Alliance for Workplace Excellence
Success Stories
About UsAwardsMembershipSuccess StoriesReferenceEventsPersonal WellnessContact UsHome
CEO Testimonials
2006 Workplace Excellence and Health & Wellness Trailblazer Award Winners

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Arlene Pietranton
"Working for an organization, which values and respects each person's talents and contributions and is supportive of people as individuals, is truly a privilege and a pleasure. I'm proud of how our staff cares for one another and are committed to serving our over 118,000 members and am honored by the recognition that the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has received for being a great place to work."
Arlene Pietranton, PhD, Executive Director


Arbitron, Inc.
Stephen B. Morris
"We talk a great deal at Arbitron about only being as good as our people -- in fact, it is one of our core values. A company's culture is forged one employee at a time, so being a great place to work takes the unique contribution of each of us every day. By hiring really smart and talented people with the drive, the creativity, the enthusiasm, and the spirit to bring their best to work each day -- and then coupling that with an environment that supports and encourages them at all levels and in every endeavor, and that asks for (and uses) their feedback and ideas -- you build the kind of company that embodies excellence, and as a result, one that is successful."
Stephen B. Morris, President and Chief Executive Officer


Ascend One Corporation
"Ascend One Corporation and its family of businesses are thrilled to receive the 2004 'Workplace Excellence' Seal of Approval. This recognition is a sign that our organization is making great progress in supporting our team members' life strategies. Our ultimate goal is to create an innovative environment that promotes work/life balance. We are grateful to have a dedicated Human Resources team that strives to develop meaningful programs, which enable our team members to excel on the job, at home with their families and in the community."
Bernaldo Dancel, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman


Aspen Systems Corporation
"As an employee-owned company, Aspen Systems is especially proud to be selected for this honor again this year. This award is a true reflection of Aspen Systems' culture of commitment that is dedicated to serving our clients, our employees, and our community. We know that employees are happiest and more productive when provided with a good balance between their professional and personal lives. Our employees work very hard for our clients and the company, so we work even harder to foster a culture that helps them excel."
Albert Lampert, President and Chief Executive Officer


Booz Allen Hamilton
Ralph W. Shrader
"Our global consulting firm has had major offices in the state of Maryland for more than 50 years. Today, Booz Allen Hamilton covers the state, from the Washington, DC suburbs to Baltimore, from Southern Maryland to the Aberdeen area. We salute the Work~Life Alliance for its support to Maryland's citizens and are proud of your recognition of our firm's commitment to be an employer of choice."
Dr. Ralph W. Shrader, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer


Calvert Group
Barbara J. Krumsiek
"I am deeply honored to receive this award on behalf of all the associates at Calvert. I have maintained that our successes at Calvert rest on a three-legged stool: we must be 1) an employer of choice; 2) a premier socially-responsible fund provider; and 3) a strong mutual fund organization, offering world-class performance on our products. Clearly, we consider the quality and scope of the work/life programs we offer for the well-being of our associates to be among the most critical aspects of our business. Receiving the 2004-2005 "Workplace Excellence" Seal acknowledges Calvert's achievements in the most critical aspect of the three-legged stool: being an employer of choice."
Barbara J. Krumsiek, President and Chief Executive Officer


Carlson Restaurants Worldwide
Richard Snead
"It is truly an honor for Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, parent company of T.G.I. Friday's and Pick Up Stix Restaurants, to accept the prestigious Maryland Work~Life Alliance Award. Our global company, operating in more than 50 countries, values the varied experiences and perspectives of people because we believe they make our company stronger and more successful by bringing new and different thoughts and ideas to us. We encourage our team members to take advantage of the many diverse benefits we have to offer, such as flexible schedules, tax-free childcare assistance, adoption assistance, domestic partner health benefits and tuition reimbursement. At Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, we celebrate differences and strive to create a culturally rich environment."
Richard Snead, President and Chief Executive Officer


CarMax, Inc.
Austin Lignon
"When we created CarMax more than 10 years ago, it started as a small, entrepreneurial company with a small company culture. Some of the most important aspects of this culture included: a close relationship between store associates and corporate management; a philosophy that everyone at CarMax is the same and should have direct access to senior management; and a belief that we must go above and beyond for our associates, because we expect them to go above and beyond to deliver exceptional customer service. Our culture has served us well over the years, enabling CarMax to grow into a Fortune 500 company and a Fortune '100 Best Company to Work For,' with almost 11,000 associates at 60 stores nationwide."
Austin Ligon, President and Chief Executive Officer


