Einstein Staff Recognized for Excellence, Innovation, Leadership, and Commitment

At the 2024 Staff Recognition Ceremony, 138 Einstein staff members were honored for their dedication and service, ranging from five to an incredible 65 years. View the program to see all of those who were celebrated in December.

Einstein’s longest employee, Tony Leggiadro (right), lead machinist, department of engineering with his wife at the ceremony

“Each of you plays a role in achieving our mission. We are among the best because you are the best,” said Yaron Tomer, M.D., the Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz Dean and chief academic officer at Montefiore Einstein.

Decades of Service Celebrated

Yaron Tomer, M.D., Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz Dean at Einstein and chief academic officer at Montefiore Einstein, Tony Leggiadro, and Marla J. Keller, M.D., executive dean at Einstein

Anthony (Tony) Leggiadro joined Einstein in 1959, the year the first Einstein class graduated. He began as a machinist in the newly created machine shop and is now the lead machinist celebrating 65 years of service this year. He watched the College of Medicine expand and grew his skills along with taking on new trades as he progressed. You can hear from Tony about his experience at Einstein in this video from when he celebrated 60 years in 2019.

Susan Buhl, Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Lillie Lopez, department of pathology, also celebrated impressive 45-year anniversaries. Sandy Diaz, department of microbiology & immunology, and Shirley Seto, department of neuroscience, celebrated four decades at Einstein.

Staff Recognition Awards

From left: Yaron Tomer, M.D., Susan Buhl, Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center, Lillie Lopez, department of pathology, and Marla J. Keller, M.D

In addition to celebrating 5-year milestones, staff were recognized for outstanding work in several other areas. “I would like to thank all of you for your dedication and commitment to the College of Medicine. Let’s continue to recognize and appreciate each other every day,” said Yvonne Ramirez, vice president of human resources and Title IX coordinator.

Rossella Falcone, Ph.D., in the department of neurological surgery, received the Administrative Safety Award. This award is given to an employee who fosters a culture of safety and demonstrates a strong commitment to safety protocols, maintains a safe and hazard-free environment, and proactively identifies and mitigates potential safety risks.
Deborah Hughes-Cass, in information technology, desktop support, Madeline Ebanks, and Sandy Diaz, in the department of microbiology & immunology, each received an Outstanding Client Services Award. This award is given to employees who go the extra mile to be of service to others.
Mohanlall “MT” Teloki in the office of student life was honored with the Administrative Leadership Award.This award is given to an employee in a leadership role who develops, inspires, and encourages others while living Einstein’s values.
Salvatore Calabro in the graduate division of biomedical sciences received the Distinguished Service Award. This award is given to an employee in recognition oftheir exceptional service, dedication and significant contributions to Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
Sunita Reed in the Philip and Rita Rosen Department of Communications and Public Affairs received the Innovative Excellence Award. This award is given to an employee whose innovation and forward thinking enhances Einstein’s organizational culture through their contributions and adaptation of existing programs, procedures and processes and/or the development of new initiatives that positively impacts operations.
Nataysha Williams in endocrinology received the Manny Genn Award, which is given each year to rising stars among staff in support of their professional growth.

From left: Yaron Tomer, M.D., Sandy Diaz, department of microbiology & immunology, and Marla J. Keller, M.D.

While the recognition ceremony celebrates those with special anniversaries and achievements, throughout the year, the department of human resources cares about the health and growth of your career. Visit the department’s website to learn about benefits, compensation, HR technology, employee relations, and the Learning Network.

And consider sending a BRAVO if you see an employee or group of employees going above and beyond this year. Employees recognized throughout the year will be considered for a special award to be presented during the 2025 Staff Service Recognition Ceremony.

Posted on: Thursday, January 23, 2025

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