Rewards and Recognition Gala for 2023

Employee of the Year

Selected by CEO Rick Leary

Sydney Somerville
Instructor
Operations Training Centre

The 2023 Employee of the Year exemplifies the TTC’s commitment to creating opportunities, teaching youth and implementing new and innovative ideas. Sydney works hard to build relationships for us in the community and acts as a mentor for many. Sydney’s commitment to her work immensely improved the riding experience for our customers as well as promoted outreach with external stakeholders that enhanced the reputation of our systems. Sydney has pioneered inclusive outreach programs for students who require education on TTC systems and services. Sydney is also working with YouthWorx, an employment program at Toronto Community Housing Corporation to promote trades opportunities at the TTC for youth. She uses her position as an Instructor to mentor and support others while promoting the TTC during these outreach sessions.

CEO Award

Selected by CEO Rick Leary

Kathy Wyeth
Co-Chair
TTC United Way Campaign

Kathy has been involved with the TTC/United Way employee campaign since 1996 in various capacities while an employee, and continues to do so on a volunteer basis since she retired in 2018. In 2000, she moved to the Corporate Team as a Deputy Co-Chair. Three years later, she took over the Co-Chair position and maintains it today, several years after retirement. Her current role involves numerous hours of hard work planning, co-ordinating and executing local and corporate fundraising events, helping the TTC raise millions of dollars to champion a charity that supports so many in our community, including many of our TTC customers. She has spent considerable amounts of her own time to co-ordinate events and considerable amounts of her own money to buy supplies and other materials to ensure the success of various fundraising events at the TTC. Over the years, she has also rolled up her sleeves to help at countless local events organized by various departments, including those at remotely located operating divisions.

Customer Service Award

Winners

Louise Gallotta
Transit Control Dispatcher
Transit Control

Samantha Haffner
Operations Supervisor
Streetcar Transportation

Louise and Samantha worked together to help save a customer’s life. Louise took a call at Transit Control regarding a customer who was in medical distress. She promptly called Emergency Services and relayed their instructions to the operator on duty, Samantha. Samantha without hesitation, performed life-saving first aid, and together, they saved the customer’s life.

Congratulations to finalists: Streetcar Operators Sajid Maqbool and Jeffrey Matheson, Collector Jackson Mylvaganam and Bus Operator Denise Stogianou.

This award recognizes TTC employees who consistently demonstrate an exceptional commitment to the TTC’s goal of delivering excellent customer service. These individuals display that they clearly understand the diverse customer groups that the TTC serves, and how to most effectively meet their needs. Adjudication Committee: Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Natalie Poole-Moffatt and Chief People Officer Shakira Naraine.

Safety Award

Moganaraj Rajathurai
Operator
Bus Transportation

Moganaraj was doing the regular rail crossing procedure when he saw a car stuck in the snow on the railway track. He immediately went over to ask the people in the car to get out of the vehicle, helping two people who could not get out on their own. A train hit the car before police could respond, but Moganaraj’s efforts ensured that everyone got to safety in time.

Congratulations to finalists: Bus Operators Robert Sorrenti and Steve Kirou, Subway Operator Shane Tetlock and Lead Hand Coach Technician Neil Moorhead.

This award recognizes employees who consistently exemplify an extraordinary commitment to the TTC’s goal of delivering a safe, public transit service to its customers, while maintaining a safe work environment for its employees. Adjudication Committee: Chief Safety Officer Betty Hasserjian and Chief Transportation and Vehicles Officer Rich Wong.

Innovation and Sustainability Award

Patrick Rameshwar
Machine Shop Bench Fitter
Streetcar Maintenance

Patrick has developed many modern solutions for fixing streetcar components resulting in improved production times, reusability of parts, and increased work proficiency. Patrick created a more effective way to reuse pantographs and Operator seats, while reducing waste and expenses. He consistently shares his findings with his colleagues, while also considering their feedback to further improve his findings.

Congratulations to finalists: Investigative Services Co-ordinator Deborah Herbert, Engineering Technologist John Engeldinger and Design Assistant Manager Christina Whitfield.

This award recognizes TTC employees who have demonstrated an innovative mindset and implemented ideas that have improved the TTC’s internal systems, operations or overall environmental sustainability. Adjudication Committee: Chief Diversity and Culture Officer Keisha Campbell, Chief Operations and Infrastructure Officer Fort Monaco and Innovation and Sustainability Executive Director Bem Case.

Leadership Award

Winner

Sydney Somerville
Instructor
Operations Training Centre

Sydney has pioneered inclusive outreach programs for students who require education on TTC systems and services. Sydney is also working with YouthWorx, an employment program, at Toronto Community Housing Corporation to promote trades opportunities at the TTC for youth. She uses her position as an Instructor to mentor and support others, while promoting the TTC during these outreach sessions.

Congratulations to finalists: Senior Construction Inspector Mario Arruda, Divisional Manager Ricardo Couto and Senior Construction Inspector Kyle Dignam.

This award recognizes employees who model and exhibit outstanding leadership qualities and behaviours. Adjudication Committee: General Counsel Michael Atlas and Chief Capital Officer Gary Downie.

Leadership Award

Winners – Rail Cars and Shops Team

Roy Hartley
Engineering Technologist
Rail Cars and Shops – Subway Operations

Vince Perruccio
Rail Vehicles Foreperson
Rail Cars and Shops – Subway Operations

To keep the 25-year overhaul program for the TTC’s T1 train fleet on track, Roy and Vince work effectively with others to solve critical issues. By keeping the project on or ahead of schedule, Roy and Vince have saved two per cent of their capital budget and 19 per cent of their operating budget. Their incredible work inspires those around them to work harder and set more ambitious goals.

Congratulations to finalists: Storepersons Ben Molignano and Andrew Meringolo and Aftermarket Warranty Supervisor Daniel Meringolo.

This award recognizes groups or teams of employees who demonstrate the key elements of successful project work that advance departmental goals or the TTC mission. Teamwork may take place within groups, across groups, or within a department or section. Adjudication Committee: Chief Financial Officer Josie La Vita and Acting Chief Strategy and Customer Experience Officer Wendy Reuter.

Diversity Award

Mark Couvillon
Operator
Bus Transportation

Mark went above and beyond his regular responsibilities as a Bus Operator, while representing TTC during this year’s Right to Love Campaign after being volunteered by fellow Operators who felt that he represented all of the values that represent diversity and inclusivity. Mark eloquently spoke at the flag-raising ceremony, participated in two television interviews, and drove the Pride Bus in the parade. He constantly takes the initiative to educate other Operators within the division and is a role model for many.

Congratulations to finalists: Bus Operators Shanae Brown and Tejinder Jawandha and OTC Instructor Sydney Somerville.

The Diversity Award recognizes TTC employees who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging. These individuals model inclusive behaviour and act as champions for diversity and inclusion. Adjudication Committee: Chief Diversity and Culture Officer Keisha Campbell and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Natalie Poole-Moffatt.