January 2026 Employees of the Month
Published: February 16, 2026
Updated: February 16, 2026
Every month, the employees at Strategic Communications are given the opportunity to acknowledge exemplary colleagues within or outside their department. Three individuals were chosen by their coworkers for their commitment to customer service, perseverance in the face of challenges, and can-do attitudes!
Allison Pehlke
- When did you start working for Strategic Communications?
October of 2019 (Paige's birthday!) - What’s one word that best describes how you feel about your role?
Gatekeeper: I have a responsibility to ensure that every order is accurate and completed before it goes to the next step. Even if that means multiple questions have to be asked, I need to protect the integrity of both my department and the company, making sure nothing falls through the cracks. - What’s a skill you’d love to learn if you had more free time?
Keeping house plants alive: Does it need more water, less? Does it need sun, shade? Why are the leaves falling off or turning colors? - If you could pick one meal to eat every day, what would it be?
Not every day but, currently while it's still chilly out my go to is the Guiness Beef Stew at The Irish Rover. It's the best meal to eat during the winter. - If you could instantly learn a new language, which would you choose?
Whatever the dog speaks, clearly, it's important.. And loud.
Braeden Veasey
- When did you start working for Strategic Communications?
I started in June of 2024, so coming up on 2 years now. Everyone was so welcoming and helped me fit right in, so it feels like I’ve been here much longer! - What is your favorite project that you’ve worked on at Strategic?
Probably starting the ITES-4H contract. It was pretty crazy in the beginning, since it was brand new to all of us. But it was the first big change on the inside team since I started, so it was nice to be involved in figuring out the best processes and how to handle all the new opportunities. - What does your dream vacation look like?
Anywhere with a beach! I just want to lay out on the sand, it’s been too long. Hopefully can go on an ocean vacation this year! 🤞 - Who is your favorite musical artist, and what was the first concert you attended?
I’m not a huge concert person personally, but in terms of live music performances, I do love a stage musical. The first one I ever saw was Wicked. And I just saw the Jagged Little Pill musical a couple weeks ago, so I’ve been on a big Alanis Morisette kick lately. - How would your family, friends, or coworkers describe you in three words?
Genuine, Thoughtful, and Friendly. - What is your current favorite TV Show, Podcast, or Book that you’d like to share with the world?
I’ve been getting interested in Greek mythology recently, so I’m currently reading the book Circe, it’s great so far! I’m also playing some Greek mythology video games, and I just started the Percy Jackson TV show.
Eric Heck
- When did you start working for Strategic Communications?
Paige saw my resume and profile online and reached out to me shortly into the COVID pandemic of 2020. So thankful she did. Had my first and only remote interview, super awkward but the rest is history. - What is the best career lesson you've learned so far?
Wait, career? What career? I’m just a simple lifer here. All I need is a shower and I’d live here…practically do as it is. - What’s a moment at Strategic that made you feel proud to be on the team?
Everyone that I’ve met had me feel right at home from the very beginning and Kathy is an amazing woman to work for. - What’s a small thing that consistently makes your day better?
Our “beach” windows here on the 2nd floor…you know what I am talking about. - What advice would you give someone new joining Strategic Communications?
I often feel underqualified with all the smart people I work with; however, they never act like it. The compassion and teamwork is amazing and honest.