Chevy Chase Bank
B. Francis Saul II
"As our region's largest locally owned bank, we take tremendous pride in championing what is really important in a bank -- personal service, community commitment, and the convenience of the region's largest branch network. Our customers can rest assured that all of us in the Chevy Chase Bank family are dedicated to providing progressive products, traditional values, and the expertise to help them manage, borrow, and invest money wisely.

While we remain focused on meeting the needs of our customers, we also strive to ensure that our 4,000+ employees find Chevy Chase Bank a rewarding place to work and grow. We are delighted to be awarded the 2004-2005 'Workplace Excellence' Seal of Approval from the Maryland Work~Life Alliance. When employees feel valued and connected, the company realizes even greater business results."
B. Francis Saul II, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer


Choice Hotels International
Chuck Ledsinger
"Choice Hotels International is honored to be the recipient of Maryland's coveted 2004-2005 'Workplace Excellence' Seal of Approval. We are committed to providing our employees with a positive environment, where they will flourish both professionally and personally. We want our employees to feel valued and appreciated not only for the work that they contribute, but also for their individuality, creativity, and diversity. We encourage our employees to take advantage of all the benefits that are available, including the use of our state-of-the-art exercise facility, tuition reimbursement, educational seminars, on-site cafeteria and community outreach activities."
Chuck Ledsinger, President and Chief Executive Officer


Cisco Systems
"I think the balance of work and personal life is a challenge for us all; however, the most important priority in life should be your family -- it is for me."
John T. Chambers, President and Chief Executive Officer


Civista Health, Inc.
Christine M. Stefanides
"I have spent the last 25 years at Civista, beginning my career as a floor nurse. I am still here, because we are a true community hospital having served generations through our 65-year history. This award recognizes our dedication to making our workplace an extension of the lives of our employees. We provide medical care and education to whole families here, and we have grown along with them."
Christine M. Stefanides, RN, CHE, President and Chief Executive Officer


College of Southern Maryland
"The College of Southern Maryland is honored to be recognized with the 'Workplace Excellence' Seal of Approval from the Maryland Work~Life Alliance for the third consecutive year. This accolade recognizes the consistently progressive leadership of the college's administration and its Human Resources office, the steady support of our dedicated Board of Trustees, and the outstanding service of our faculty and staff. The college strives to be a center of excellence for learning through strong leadership and systematic planning, assessment, and improvement. As an organization that embraces and values continuous improvement, CSM sees this award as an opportunity to profile and measure our organization against Maryland Work~Life Alliance's highest standards, and to seek performance excellence within our workplace."
Dr. Elaine Ryan, President


Columbia MedCom Group
Susan Torroella
"Receiving the Maryland Work~Life Alliance 'Workplace Excellence' Award is a great honor! Columbia MedCom Group is a professional services firm that educates healthcare practitioners on new ways to treat diseases. It is very important that our staff feel they work in an environment that truly cares about each individual employee and welcomes employee input on how we can become a better and more exciting place to work. Individuals will excel professionally and personally if they work in an environment that is conducive to that growth. This is a process of continuous improvement that never ends, and I am honored to be recognized for where we are on this journey."
Susan Torroella, Chief Executive Officer


Cushman & Wakefield of Maryland, Inc.
"Cushman & Wakefield is honored to be recognized by the Maryland Work~Life Alliance as an excellent place to work. We couldn't have won this award without our workplace partnership with Discovery Communications. Our well-aligned objectives to work/life balance have made this achievement possible. We thank you."
Brian McVay, Senior Managing Director


Discovery Communications, Inc.
Judith McHale
"Discovery is creating the highest quality content and services for people around the world, and we are striving to create the highest quality workplace for our employees. At Discovery, we are building not just a company, but also a community."
Judith A. McHale, President and Chief Executive Officer


Edward Jones
Douglas E. Hill
"Edward Jones has never been a company to rest on its laurels. We remain true to the things that, we believe, have caused the firm to be recognized repeatedly for workplace excellence. We continue to challenge ourselves on many fronts in an effort to improve.

