TARCOG Employee of the Month — January 2026
Employee of the Month — January 2026
January 6, 2026
Teresa Hazzard always tries to go above and beyond to help her clients, according to her nomination for Employee of the Month.
When she works with someone and sees they may benefit from other TARCOG services, she refers them to our Aging and Disability Resource Center.
She worked what seemed like day and night to assist clients during the Open Enrollment period between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7, 2025. We had numerous clients call on Friday, Dec. 5, needing assistance and Teresa worked through the entire weekend to make sure those individuals were helped before Open Enrollment closed on Dec. 7.
If you need someone to lift you up, give supportive words, a laugh or even a shirt off of her back, I am fairly certain Teresa would be the one to provide it.
Name: Teresa Hazzard
Title: State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Resource Coordinator
How long have you been at TARCOG and what do you do? I’ve been with TARCOG for 11 years. My job is to make sure that every person that receives Medicaid also has a drug plan that will assist them with getting their needed medication. I am also responsible for making sure that every person knows about current scams.
What did you want to be when you grew up? Growing up I just wanted to be successful.
What do you hope to accomplish within the next year? Within the next year I want to enhance my knowledge while also mastering my current skills. I want to continue to contribute to a positive team environment and always be available when needed.
Who is your hero and why? My hero will always be my mother. She worked hard all her life and taught me the meaning of commitment and endurance.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? I would eat my favorite foods guilt free. I would stay in bed all day and watch some of my favorite TV shows.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given you? One of the best pieces of advice that I’ve ever received is to always let my audio and video match.
What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done? The most daring thing I’ve ever done was ziplining in Vegas … What a rush
Who knows you the best? My children
What would you do if you won the lottery? If I were to win the lottery, the first thing I’d do after gaining my composure is donate to the church and then my children. After those things it’s whatever my heart desires!
TARCOG State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Resource Coordinator Teresa Hazzard
TARCOG Employee of the Year — 2025
Employee of the Year 2025
December 31, 2025
TARCOG Executive Director Michelle Gilliam-Jordan announced at a year-end meeting that IT Specialist Ruby Banks was selected as Employee of the Year for 2025.
Michelle said it was difficult to select a winner from the Employee of the Month winners because each of the candidates are highly skilled and dedicated to their jobs.
A recap of the 2025 Employee of the Month winners includes:
January — Resource Coordinator Teresa Hazard
February — Alabama Cares Coordinator Lydia Weeks
March — Gateway to Community Living Transition Coordinator Alexis Baker
April — Nurse Case Manager Jelisa Simon
May — Receptionist/Administrative Assistant Kecia J. Jones
June — IT Specialist Ruby Banks
July — Case Manager/Personal Choice Counselor Shanika Moore
August —Medicaid Waiver Case Manager Supervisor Ashley Johnson
September — Finance Director Gerald Carter
October — Resource Specialist Jeane Gibbons
November — Nurse Case Manager Rosa Sanchez
December — Medicaid Waiver Administrative Assistant Lameisha Wright
Thank you and CONGRATULATIONS again, to each of you!
IT Specialist Ruby Banks is TARCOG’s Employee of the Year for 2025 with Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan.
Winter Wishes 2025
Winter Wishes 2025
December 24, 2025
The smile on 61-year-old Wayne’s face reflects the joy he felt upon receiving a stack of WINTER WISHES gifts for the holidays.
For 80-year-old Ms. Carol, even a package of toilet tissue brought happiness when she found it among her WINTER WISHES presents this year.
“She said she would love for us to express to her sponsors how incredibly blessed she feels and how thankful she is for every item she received through Winter Wishes. She says y’all have made her wishes come true,” her case manager said.
Wayne and Carol were among 285 recipients of this year’s WINTER WISHES campaign, which included more than 1,000 gifts delivered by TARCOG’s Medicaid Waiver case managers throughout December.
We are deeply appreciative of all the sponsors who helped make these wishes come true. The impact of these acts of generosity and kindness cannot be overstated.
Our case managers have shared story after story of the happiness these gifts brought to our clients during a season that could have been especially sad and lonely for many.
TARCOG’s Medicaid Waiver Program serves more than 1,000 clients of all ages across DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison, and Marshall counties. The holiday campaign began in 2002 as a simple gesture to share kindness and joy with those in need.
Employee of the Month — December 2025
Employee of the Month — December 2025
December 1, 2025
Lameisha Wright is an administrative assistant for the Medicaid Waiver Department who has a wonderful personality, and her demeanor is welcoming and inviting.
In a nomination for TARCOG’s montly recognition, a coworker said “every time I’ve needed assistance, she has helped me with a smile, and she has made me feel like I am a part of the team.
