2024 NYSAEOP Award Recipients
2024 NYSAEOP Office Professional of the Year
The NYSAEOP Office Professional of the Year Award was established to annually recognize office professionals, nominated by members, who are ascribed by both their supervisors and peers as possessing exemplary professional and personal characteristics.
The 2024 Recipient of the OPY is Cathy Dudley, CEOE.
Congrats Cathy!
NYSAEOP Longevity Award
Dorothy Gifford, 1916 - 2001
It is possible that Dorothy may have been one of the first members of what is the present NYSAEOP back in 1953. After high school, Dorothy attended Utica’s School of Commerce and in 1942 began work in the Town of Webb Union Free School District #1 as secretary for the K-12 school until retiring in December 1983. Many remember Dorothy at NYSAEOP conference and in 1999 completed her 44th consecutive attendance at what is now NAEOP (she joined in1955) in Wichita, Kansas. On the bench located in the school's walkers’ doors and in the courtyard are two memorials dedicated in honor of Dorothy Gifford. On the bench the legend explains how Gifford was a secretary for the Town of Webb, a volunteer, and a great friend.
“Forever offering a kind thought, smile, or encouraging word.
Her loyal service and faithful dedication to the Town of Webb Schools
will long be remembered-July 4th, 1916 – May 7, 2001.”
(From the Adirondack Express - Nov 23, 2011)
When Dorothy was asked what advice she would give educational office professionals, her response was, “Keep your cool, treat all people alike, and attend as many of your school’s events as possible.”
2023 NYSAEOP Administrator of the Year
Jason VAN FOSSEN, SUPERINTENDENT OF MAINE-ENDWELL SCHOOLS, WAS HONORED AS NYSAEOP 2023 ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR. PICTURED HERE WITH NYSAEOP PRESIDENT LYNN COUGHLIN.
New York State Association of Educational Office Professionals awarded Mr. Jason VanFossen from Maine-Endwell Central School District as the Administrator of the Year. Jason VanFossen is a hands on, visible administrator. He visits each building often so students and staff know who he is and can feel his presence throughout the school year. He sends out a weekly message to all staff, giving accolades to those who have excelled or accomplished something throughout the year. These accolades include students, teachers, administrators, SRO’s and support staff. He believes in the Professional Learning Community, PLC. This means everyone has a stake and shares in the education and enviroment of our school district, where all students can reach their fullest potential.
When improvements are needed, Jason comes to each building and presents what the district is looking at. We are able to have discussions and give suggestions. The Board of Education sends out polls and surveys to the entire school community to gather information to come to the best decision for our students and district. I believe being open like this helps keep our district as one of the top districts in our area.
Jason VanFossen uses Thrillshare, robo calls and our newletter to communicate with staff, parents and the community. Thrillshare has been a great addition as he sends out important information that we all need to know about at the time, school closures, parent/teacher conferences, holidays , etc.
To name a few of Jason's community involements: he has been a coach for his boys baseball teams, an active member of his church, a member of Rotary and The Binghamton University Foundation.
Jason VanFossen and the Maine-Endwell CSD have supported me in my journey with NYSAEOP. First by giving me the time to perform my duties as a officer in the association. Secondly, Maine-Endwell sponsored one of our NYSAEOP annual conferences. As a sponsor, Jason came and welcomed everyone to the conference and gave a wonderful talk about personality types and how they affect us as we deal with others. He also let our School Resource Officer come and do a workshop on school safety and I was also able to present a workshop also. I am truly proud to be a member of the Maine-Endwell School Community and Jason is a wonderful administrator who makes it all happen.
Lynn Coughlin, NYSAEOP President
Our Mission
NYSAEOP, the only state-wide, non-union organization dedicated to continued professional growth for educational office professionals in preparing members to meet the challenges of a changing world.
The Association shall promote and support:
- Life-long Learning
- Leadership
- Team Networking
- Educational Resources
Want to Become a Member?
If you would like to join NYSAEOP, please fill out and submit our membership form.
Working toward your PSP?
As a member, we offer individual guidance in obtaining your PSP.
Affiliated with
Crystal M. Kipa, CEOE,
NYSAEOP President
Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda School District
nysaeop.president@gmail.com
Ariana Sylvester,
NYSAEOP Webmaster
Spencerport Central School District ariana.cuadrado@gmail.com
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