We've continued to increase our leaders' opportunities to develop, investing more than $36 million annually in training and development. We've continued to be compulsive communicators and have added several new programs designed to ensure a well-informed workforce, particularly important in a time of growth and challenge. We've continued to share our culture and values by instituting several initiatives to help formalize our informal ways of passing on firm heritage.

As long as we continue to put our clients first, treat others as we would want to be treated if our roles were reversed, keep the spirit of volunteerism alive, and work together to preserve our culture, Edward Jones will always be a great place to work. The 'Workplace Excellence' Seal of Approval is recognition that, no matter the challenges, companies can do what is right for their employees and be rewarded for it."
Douglas E. Hill, Managing Partner


First Advantage Corporation
"At First Advantage, we recognize the value of our human capital -- our employees are the heart of our company and our success. We reward integrity and initiative and, as a rapidly growing company, provide opportunities for good people to excel. It is wonderful to have our efforts as an employer recognized as a recipient of the Maryland Work~Life Alliance Award."
John Long, President and Chief Executive Officer


First Horizon National Corp.
"We're honored to receive this award from the Maryland Work~Life Alliance. Encouraging our employees to identify and embrace their work and personal goals makes good business sense for us at First Horizon. We made the connection long ago between employee loyalty and customer loyalty, and our focus on work/life issues is a reflection of that."
Larry Rice, Regional President


Friends of the Family, Inc.
Margaret E. Williams
"We are delighted to have been awarded the 'Workplace Excellence' Seal of Approval. At Friends of the Family, as both our name and mission imply, we try very hard to talk the talk of a family-friendly workplace. While most of us feel that it's honor enough to work here, it's affirming -- and somewhat humbling -- that the Work~Life Alliance, an organization that promotes best practices and enjoys a reputation for setting and maintaining high standards, has bestowed this award upon us. We hope that our example will inspire other small nonprofits to implement policies and programs that support their staff, and we look forward learning from other 'Workplace Excellence' Seal winners on how we can improve."
Margaret E. Williams, Executive Director


GenVec, Inc.
Paul H. Fischer
"At GenVec, we work in teams and encourage cross-departmental and interdisciplinary working groups, because we believe this the only way to get the job done. Our product programs in cancer, cardiovascular disease, and eye disease -- as well as our collaborative work with federal laboratories to develop vaccines against global health problems such as HIV and malaria -- demand high levels of professionalism, skill, and dedication. They require people who can perform under pressure, who can think through tough questions and find solutions together. This is why it is important for GenVec to promote a culture that focuses on our key objectives. We need the best that our staff can give, their contributions are highly valued, and we understand and appreciate that they are individuals. We have an interdepartmental Culture and Benefits team specifically charged with responsibility for helping to maintain and promote our culture. Whether that means helping people get their cars washed while on the job or creating a way for us to reach out and help less fortunate families in our community. We're proud to receive the Work~Life Alliance award, we're proud of our team, and we're excited to be involved in this effort to bring new therapies to the global community."
Paul H. Fischer, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer


Holy Cross Hospital
Kevin J. Sexton
"Holy Cross Hospital is honored to receive the 2004-2005 'Workplace Excellence' Seal of Approval for the sixth consecutive year. We are proud to be recognized as a leader in implementing programs to help our staff manage the work/life balance. I believe our success hinges on the fact that we have implemented benefits, policies and programs that respond to the essential needs of our workforce as they express them. As the dynamics between work and life present challenges, Holy Cross Hospital is committed to exploring solutions."
Kevin J. Sexton, President and Chief Executive Officer


Howard Community College
"It is very exciting to have Howard Community College (HCC) recognized as 'An Excellent Place to Work' by the Maryland Work~Life Alliance. I have always believed that HCC is a special place that nurtures talent, both among its faculty and staff, as well as its students.

Internal governance at HCC includes several avenues to encourage the investment of employees in the day-to-day and the long-term decision-making of the college. Each employee is a member of a core work unit, which has the responsibility of setting work unit goals and devising tactics for achieving them. Additionally, each employee is a member of one of four employee constituency groups, which elect representatives to work with senior leadership on various issues.

It is these avenues of communication and strategies for empowering employees to set goals and determine how best to reach them that I believe is one of the most powerful tools any organization can use in order to create an 'excellent place to work'. HCC is thrilled to have this recognition of its achievements in this area."
Mary Ellen Duncan, President


Hughes Network Systems
Pradman Kaul
"Hughes Network Systems has been proud to be a Montgomery County employer for more than 30 years. We have a rich heritage of excellence in many aspects of our business, and it is an honor to be recognized with the 'Workplace Excellence' Seal of Approval for our promotion of excellence in our workplace. HNS is committed to maintaining the integrity of this award by continuing to offer employees a great place to work through technology, flexible work arrangements, learning, health and wellness programs, community involvement, diversity, and a positive corporate culture. We are honored to have received the award for being one of the greatest places to work in the state, and we will continue to strive for excellence in our workplace."
Pradman Kaul, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


Human Genome Sciences
H. Thomas Watkins
"Our talented and dedicated employees are passionate about developing new drugs that benefit patients. At HGS, we recognize that the 'whole person' comes to work, and our programs support both professional and personal development. Providing people with the resources to help them navigate both their work and personal lives is key to the success of our company."
H. Thomas Watkins, Chief Executive Officer


IKEA Maryland, LLC
"IKEA has a unique company culture. We have strong values and standards that are special to us. We offer an environment where everyone is part of the team, where there are no barriers between management and co-workers, and we believe in leadership by example. We employ people who care about customers and colleagues -- people who are prepared to work hard and want to do their very best. Everyone is encouraged to use their initiative -- to question and try new ways, and we believe strongly in opportunities for progression.

We applied for this recognition to thank our co-workers for believing in our vision, for doing things the IKEA way, and for making IKEA an exciting and rewarding experience for the communities and customers. Reinforcing our commitment to our co-workers is our practice of paying full-time benefits for our part-time co-workers. This has transferred the mindset of our part-time population from one of 'holding a job' to 'having a career'. That is a really big deal in the retail industry. IKEA will continue to pursue new and different solutions that can enhance our co-workers' lives. I am proud to be a part of this development and will continue to champion these efforts."
Pernille Lopez, President


KPMG
"KPMG is committed to being an Employer of Choice, where individuals can build fulfilling careers in a rewarding environment. We strive to serve our clients with the highest standards of quality and professionalism, and encourage each individual to balance personal goals and professional aspirations. We're proud to accept the 2004-2005 Maryland 'Workplace Excellence' Seal of Approval, in recognition of the continuous efforts by the partners and employees of KPMG's Baltimore office to be a great place to work."
Gene O'Kelly, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


Loiederman Soltesz Association, Inc.
James A. Soletz
"At Loiederman Soltesz Associates, Inc., we wholeheartedly value the hard work, professionalism and dedication that each of our staff members exhibits every day. I am very proud that LSA has again been selected as an "Excellent Place to Work" in Maryland. This award signifies that we are honoring our commitment to our staff and creating an environment for all of our people to be successful. Thank you for this honor."
Mr. James A. Soltesz, PE, President and Chief Executive Officer


Macro International, Inc.
"Macro International is honored to receive the 'Workplace Excellence' Seal of Approval for the fourth time. Our success as a provider of research, social communications, and management consulting services is based directly on the expertise of our people. We invest in our staff both to improve their work lives and to build our long-term success. Our programs and policies provide continuing education, give our people the flexibility to balance their work and personal lives, and acknowledge the accomplishments of our employees through individual and team awards. We promote awareness and appreciation of diversity and offer structured opportunities for leadership development. Our staff, comprised of advocates and experts, values the fact that our work improves the lives of people around the world. We actively support local and global institutions, including homeless shelters, schools for children with and without disabilities, AIDS and cancer research drives and disaster relief efforts, including corporate matching of staff donations to programs for 9/11 and Tsunami programs. With almost 800 employees in Maryland, we look forward to continuing these practices."
Frank J. Quirk, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


Manugistics Group, Inc.
"Manugistics is honored to receive the Maryland 'Workplace Excellence' Seal of Approval for the fifth year in a row. The Manugistics team delivers supply chain solutions for companies all over the world whose supply chains are absolutely critical to their success. We are proud of the recognition, acknowledging that Manugistics offers employees an environment that pursues excellence and inspires innovation critical to our success to stay one step ahead of demand."
Joe Cowan, Chief Executive Officer


Marriott International, Inc.
J.W. Marriott, Jr.
"We are very pleased to be honored with this prestigious award. Taking care of our diverse workforce has always been a significant part of Marriott's culture and values. The company's work/life programs are critical to helping employees manage and prioritize their personal lives and their professional careers."
J.W. Marriott, Jr., Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer


MCT Federal Credit Union
Linda Ramsey
"MCT Federal Credit Union has long been known for providing its membership with excellent service. What is not nearly as well known is MCT's commitment and dedication to our staff. For me personally and for many other employees of MCT, the credit union has also been committed to making our organization a great place to work by providing work/life balance initiatives. Receiving this award is truly an honor for what has been a long-standing practice."
Linda Ramsey, Interim Chief Executive Officer


Mental Health Association of Montgomery County
Sharon Friedman
"The Mental Health Association of Montgomery County's Board of Directors and management strongly believes that in order to maintain organizational excellence we must address the unique needs of our workforce and encourage each employee to develop their personal and professional passions. We achieve this goal through innovative work/life programs, sound management practices, a commitment to diversity and strong community partnerships. It is a great honor to have these efforts recognized by the Maryland Work~Life Alliance with its 'Workplace Excellence' Seal of Approval."
Sharon Friedman, LCSW-C, Executive Director


Mercantile Potomac Bank
Kenneth C. Cook
"Mercantile Potomac Bank is honored to receive the 'Workplace Excellence' Seal of Approval for its second consecutive year. This award recognizes our ongoing commitment to provide our associates with opportunities to balance the demands of the workplace with their personal lives. Mercantile Potomac Bank strives to provide a positive and challenging work environment - one in which our associates can learn, grow and excel. We appreciate the recognition this award provides, and look forward to finding innovative ways to enhance our efforts to make Mercantile Potomac Bank a great place to work for years to come."
Kenneth C. Cook, President and Chief Executive Officer


Montgomery College
Charlene R. Nunley
"In our mission statement at Montgomery College, we declare that 'we are in the business of changing lives,' that 'we are the community's college,' that 'students are the center of the universe,' and that, as colleagues, 'we will tend to our internal spirit.' Thanks to an extraordinary workforce with dedicated faculty, staff and administrators, I'm so proud to say that we succeed in accomplishing this mission each day. The last pillar of this mission statement, relating to our 'internal spirit,' reflects the emphasis we place on providing the kind of work atmosphere in which employees recognize that their input, creativity and talent are sincerely valued, and that we believe strongly in celebrating our collective achievements and supporting our colleagues.

Maintaining a positive, healthy and family-friendly work environment for our employees is an absolute priority for us. To be recognized with the 'Workplace Excellence' Seal of Approval is both gratifying and reaffirming for all of us in the Montgomery College community."
Dr. Charlene R. Nunley, President


Montgomery County, Maryland
Douglas M. Duncan
"Montgomery County has long recognized that its employees often struggle to balance the demands of their job with personal responsibilities. We believe that strong work/life programs can increase employee morale and improve productivity. It is a critical component in enabling the County to attract and retain a well-qualified, diverse workforce. As we continue to work in partnership with our County Council and our unions to implement successful work/life programs, everyone wins - employees, our organization and the residents of Montgomery County.

We are very proud to be selected as an "Excellent Place to Work" in the State of Maryland. I want to thank the Maryland Work~Life Alliance for recognizing Montgomery County with the 2004-2005 'Workplace Excellence' Seal of Approval."
Douglas M. Duncan, County Executive


NASD
Robert R. Glauber
"I am pleased and honored to again accept the Maryland 'Workplace Excellence' Seal of Approval on behalf of all the people of NASD. Our commitment to the professional values that this award recognizes - fair employment, family-oriented personnel policies and corporate citizenship among others - helps ensure that each of our 2,200 employees comes to work every day enthusiastically focused on his or her part in our mission. That mission is to protect investors and uphold the integrity of the capital markets. That is a difficult and challenging mandate in any circumstance. It requires dedication and creativity. Our work/life policies, such as a new award for collaboration and congeniality, are based on the premise that recognition and benefits should accrue from work well done. Our receiving the 'Workplace Excellence' Award for the second consecutive year is a strong indication that we are on the right track. I am very grateful to the Work~Life Alliance for this recognition and to all the people of NASD for making it possible."
Robert R. Glauber, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


National Institutes of Health
"On behalf of the National Institutes of Health, I am very pleased to accept the 'Workplace Excellence' Seal of Approval from the Maryland Work~Life Alliance. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working for outstanding organizations that have all shared one common philosophy. They understand that their greatest resource is their people. High quality people produce high quality results.

As director of the NIH, I wholeheartedly support creating a workplace environment that allows our employees to succeed at work, at home, and in the community. NIH has numerous programs and policies in place to assist employees in their professional and personal lives. We do this because we realize that excellence in achieving the goals of any organization is directly related not only to the quality of its employees, but also to the quality of their lives. Simply put, good quality of life fosters good science and administration.

Experts predict that the workforce of the future will become increasingly diverse, reflecting the U.S. population at large. At NIH, we are committed to acknowledging individual differences and to recognizing that diversity plays an important role in the work environment. Improving quality of life at NIH involves working together with all employees to create new opportunities that will result in a more supportive and positive environment. We remain committed to helping our employees deal effectively with change and thrive at work and at home. Thank you for recognizing our efforts and for this very special award."
Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D., Director


Randstad North America
Jim Reese
"We at Randstad are delighted and honored to receive the 'Workplace Excellence' Seal of Approval for the third consecutive year. Creating an excellent work 'match' for our talent and our clients is the very nature of our business. As a Work~Life Alliance Partner, we are committed to fostering an environment, where the best people want to work and are equipped to succeed. My sincerest thanks go to the entire Randstad team for their passion and consistent dedication to putting people to work. I am proud to work with such a remarkable group of leaders."
Jim Reese, Chief Executive Officer


SAIC- Frederick, Inc.
Larry O. Arthur
"SAIC-Frederick, Inc. is honored to receive the 'Workplace Excellence' Seal of Approval from the Maryland Work~Life Alliance. Recognition for three years in a row demonstrates our continued focus and commitment to our employees and their need to balance work and personal life. We recognize that our employees' dedication to excellence in all aspects of cancer and AIDS research is the foundation of our success. We believe people are our greatest resource and that philosophy has enabled us to become one of the world's largest and most innovative employee-owned companies. We offer a wide variety of programs that are geared towards a family orientation and assisting employees in maintaining a positive balance between their work and personal/family lives. Our dedication to supporting our employees is demonstrated through family-oriented policies and programs, flexible work arrangements, and generous time off options, and by offering training and professional development programs. We strive to continue our focus on becoming an Employer of Choice."
Dr. Larry O. Arthur, President


Sandy Spring Bank
Hunter R. Hollar
"A company is only as good as the employees it has. Our employees have created this atmosphere of excellence, and I am proud that our efforts have led to this honor."
Hunter R. Hollar, President and Chief Executive Officer


Shady Grove Adventist Hospital
Deborah A. Yancer
"Shady Grove Adventist Hospital is proud to receive its third consecutive 'Workplace Excellence' Seal of Approval. This honor pays tribute to our employees, physicians, and volunteers for the important work that they do to serve the healthcare needs of our community.

At Shady Grove, we strive to help our employees achieve work/life balance because we realize that creating an excellent place to work will provide a better place for our patients to receive quality care. In 2004, we implemented a 'Meals to Go' program, which provides take-out meals for our employees. Working parents can now provide a hot, fresh meal for their families without spending hours in the kitchen following a long day at work.

