2024 SWVHEC Annual Report

Because of Great People

Great people, our employees, are provided with the tools necessary to meet the mission of the Center. Staff are given opportunities for learning and personal growth. In that spirit, over $9,000 was provided to staff for professional growth and development this past fiscal year. The Center also budgets $3,000 annually to encourage monthly team building and fun activities to allow team members to get to know each other and increase internal communication. The Center has implemented an Employee Recognition Program that recognizes team members for their hard work, dedication and going above and beyond the call of duty. The Center, working with the General Assembly, secured legislation for the creation of the Center’s Security Department. It is critically important to the Center to ensure a safe learning and work environment for students, faculty, partners and team members. Expansion of the security department will be coming in 2025. In addition to security, Center members were offered training in CPR, AED and basic life support. Twenty-five received certificates upon completion of the program. For the past three years, Executive Director David Matlock has hosted a staff retreat at Goldie’s Refuge located in Whitetop, Virginia. Research has shown that taking health breaks from the workplace can boost overall productivity. The offsite team retreat allowed staff to do engaging team building activities that we wouldn’t normally do at the Center. This environment provided everyone the opportunity to play and strengthen team relationships.

2023-24 Annual Report

16