AEOA Employees Recognized for Work in Fighting Poverty in Northern Minnesota

Executive Directors Harlan Tardy (AEOA), Joe Pederson (Lakes and Prairies), and Steve Nagel (West Central Communities Action) accept their Poverty Warrior awards from Connie Greer, Director of the Minnesota OEO. At this year’s Minnesota Community Action Partnership (MinnCAP) Conference in Brainerd, Minnesota, nine AEOA employees were delighted to receive recognition for their personal contributions to fighting poverty in northern Minnesota.

Eight staff members were honored for their 25 years of service with Community Action and the Agency. These employees exemplify the hard work performed everyday by all AEOA employees to provide self-sufficiency to those struggling within rural Minnesota. AEOA is proud to recognize Diane Bruce, Becky Dall, and Val Strukel from the Housing Department; Michelle Fowler, Debbie Hill, and Carma Lind from the Employment and Training Department; Candi McKenzie from Head Start; and Dave Pike from Arrowhead Transit.

During the same ceremony, Executive Director, Harlan Tardy was honored with two awards from his peers. The Minnesota Department of Human Services, Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO), recognized Tardy for his determination and perseverance in fighting poverty by presenting him with a Poverty Warrior honor. As Connie Greer from OEO stated, “We want to do our part to say thank you to those in our own state who have fought difficult fights, stood up for what’s right, and have always been there when we have needed them.”

Tardy also received the Steve Chadwick Advocacy Award in honor and memory of Steve Chadwick, former Executive Director of Community Action Duluth. Steve was an advocate on behalf of MinnCAP and low-income individuals/families statewide. He died of cancer in 1995. The person nominated for this award demonstrates a persistent commitment to reducing poverty, is an effective advocate in addressing the root causes of poverty, and leads in the local or larger community.