The coworker said Lameisha’s “suggestions have been amazing,” and it shows “that she enjoys her job.”
Lameisha has been the coordinator of this year’s Winter Wishes campaign, which involves coordinating with case managers to develop the “wish list” for each client who chooses to participate, and the sponsors who generously help fulfill the wishes.
Name: Lamiesha Wright
Job Title: Medicaid Waiver Administrative Assistant
How long have you been at TARCOG and what do you do? For the past 9 months, I have worked as a Medicaid Waiver administrative assistant, assisting with deeming applications for program participants, handling billing, and helping case managers when needed. She also supports the Medicaid Waiver program manager. She is also the coordinator of the Winter Wishes campaign this year, coordinating aging and disabled client’s needs and community sponsors who fulfill them during the holiday season.
What did you want to be when you grew up? A singer.
What do you hope to accomplish within the next year? I want to start my PhD. Program.
Who is your hero and why? My mother is my hero because even while maintaining a full-time job, she always made sure to be present and nurturing in me and my sisters’ lives.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Relax with my dog and read a good book.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given you? Don’t be so hard on yourself.
What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done? Ride a jet ski in Costa Rica. (I don’t know how to swim)
Who knows you the best? My family knows me best.
TARCOG Medicaid Waiver Administrative Assistant Lameisha Wright
Fifty Years and Counting: Del Schafer
Fifty Years and Counting: The Relentless Quiet Force Behind North Alabama’s Grants
November 17, 2025
Project Manager Del Schafer recalls milestones from his 50 years with TARCOG.
On a sunny Monday afternoon in mid-November, as coworkers filled a conference room at TARCOG with balloons, proclamations, and decades of stories, Del Schafer—who had every reason to sit back and enjoy the celebration—leaned over and said, “I’ve got work to do this afternoon.”
It was the most Del thing he could have said.
For half a century, Del has been the steady, relentless force helping process the millions of dollars in grants that have shaped communities across DeKalb, Jackson, Limestone, Madison, and Marshall counties. Splash pads, senior centers, infrastructure upgrades, community centers, emergency equipment—you name it, Del likely helped write or administer the grant that made it possible.
But if you ask him about his impact, he’ll wave off the praise with a shy smile and call the fuss “over the top.” For an introvert who prefers spreadsheets to spotlights, Monday’s celebration was overwhelming: proclamations arrived from Gov. Kay Ivey; Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle; Arab Mayor Bob Joslin; Geraldine Mayor Chuck Ables; the Madison County Commission and Commissioner Violet Edwards; and Athens City Councilman and TARCOG Board President James Lucas.
Two municipalities declared it “Del Schafer Day.” The City of Arab—always creative—went further, proclaiming it “Splashpad Del Schafer Day.”
Still, Del insisted he didn’t deserve the attention. But the room full of family, colleagues, friends, and former coworkers—some of whom drove hours to surprise him—knew better.
A Beginning He Never Forgot
His story with TARCOG began on Nov. 17, 1975. Back then, the staff was tiny and worked from a cramped space in the Central Bank Building downtown. Del remembers his first morning vividly: he drove—out of habit—to his old job, walked to the door, and only then realized he needed to be somewhere else. He hurried to his Volkswagen, headed to TARCOG, and still arrived early.
He has been showing up ever since.
Del carries with him an entire era of local government lore. At a city council meeting once, he noticed men outside holding rifles, with another propped inside the room. It was simply the first day of turkey season. Another day, a pistol slipped out of someone’s overalls mid-meeting. And once, a public official challenged him to a fistfight in the parking lot.
“OK, but then can we get back in here and finish this grant?” Del said. The mayor smiled, then laughed, they finished – and won the grant.
These stories, colorful and memorable, are told with Del’s trademark modesty. He’s far more eager to talk about the town and city clerk’s he’s worked with over the decades—people who “care about their communities” and routinely go above and beyond.
The Colleagues He’s Helped Along the Way
During a luncheon before the celebration, the generational contrast was striking — not a single member of the Economic Development & Planning staff had been born when Del started at TARCOG. Some had never even seen or used a floppy disk.
But what they have seen—what they rely on—is Del’s institutional memory. His ability to recall what worked, what didn’t, who tried what solution in what year, and how it all fits together.
“Del’s celebration showed me what can happen by being dedicated to a career path for so long,” said Marley Hicks, senior planner. “He has truly seen it all—the growth, decline, and resilience of what can happen at a job.”
James King, associate planner, said it would be nice if everyone could be more like Del.
“His authenticity is refreshing, and I very much enjoy hearing him speak about his past experiences,” James said. “The things that man has seen could easily make up its own book. In fact, given how much Huntsville and regional history he’s witnessed, it would be fantastic to hear more recounting of how this region was built into what it is today.”