We thank the Maryland Work~Life Alliance for celebrating the dedication, talent, and compassion of Shady Grove's 1,800 employees, volunteers, and physicians."
Deborah A. Yancer, President


Social & Scientific Systems, Inc.
Mary Frances leMat
"Social & Scientific Systems is honored to be recognized by the Maryland Work~Life Alliance for 'Workplace Excellence' in 2004-2005. SSS places the highest priority on hiring and retaining talented employee-owners to conduct our business, so providing a workplace where staff can balance their home lives and their work is extremely important. This award challenges us to ensure that we maintain and enhance our programs each year as our company grows."
Mary Frances leMat , President and Chief Executive Officer


Sybase, Inc.
John S. Chen
"We are delighted that Maryland Work~Life Alliance has once again selected Sybase for the 'Workplace Excellence' Award. Our employees are the foundation of our success, and this is a wonderful acknowledgement of our commitment to them. We are proud to be recognized for providing a respectful and positive work environment that allows our employees to have work/life balance."
John S. Chen, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer & President


The Foulger-Pratt Companies
"Building and maintaining strong, long-lasting relationships with members of our community, through the dedicated efforts and accomplishments of our staff, has been the cornerstone of our long-term business philosophy, and certainly the secret to our continued success. We take pride in how we treat our employees ... and fostering long-lasting relationships with them. Our company motto is, 'We build to last,' and that applies to our relationships with our staff as well."
Sid Foulger, Principal, Clayton Foulger, Principal, Bryant Foulger, Principal, Brent Pratt, Principal


The Gazette
Chuck Lyons
"It is a tough thing to do -- energize a workforce. But if we regard the work and the life of people who bring creativity and commitment to our mission, we have our best chance at succeeding together. This award is a way of saying that we get it -- that people working throughout our organization are important, and we will do our best to live by a standard that recognizes Workplace Excellence."
Chuck Lyons, CEO of Post-Newsweek Media, A Division Of The Washington Post Company


The Humane Society of the United States
"We are honored that our organization has again been selected as an 'Excellent Place to Work' in the State of Maryland. At The HSUS, we recognize that if employees are to maximize their contributions at work, they must be allowed to provide care for their families and their own personal needs. Each one of our employees has different concerns, and those concerns may change over time. The goal of our work/life program is to make The HSUS an outstanding place to work by continuing to develop an inclusive and supportive environment, which will enable our employees to continue their important work of creating a humane society and making a measurable difference in the lives of animals. In accepting the 2004-2005 Maryland 'Workplace Excellence' Seal of Approval, I would like to acknowledge the importance and value of our dedicated staff and our continuing commitment to workplace excellence."
Wayne Pacelle, President & Chief Executive Officer


The MITRE Corporation
Martin C. Faga
"As an operator of research and development centers for U.S. government agencies, The MITRE Corporation relies upon the quality and commitment of its employees. We strive to cultivate a highly engaged workforce and a world-class work environment to attract and retain the best and the brightest. Receiving the Maryland 'Workplace Excellence' Seal of Approval for two consecutive years is an important sign that we are heading in the right direction."
Martin C. Faga, President and Chief Executive Officer


UCG
Nancy Becker
"UCG strives to put out quality products, make money, and have fun -- specifically professional fun. Our focus is on creating value for our clients with our content products and services, and on providing opportunities for our employees to grow. We've done this very successfully for over 27 years. Every year, we get industry recognition for the quality of our editorial. Even more gratifying, however, is getting community recognition for the quality of our workplace. It is a great honor to receive the 'Workplace Excellence' Seal of Approval and to know that, by community standards, we are providing employees a top-quality place to work."
Nancy Becker, Partner of UCG


Verizon Wireless
"Verizon Wireless is very proud to be the recipient of the 'Workplace Excellence' Seal of Approval for the State of Maryland. Our goal is simple: we strive to provide our employees with the best work/life benefits in the industry, because it is the right thing to do. Cutting-edge programs and benefits, which help employees manage their work and personal lives, is a winning combination for both our employees and our Verizon Wireless customers."
Martha Delehanty, VP Human Resources


Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission
Andrew Brunhart
"WSSC is an excellent place to work. We are a team-focused organization with a proven track record of quality and exceptional customer care. We take great pride in that fact that about half of our 1,500 employees have more than 15 years of service with WSSC. We value our employees, and their length of service indicates that our employees value WSSC and enjoy doing important work. We develop our employees by providing them with opportunities to grow and advance in a supportive, professional, team-based working environment.

We care about our customers. We care about the quality of our water and wastewater. We are very proud of the fact that we've never had a drinking water quality violation. We also care about the environment, and work to protect our watersheds and drinking water supplies.

We are honored to receive this award as a testament to our entire team!"
Andrew Brunhart, General Manager