The Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority is proud to celebrate ten colleagues recognized through Goodwill Akron’s 2026 Employee of Distinction program. At its 25th annual luncheon on September 9, Goodwill honored 80 people from organizations across the region for their dedication, quality of work and extraordinary efforts. Six AMHA employees were recognized together as our Emergency Stand-By Team, alongside four individual honorees. We are grateful for the care and commitment each brings to AMHA.

• Our Emergency Stand-By Team- Michael T. Csonka, David Krzeminski, Russ Land, Richard Linville, Jeremy Steele, James Henry, Scott Enlow, Steve Wurtz, Leland Neadle, Paul Hulgin, Louie Dinger, Eugene McPeak, Zachary King, Travis Somerville, Matthew Bailey  and Kevin Stone- received special recognition as one of the program’s top award winners. Nominated by Jennifer Kollar, Director of Operations, and Laura Williams, Construction Director, the team was praised for its consistent performance, strong work ethic and loyalty to AMHA. Their nomination described a team dedicated to “supporting the agency’s mission every day.” (Goodwill Akron)

Goodwill also recognized four AMHA colleagues whose work makes a difference across our agency:

• Chelsea Hall, Residential Services Secretary, was nominated by Anna Ball, who served as AMHA’s Director of Resident Services at the time of the nomination. Anna called Chelsea “the glue” of the 40-person Resident Services team, recognizing the way she keeps communication with colleagues and residents moving and helps daily operations run smoothly.
• Hannah Horrigan, Educational Initiatives Supervisor, was nominated by Jill Spillman, Resident Services Manager of Special Programs. Jill highlighted Hannah’s communication, collaborative leadership and commitment to residents, which strengthen partnerships and support her team’s success.
• Nichole Mullens, Management Aid, was nominated by Jennifer Kollar, Director of Operations. Jennifer described Nichole as “a master at her job” and a trusted person colleagues turn to for training and help, whether they are new to AMHA or experienced staff.
• Terrance Riley, Maintenance, was also nominated by Jennifer Kollar. His nomination recognized his teamwork, dependability and consistency, as well as his commitment to newly hired staff and the residents AMHA serves. It is that commitment, Jennifer wrote, that helps him “stand out among his peers.”

The luncheon also featured a keynote address from University of Akron President Robert J. Nemer. Goodwill presented its 2026 Making a Difference Award to Guy’s Party Center in recognition of its longstanding support of the organization and the event. (Goodwill Akron)

Congratulations to all ten AMHA honorees. Thank you for the skill, reliability and compassion you bring to your work. Your colleagues see it, and so do the residents and families who count on AMHA every day.

The individual nomination details and quoted excerpts above are from Goodwill Akron’s 2026 Employee of Distinction program book.