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Thank you for your participation in this quarter’s performance conversations. With this cycle, we have completed a year of conversations that we hope gave you a chance to be recognized, discuss your development, and clarify your priorities. As we consider how to enhance the process next year, we value your feedback and are committed to improving the process. Your insights will help us make these conversations developmentally oriented and beneficial for everyone. Please take a few moments to share your thoughts and experiences by Monday, Jun. 9. Your anonymous input is greatly appreciated.  

Despite a challenging federal environment, we are excited to announce that we were able to budget for a 2% across-the-board increase for eligible employees. There are additional increases for staff who are below the midpoint of their band, or who have been in their roles for more than six years. We have also increased the minimum for our livable wage at a rate significantly above inflation. These changes will take effect on July 1. Details can be found on our compensation website. 

Photo provided by Debi O'Connor

The Triple Jump: Skills for Community Connection training program, co-led by Debi O’Connor and Chad Schonewill, was a huge success. Over three interactive sessions, participants learned practical skills in motivational interviewing, effective communication, and having difficult conversations. The program fostered constructive dialogue and community cohesion, equipping attendees with valuable techniques for conflict resolution. Additionally, the training included visits to the Olympic and Paralympic Museum, Bemis School of Art, and the CC ESports Lab. This achievement was made possible by the conflict and community grant from the President's Office and the dedication of our amazing participants. If you missed out this time, we hope to provide another opportunity next year. 

Here are a couple of testimonials from participants:

"Triple Jump was a great opportunity to learn new communication styles that benefit me both in and out of work. The lessons were interesting and engaging, and being able to practice what we learned immediately with the others in the course was very beneficial to hammer down what the lesson went over. The activities that accompanied each lesson were a great way to meet the other folks in the course and had a fun tie-in with whatever we were learning."

"The lessons learned and the skills we practiced have already begun to make their way into a regular rotation in my personal life. Because we had the opportunity to discuss this over a number of months, it kept the concepts fresh in my mind, and I would organically find opportunities with people I know and love to implement a practiced sense of motivational interviewing and guide them through finding the answer without benefit or involvement in their problems."

Join us on Wednesday, Jun. 25, from 3-5 p.m. for Pam Butler’s retirement celebration.  

We’re excited to welcome Kendra Merchant, our new Human Resource Coordinator of Operations! In this role, Kendra supports key HR functions, including employee relations, onboarding, workplace safety, and operational support, across various departments.

Photo provided by Kendra Merchant

Kendra was born in Dallas, Texas, raised all over the U.S., and spent 10 years overseas before moving to Colorado Springs. Kendra brings nearly two decades of experience managing people-focused programs. Her background includes coordinating large-scale logistics, leading employee engagement initiatives, and facilitating safety inspections and training efforts, all with a focus on creating inclusive, well-functioning work environments. She is passionate about advocacy, fostering healthy workplace relationships, and building systems that support both employees and leadership. 

Kendra has an associate’s degree in Logistics, is currently completing her bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management, and plans to pursue a master's degree in Human Resource Management. She is known for her energetic presence, collaborative spirit, and strong sense of integrity in her work. Outside of work, Kendra enjoys spending quality time with her family, exploring art, reading sci-fi novels, traveling, trying new recipes, and savoring great food. 

Join us in welcoming Michele Mitchell as our new Human Resource Coordinator of Total Rewards! Michele will play a key role in supporting our HR operations through data management, compliance tracking, and process improvement initiatives. She’ll also assist with policy implementation, coordinate HR events and communications, and help enhance the employee experience through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Photo provided by Michele Mitchell

Michele has lived in Colorado Springs for 30 years and deeply values being part of the community. She brings over 20 years of retail experience working for companies such as Target and Old Navy, as well as more than three years of Human Resources experience supporting non-profits, small businesses, and the Colorado Springs Police Department. Michele is excited to join CC and looks forward to contributing to its inclusive and welcoming environment. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her husband and three children, gardening, and soaking up as much time in nature as possible.

Photo provided by Sean Lee

Please extend a warm welcome to Sean Lee, our new student employee! Sean hails from Portland, OR, and just completed his junior year studying Studio Art with minors in Museum Studies and Anthropology. He has experience with a variety of fine art mediums, ranging from acrylic and oil painting to digital concept design and animation. Professionally, he is eager to collaborate with co-workers, provide positive and enthusiastic energy towards problem-solving, and approach his role with dedication and commitment to excellence. In his leisure time, Sean enjoys climbing tall trees, watching movies with friends, soaking up the architecture of historic places, and swimming in the ocean!

Visit the HR Updates page to check out past editions of People Connections, along with recent updates from HR.