The team’s newest member, Jennifer Dummer, grants administrator, added she appreciates his knowledge and guidance.
“He is always willing to help, and it saves time on things that might have otherwise taken awhile to track down,” Jennifer said.
Their director, Lee Terry, summed it up simply: “Having someone with Del’s depth of experience and institutional knowledge is invaluable.”
“I am so thankful for Del,” added Economic Development Coordinator Leslie Wright. “He has helped me, taught me so much, and I don’t hesitate to call on him.”
Family, Honors, and a New Award
While his daughter Meredith Carr from Mobile couldn’t make it up for the event, Del’s wife, Shauna, his daughter Katie, and son-in-law Joe Indeck, watched as one tribute after another rolled in. Katie put it best: “My dad is awesome.”
For Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan, that moment said it all.
“When your child says something like that about you,” she said, “that’s everything.”
Michelle also unveiled a surprise: a new honor, the Del Schafer Service Award, created specifically to recognize individuals who embody Del’s dedication to service. Fittingly, Del became its first recipient.
Not Done Yet
Some guests thought the event was a retirement party. Del quickly set the record straight: he isn’t retiring.
He’s not done. Far from it.
He still writes and wins grants. He recently reviewed 10 grant applications for a state agency. And if you send him an email—weeknight, weekend, holiday—he’ll probably answer.
“He’s always on his computer,” his wife Shauna said.
Michelle calls Del a rarity in today’s workforce: an employee with decades of service who hasn’t lost an ounce of drive.
“He sets a great example for our team,” she said, “and we’re so proud to have him.”
A Legacy in Motion
The celebration was about honoring Del’s past. But it was also about recognizing something deeper: the power of one determined, humble person to leave a lasting mark on an entire region.
Del has spent 50 years building other people’s visions. He’s written grants that brought joy to children, safety to first responders, and opportunity to small towns fighting to grow. He did it all quietly, without expecting applause.
And now, for at least one day—and likely many more—those communities returned the favor.
Because the truth is simple: North Alabama is better because Del Schafer showed up. And he’s still showing up.
From left, TARCOG Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan, Madison County Commissioner Violet Edwards, Arab Mayor Bob Joslin, Gurley Mayor Stan Simpson, TARCOG Project Manager Del Schafer, his wife, Shauna Schafer, TARCOG Board Ex-Officio Connie Spears, TARCOG Board President and Athens City Councilman James Lucas, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and Geraldine Mayor Chuck Ables
Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battles reads a proclamation he signed making November 17, 2025, Del Schafer Day in the City of Huntsville
TARCOG Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan welcomes guests to a special celebration to honor Del Schafer’s 50 years of work with the agency
TARCOG Executive Director Michelle Gilliam Jordan and Del Schafer with the newly created Del Schafer Service Award
From left, holding commendations and proclamations for Del Schafer on November 17, are his wife Shauna Schafer, daughter and son-in-law, Katie and Joe Indeck with Del sitting in front
TARCOG Economic Development and Planning Staff, from left, Senior Planner Marley Hicks, Associate Planner James King, Director Lee Terry, Project Manager Del Schafer, and Economic Development Coordinator Leslie Wright. Not pictures is Grants Administrator Jennifer Dummer
From left, TARCOG retirees Carolyn Bond, Nancy Hollingsworth, and Stephanie Jackson enjoy a chat with Del Schafer
TARCOG represented on regional public relations council leadership team
TARCOG represented on regional public relations council leadership team
November 12, 2025
Congratulations to TARCOG Communications Coordinator Wendy Reeves, who was sworn in this morning as vice president for projects with the North Alabama Chapter of the Public Relations Council of Alabama.
Before joining TARCOG Wendy was an executive director of a local nonprofit, public relations consultant, and a former journalist. In her new role with NAPRCA she will be leading a pro-bono project with other seasoned professionals to assist a local nonprofit in the coming year. She joins a leadership panel of peers including:
- President-elect – Laura McPhail, APR – Director of Communications and Guest Experience at the Huntsville Botanical Garden, adjunct instructor at Oakwood University, and formerly with City of Huntsville communications team
- Secretary – Brent Boyd – Communications Manager with the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau and previously served as president of CityVision – The Visitor’s Channel
- Treasurer – Sydney Martin – Corporate Communications with Toyota North America and former TV reporter
- VP/Programs – Erin Coggins – Counselor and Communication Liaison with Huntsville City Schools, writer, educator and history buff
- VP/Communications – Sarah Colvert – Marketing Manager at Huntsville Botanical Garden and part-time lecturer at Mississippi State University
- VP/Membership – Kalee Full – Marketing Communications Specialist for Aptar CSP Technologies
- VP/Accreditation – Amanda Jarrett, APR – Communications and Marketing Director for the National Children’s Advocacy Center and former TV news executive producer
- At large – Gracie Muncher-Golden – Account Manager at Flourish Communications and previously served as VP for Projects
- Immediate Past President – Adam Kelley, APR – Director of Communications for HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and former Corporate Communications Manager at Children’s of Alabama
TARCOG is hiring!
TARCOG is hiring!
Nov. 12, 2025
Interested in a fulfilling position as a case manager?
TARCOG will be holding an Invitational Career Fair on Tuesday, Nov. 18, to fill case manager positions for our disabled and aging clients. Resumes are currently being accepted through Indeed.com for Medicaid Waiver Case Managers and Personal Choices Case Managers.
(https://www.indeed.com/…/Top-of-Alabama-Regional…/jobs)
TARCOG raises $8K+ for Alzheimer’s
TARCOG raises $8K+ for Alzheimer’s
November 3, 2025
We are so proud of our TOP TEAM of walkers who raised $8,255.14 for Alzheimer’s research and participated in the North Alabama Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, Nov. 1.
This year’s fundraising goal was $3,000, so nearly tripling that amount was an exciting accomplishment for Team Captain John Sanders, manager of the senior employment program.
Employees who raised funds included Sanders; Community Services Coordinator Emmitt Davis; Alabama Cares Case Manager Melanie Washington; Economic Development Coordinator Leslie Wright; Aging & Disability Resource Center Specialist Julie Williams; Case Managers Sarita Chaloupka, Jeanne Hayes, and Brooke Campbell; Human Resources Manager Melonie Gurley; Nurse Case Manager Rosa Sanchez; Long Term Care Ombudsman Representative Vernel Mitchell; Case Manager Supervisor Jenise Watkins; and Executive Director Michelle Jordan. Family members of several team members also participated.
This year’s walk included 114 teams with 697 registered walkers. TARCOG’s Top Team ranked fifth among fundraising teams, and Davis was recognized as the fifth-highest individual fundraiser out of all 697 walkers. He raised $3,165 in honor of his mother, Clara Davis.
Employee of the Month — November 2025
Employee of the Month — November 2025
November 3, 2025
Name: Rosa Sanchez
Title: Nurse Case Manager
How long have you been at TARCOG and what do you do?
I’ve been at TARCOG for 10 years. I started as a part-time Nurse Case Manager for the Technology Assist (TA) Waiver program, which TARCOG had recently acquired. The TA Waiver serves adults who are ventilator-dependent or have a tracheostomy. I later became a full-time employee, and my caseload grew. That’s when I began reviewing medical forms and taking on additional responsibilities for the agency.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I never really wanted to grow up. I was perfectly happy being carefree and living in the present.
What do you hope to accomplish in the next year?
Complete a few house projects and continue providing the best care for my participants.
Who is your hero and why?
I have great admiration and gratitude for my father. He had amazing courage, foresight, and faith. He left a successful career and everything he had in Cuba to escape communism. He came to the United States to seek a better life for his nine children—and he never looked back.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would you do?
I would relax at home and read a novel.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
My father always said, “God will provide.” And he does.
What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
I didn’t see it as daring at the time, but I left my nursing jobs and embarked on a 12-week journey to a tiny village on a small Greek island to paint with a group of strangers from the Art Students League in New York City. It was a wonderful experience.
Who knows you best?
My younger sister. She never wanted to grow up either.
What would you do if you won the lottery?
I never buy lottery tickets, so it would be a miracle—but I would share my winnings with my family and then travel: three months in Paris, three in Spain, three in Japan… The list is endless.
An excerpt from a coworker’s nomination for Rosa Sanchez as Employee of the Month said:
Rosa is a team player who works diligently to complete her tasks. She can always be counted on to assist Spanish-speaking applicants, supporting the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and Medicaid Waiver staff in communicating pertinent information to applicants and their families. She has done this consistently for years, without complaint.
She also goes the extra mile, often completing documents with applicants and their families to ensure vital information is captured for processing their applications. She routes these applications to the appropriate stakeholders and follows up with medical professionals, regardless of whether the applicant is assigned to her or a coworker.
Rosa demonstrates cultural competence, humility, and confidentiality in every situation, ensuring the individual is respected and remains the focal point of the process. She conducts herself professionally and is a pivotal part of the TARCOG team, bringing her training as a registered nurse to provide support and expertise in training and emergency settings.
Congratulations, Rosa!
Rosa Sanchez, Nurse Case Manager