Please join us in congratulating Tammy Burke as the November’s Staff on the Rise! Tammy started with RISE in February 2020 as an Administration Assistant. In September 2022 she was promoted to Human Resources Assistant.
“Tammy has brought her talents to the Human Resources team in a new position dedicated to helping with the recruitment process.”
Tammy’s career at RISE started on an auspicious note – one month prior to the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic shut down. She and her co-administrative assistant, Susan Baitinger, managed all the changes due to the Covid-19 Pandemic with aplomb. “They were the glue that held us all together,” said Sybil Newell, RISE Executive Director, while reflecting on all Tammy and Susan did when the pandemic first started.
Together, Tammy and Susan were essential in keeping things up and running when New York State was put on pause and the shelter in place orders were issued. They were responsible for so many of the things that allowed RISE to continue to provide services during that time of uncertainty, including obtaining and planning distribution of scarce and essential personal protective equipment.
However, the most important role they played was being the calm in a time of chaos. Tammy says, “We were here every day to help provide a continuity of service for our clients, especially those experiencing crises, when so much of the staff was working remotely.”
“I really enjoy talking with the applicants.”
In her new position as a Human Resources Assistant, Tammy is responsible for employment recruitment which includes matching resumes with open jobs. “I really enjoy talking with the applicants,” Tammy says. “I contact and screen applicants to verify if they are a match before sending their resumes to the program directors to set up an interview.” As part of her employment recruitment responsibilities, Tammy attends community and college job fairs where she can recruit potential applicants in person. “I really enjoy employment recruitment; it feels good to contribute in this way,” she shares.
Brendan Myers, Human Resources Director, says, “Tammy has brought her talents to the Human Resources team in a new position dedicated to helping with the recruitment process and we couldn’t be happier. Her tenacious efforts, eye for detail, and positivity have made an immediate positive impact helping us identify and attract new staff that share our values. We look forward to seeing more staff join our growing team thanks to Tammy’s efforts.”
“I always wanted to work in human services.”
Tammy began a second career at RISE after 31 years of service at the Adirondack Trust Company where she was a Senior Human Resources Generalist. She started at the Adirondack Trust Company as an Operations Clerk, joined the Human Resources department as HR Receptionist a year later, and was eventually promoted to the Senior HR Generalist position which she held most of her career until she retired. “I always wanted to work in human services so when I was retired and looking for something new and different to do, I applied at RISE,” Tammy shares. “I felt that the Administrative Assistant position would be a good fit because it allowed me to bring my human resources background into the human services field.”
“I chose wisely accepting the position at RISE,” she exclaims. “I feel so lucky. Everyone I work with at RISE are highly skilled professionals who are all so compassionate about the work we do and the individuals we serve! RISE feels like a good match for my skills & abilities, and I’m excited to be a part of the growth and opportunities that are happening at RISE. I look forward to being on this team as the agency grows, expands and new programs are developed.”
“Dad always stressed the importance of working hard.”
Tammy’s enthusiasm for her job and her strong work ethic comes from her parents. “The enthusiasm is totally from my mom,” Tammy explains. “The work ethic definitely came from lessons instilled by my father, who sold his beloved farm early in my childhood to take a factory job in an effort to provide better for our growing family. Dad always stressed the importance of working hard and finding a career which would not only support me now but also provide a good pension plan, so that I will be prepared for that last season of my life, when I can’t do the work I do now, but still need to provide for myself.”
Tammy has been married for 26 years. She has three adult daughters and four grandchildren. She loves hanging out with her children and hosting slumber parties with her in-laws, aka “my Outlaws”. She and her husband have a camp in the Adirondacks where they also stay and enjoy visiting extended family members. She enjoys gardening, reading, singing and listening to all kinds of music, as well as exploring new hobbies. “I have a curious mind and always like to learn new things,” she shares.
RISE administration appreciates Tammy’s dedication and enthusiasm. Her tenacity, enthusiasm, and attention to details are just a few of the qualities that make her a Staff on the Rise. We look forward to watching her grow in her new position. Please join us in congratulating Tammy as our November Staff on the Rise.