea to of presenting a monthly award to recognize someone for the progress they’ve made in their employment journey.

“What truly sets Jacob apart is his ability to personalize and tailor services to meet the unique needs and interests of each person,” said Terri Johnson, Director of Employment and Community-Based Services. “Jacob empowers people to take the lead in their employment path, building confidence and self-esteem along the way.”

The award was created in memory of the late Norma Smith, who worked as a direct support professional at The Resource Center from 1983 to 1991. The honor recognizes excellence exhibited by an employee in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Jacob Schweinsberg holds his Norma J. Smith Award while posing with, from left, Melissa Rasmussen, a longtime TRC employee who is Norma Smith’s daughter; Terri Johnson, Director of Employment and Community-Based Services; and Kelly Dimitri, Chief Operating Officer.

Bill, who has worked at The Resource Center since 1997, received the Allied Industries Employee of the Year Award. He was honored for the way he performs his job as a production worker at TRC’s Jamestown manufacturing facility. Bill is skilled at multiple manufacturing positions, and with his many years of knowledge and experience he willingly shares his wisdom and trains others.

When faced with a challenge, Bill “rolls up his sleeves and does what is required with a true can-do, get-‘er-done attitude,” noted Tim Lyon, Materials Manager, who nominated Bill for the award. “He is a great example for all of his co-workers and a positive influence wherever he works. Allied Industries is more successful because of Bill’s hard work and dedication.”

Two co-workers also nominated Bill, saying that he shows up for work, on time, every day, and that he is a hard worker who assists others.

Bill Dorman holds his Allied Industries Employee of the Year Award while posing with, from left, Nick Bell, Director of Allied Production Operations; Dan Micek, Production Superintendent; Ashley Winship, Director of Business Operations; and Kelly Dimitri, Chief Operating Officer.

Bill, Don and Jacob received their awards during The Resource Center’s 41^st Employee Service Recognition Luncheon, which was held at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron.