Julia Gleason Senior External Client Relationship Manager, Highmark Health Solutions, Inc., Pittsburgh

Almost two decades ago, Julia Gleason first became involved in the Junior League of Pittsburgh, an organization focused on women bettering the community. She served as president and on the Association of Junior Leagues International's Governance Committee and is currently responsible for helping the organization grow.

In recognition of her more than 4,000 service hours for the Junior League organization, she received the President's Call to Service Award twice as well as the President's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Julia also has been a longtime supporter of St. Lucy's Auxiliary to the Blind, chairing several committees and serving as president and on its board. This year, she helped to raise $200,000 for Blind and Vision Services of Pittsburgh as co-chair of the 50th Anniversary Medallion Ball. Leading by example, she encourages young women in high school to take up a lifetime of volunteer service.

In addition, Julia has served on the boards of the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, the ARCS Foundation, and the Pittsburgh Symphony Association. She has volunteered for many other community groups, including Highmark for Junior Achievement, Race for the Cure, Carnegie Museum, Boy Scouts, her church and her son's elementary school and sports teams.

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JEFFERSON AWARD RECIPIENTSDenise Caldwell, 2014 Jefferson Award winner (center), with David Holmberg, Highmark Inc. president of diversified business (left), and Ray Carson, Highmark Health executive vice president and chief human resources officer (right).

Denise CaldwellBusiness Analyst, Claims and Client Centralized Solutions, Highmark Inc., Pittsburgh

Denise Caldwell gives nearly 20 hours of service per month to her community, including assisting at two food banks and preparing meals for 100 people at her own expense at a weather emergency shelter.

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During the summer, Denise transports eight young women weekly to two community organizations that teach them how to explore life options and not to be defined by their current life situation. She acts as a mentor to these young women as well as some boys.

She also has organized and raised funds for children to go to a local indoor water park. This year, she took 55 children with her.

Denise has participated in a citywide trash cleanup for seven years and has recruited young people to assist in the effort as well.

She also is a volunteer for the Salvation Army, where she organizes a week at camp for underprivileged children.

 

 

JEFFERSON AWARD RECIPIENTSDaniel Carlton, 2014 Jefferson Award winner (center), with David Holmberg, Highmark Inc. president of diversified business (left), and Ray Carson, Highmark Health executive vice president and chief human resources officer (right).

Daniel CarltonHM Insurance Group, Inc., New York City

Daniel Carlton serves on the board of trustees of the Westchester-Hudson Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, where he was just recognized with two major awards. As part of the corporate giving team and as liaison with the LLS national chapter, Dan has secured funding for an HM Insurance Group LLS research fellow. He also serves on the

Executive Committee for the society's Light the Night Walk and formed and advised the LLS Youth Chapter Board.

In addition, Dan volunteers for the National Kidney Foundation as liaison between the HM Insurance Group and the foundation's national chapter. As the New York City Chapter golf committee member, he coordinates HMIG's national sponsorship of foundation golf events, which have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Dan also raises money for Each One Counts, a hospice program for children, and established a family trust to further his charitable giving and to teach his children about giving back.

Along with his neighbors, Dan helped homeowners clean up after Hurricane Sandy, and he arranged for HVHC to donate safety glasses and United Concordia to give toothbrushes and dental floss to Sandy relief efforts.

Dan has helped direct $1 million dollars to worthwhile causes around the country.

JEFFERSON AWARD RECIPIENTSJulia Gleason, 2014 Jefferson Award winner (center), with David Holmberg, Highmark Inc. president of diversified business (left), and Ray Carson, Highmark Health executive vice president and chief human resources officer (right).

Julia Gleason Senior External Client Relationship Manager, Highmark Health Solutions, Inc., Pittsburgh

Almost two decades ago, Julia Gleason first became involved in the Junior League of Pittsburgh, an organization focused on women bettering the community. She served as

president and on the Association of Junior Leagues International's Governance Committee and is currently responsible for helping the organization grow.

In recognition of her more than 4,000 service hours for the Junior League organization, she received the President's Call to Service Award twice as well as the President's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Julia also has been a longtime supporter of St. Lucy's Auxiliary to the Blind, chairing several committees and serving as president and on its board. This year, she helped to raise $200,000 for Blind and Vision Services of Pittsburgh as co-chair of the 50th Anniversary Medallion Ball. Leading by example, she encourages young women in high school to take up a lifetime of volunteer service.

In addition, Julia has served on the boards of the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, the ARCS Foundation, and the Pittsburgh Symphony Association. She has volunteered for many other community groups, including Highmark for Junior Achievement, Race for the Cure, Carnegie Museum, Boy Scouts, her church and her son's elementary school and sports teams.

JEFFERSON AWARD RECIPIENTSJamie Jackson, 2014 Jefferson Award winner (center), with David Holmberg, Highmark Inc. president of diversified business (left), and Ray Carson, Highmark Health executive vice president and chief human resources officer (right).

Jamie Jackson External Audit Support Analyst, Financial Investment and Provider Review, Highmark Health, Pittsburgh

Jamie Jackson was coaching soccer four years ago when a boy on her team was diagnosed with a terminal illness. To give Christian's loved ones a chance to spend quality time with him, Jamie created an event called Christianpalooza. After he passed away, Jamie continued the event to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Christianpalooza has grown into a huge community party involving schools, churches, businesses, athletic associations, community leaders, and residents—raising more than $20,000 for Make-A-Wish and granting wishes for five children. It is one of the largest fundraisers to support Make-A-Wish of Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

In addition to coordinating Christianpalooza, Jamie was a coach last year for the Highmark Running 101 program, training employees to participate in their first 5k race, and has coached for the Brookline Youth Soccer Association for seven years.

Jamie is also involved with events at school and church, taking kids on outings to the park, and helping neighbors in need by cooking and babysitting.

 

JEFFERSON AWARD RECIPIENTSDeirdre Kane, 2014 Jefferson Award winner (center), with David Holmberg, Highmark Inc. president of diversified business (left), and Ray Carson, Highmark Health executive vice president and chief human resources officer (right).

Deirdre Kane Senior Marketing Production Analyst, Highmark Inc., Pittsburgh

Deirdre Kane has spent eight hours a week through the growing season, for the last six years, tending to the Lawrenceville Organic Community Garden. By working with youth to teach the benefits of fresh, local food and coordinating social media and various events, Deirdre spreads her message throughout the Lawrenceville community.

Last year, she was recognized by then Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl with a Citizen Service Award for her dedication to making Lawrenceville healthier with the organic community gardens.

For seven years, as a member of Lawrenceville United, Deirdre has strived to make the city greener by addressing issues like rain water runoff, urban tree damage and community cleanup. As board secretary and Green Committee chair, she helped coordinate fundraising events, holiday parties and tree plantings. She is now planning to create a Teen Program, coordinating a community health study and working with Grow Pittsburgh to bring an Edible School Yard to a struggling school in Wilkinsburg.

 

 

JEFFERSON AWARD RECIPIENTSBarbara LaFace, 2014 Jefferson Award winner (center), with David Holmberg, Highmark Inc. president of diversified business (left), and Ray Carson, Highmark Health executive vice president and chief human resources officer (right).

Barbara LaFace Associate Care Management Representative, Highmark Inc., Pittsburgh<

Barbara LaFace has dedicated more than 3,000 hours during the last 13 years to improving the economic vitality of West Newton, Pa. From planning neighborhood festivals and events to neighborhood cleanups, Barbara has helped to beautify and revitalize business in West Newton as part of her involvement with the Downtown West Newton Community Development Corporation and Mon Valley's Initiative Board of Delegates.

Barbara believes that a strong downtown ensures a strong community by helping businesses to thrive, maintain property values and improve quality of life. Last year, she established a farmers' market, featuring local organic produce.

She is also on a community promotion committee to raise funds to support the Simeral Square project, a new riverfront park under development that will provide a venue for activities and events such as concerts and exhibits.

Barbara's goals for this year are to enhance Simeral Square further with a kiosk, a flag pole and trees.

 

 

JEFFERSON AWARD RECIPIENTSJanie Lopez, 2014 Jefferson Award overall winner (center), with David Holmberg, Highmark Inc. president of diversified business (left), and Ray Carson, Highmark Health executive vice president and chief human resources officer (right).

Janie Lopez HR Manager of Recruitment, HVHC, Inc., San Antonio

As overall winner of Highmark's Jefferson Award, Janie will receive a $2,500 contribution to donate to the organization of her choice and will represent Highmark at the National Jefferson Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. in June.

Janie Lopez has enhanced the lives of youth, business professionals, senior citizens and more.

As founder, president, and CEO of Youth Engaging in Leadership and Learning (YELL), Janie has changed the lives of youth since the program's start in March 2009. Through YELL, she is now working on the Sixth Annual San Antonio Youth Summit, where adolescents and teens will learn what it takes to be successful.

Students who attend the summit learn about what they need to be workforce ready upon graduation and discuss issues that daily affect them and their future success. The students attend a Future Fair, highlighting companies, colleges, camps and various organizations that serve youth. Last year, more than 800 people attended the annual youth summit, and this year Janie is targeting 3,000 attendees!

She is also a partner in Reach Out Actively Recruit (ROAR), an organization providing human resource assistance to individuals who are looking for new career opportunities. The organization focuses on networking, building relationships and industry updates at its meetings. She voluntarily provides assistance with résumé writing, networking and interviewing.

In addition to all this, Janie also finds time for Meals on Wheels — delivering meals during her lunch hour — and Cub Scouts, as a den leader for her son's troop.

JEFFERSON AWARD RECIPIENTSKimberly Mitchell-Glenn, 2014 Jefferson Award winner (center), with David Holmberg, Highmark Inc. president of diversified business (left), and Ray Carson, Highmark Health executive vice president and chief human resources officer (right).

Kimberly Mitchell-Glenn Customer Service Representative, Highmark Inc., Erie

Kimberly Mitchell-Glenn is a proud supporter of the Cambridge Area Volunteer Fire Department and Volunteer Ambulance Service. Kimberly has managed and volunteered for several of the organizations' fundraising events. In October, she helps to create the scenery for the ambulance company's haunted house and even joins in frightening the visitors as well.

Kimberly is also involved with the Danielle Mitchell Memorial Poker Run, an annual fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia. As a charter member and officer of the organization, she is involved in every aspect of the poker run, including countless hours spent planning and requesting donations. As a result, she has helped fund nine children's wishes.

Kimberly serves on the board of the Mitchell Cemetery Association and is currently treasurer.

In addition, she has been a volunteer mentor to parents of children with leukemia and was a team captain for several years for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Light the Night Walk fundraiser.

 

JEFFERSON AWARD RECIPIENTSMichael Novitski, 2014 Jefferson Award winner (center), with David Holmberg, Highmark Inc. president of diversified business (left), and Ray Carson, Highmark Health executive vice president and chief human resources officer (right).

Michael NovitskiRetail Store Associate, Highmark Inc., North Fayette, Pa.

Michael Novitski strives to create a world without stigma. Through his volunteer efforts with Children's Hospital Advisory Network Guidance and Empowerment—CHANGE—and the Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network, he focuses on empowering youth with disabilities.

As a CHANGE volunteer, he works to improve the transition into adulthood for disabled youth, concentrating on social skills while teaching them advocacy, leadership, empowerment and acceptance.

Through the leadership network, Michael has mentored youth with disabilities and helped them find resources and accommodations.

His contributions have led to statewide changes for disabled youth, and the two organizations have noticeably increased the youths' GPAs and their confidence.

Michael also helped to develop a health care toolkit now used in more than 50 pediatrician's offices and a transition toolkit for school counselors and families across the state.

He hopes that youth with disabilities will not face social barriers and will be able to lead successful lives.

JEFFERSON AWARD RECIPIENTS

Justin Schell, 2014 Jefferson Award winner (center), with David Holmberg, Highmark Inc. president of diversified business (left), and Ray Carson, Highmark Health executive vice president and chief human resources officer (right).

Justin SchellDirector of Risk Management, Highmark Health, Pittsburgh

Justin's participation with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society goes far beyond fundraising. His passion stems from his diagnosis with large cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma when he was just 12 years old.

Justin has spent the past six years running, swimming and biking with Team in Training, the nation's largest endurance sports program. Participants train for marathons, triathlons and bike-a-thons, while raising money to support the mission of the society.

Justin's Team in Training event total is almost 600 miles, and he has raised more than $20,000.

For the past three years, Justin has organized volunteer teams to visit and support cancer patients at Allegheny Health Network's West Penn Hospital, many of whom spend months in isolation. Justin also spoke last year to the students of a middle school with a sixth-grade leukemia patient. He told the child's classmates what it's like to be a pediatric cancer patient and how much the support of his class had meant to him.

 

JEFFERSON AWARD RECIPIENTS

Eric Stalnaker, 2014 Jefferson Award winner (center), with David Holmberg, Highmark Inc. president of diversified business (left), and Ray Carson, Highmark Health executive vice president and chief human resources officer (right).

Eric StalnakerRN, Health Coach, Highmark Inc., Pittsburgh

Eric Stalnaker has been volunteering for more than two decades at the Shepherd Wellness Community, the only AIDS community center in western Pennsylvania. He provides support, education, and assistance to those affected by HIV and AIDS.

Eric started out as a telephone volunteer and then became a counselor, continuing to get more involved as he saw the positive results from his efforts. For several years now, he has spent every Friday night at the community center—dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people who seek his support.

Eric uses his nursing background to help them understand and cope with their disease and to give presentations on such topics as HIV medication adherence and navigating the health care system.

Eric also volunteers for the Shepherd Wellness Community's annual weekend retreat as a part of the medical staff and as a group facilitator.

 

 

JEFFERSON AWARD RECIPIENTS

Nathan Steinberg, 2014 Jefferson Award winner (center), with David Holmberg, Highmark Inc. president of diversified business (left), and Ray Carson, Highmark Health executive vice president and chief human resources officer (right).

Nathan SteinbergSupervisor in Senior Markets Claims Administration and Analysis, Highmark Inc., Pittsburgh

As an active member of the Blawnox Glenover Volunteer Fire Company, Nathan responds to such crises as fires, motor vehicle accidents and water emergencies. He is a certified Pennsylvania State Firefighter, has served as the fire department's treasurer for three years, and he was named lieutenant last year.

Four years ago, Nathan expanded his emergency response duties by joining the Allegheny County Swiftwater Flood Response Team. In addition to serving Allegheny County, he has been dispatched throughout the state to assist with Hurricane Irene in Philadelphia, Tropical Storm Lee in Bloomsburg, Hurricane Sandy in Harrisburg and summer floods in Lock Haven. Nathan used his own vacation time to assist with these out-of-town disasters.

He also is a Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Certified Swiftwater Rescue Instructor.

Nathan's dedication to helping the community goes beyond emergency response. He also helps his grandfather and other seniors with chores like lawn care and snow removal, and he sits with them during difficult times so they will not be alone.

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