Peggy Longardner

Age: 63

Employer: Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home

Month and year hired: August 1983

Current job title: Human resources director

First job with the employer: Scheduling private-duty nurses and aides

Most challenging job with the employer: Keeping current with regulations, and trying to provide the best benefits possible that all staff can afford

Why the employee has stayed so long: Longardner loves the caring staff and believes in the agency’s mission. “I know we make a difference in people’s lives,” she said. “I learn something new every day and have been able to adapt to the changes.”

Why the employee is an asset to the employer: The employer said Longardner has been with the organization through numerous changes. “We view her as a historian and often turn to her to help clarify why we did things a certain way in the past or the present,” a statement said. “Her biggest asset, however, is her ability to advocate for the employee, remaining neutral, and encouraging the person to pursue whatever it takes to work through their current difficulties. At the same time, she balances that approach by working effectively with the manager/supervisor to be sure we are dealing fairly and consistently in how we address employee issues.”

Books currently reading: “The Speed of Trust” by Stephen M.R. Covey

Hobbies, interests outside of work: Spending time with family and friends; antiques

How many years until employee retires: 3 to 5

What the employee would like to be doing in retirement: Not sure