A Proud Tradition Continues

October 1, 2015July 6, 2017 Michael Corwin

Chair & CEO Shola Olatoye, with DeCarlo award winner Victor Cortes to her left in photo and runner-up Roberto Rodriguez to her right. HR Director Kenya Salaudeen is to the left of Mr. Cortes, and the remaining individuals are recipients of Certificates of Merit for their service (see full list in below).

The John DeCarlo memorial Award — NYCHA’s premier employee prize — was presented on September 18 to two outstanding caretakers whose job dedication best perpetuates the legacy of the renowned caretaker for whom the award is named.

To the applause of proud family and management department members gathered in the Ceremonial Room at 250 Broadway, Chair and CEO Shola Olatoye presented a $1,000 check to Monroe Houses Caretaker Victor M. Cortes and a $500 check to runner-up Johnson Houses Caretaker Roberto Rodriguez.

The caretakers were selected out of over 50 nominees from all five boroughs for embodying the qualities of the beloved Caretaker John DeCarlo, who lost his life on duty at Marlboro Houses in 1997.

“It’s important both to remember the legacy of John DeCarlo and acknowledge the hard work of men and women that make our developments livable everyday,” Chair Olatoye said in presenting the awards.

In welcoming remarks, Human Resources Director Kenya Salaudeen recounted some of the qualities and stories about John DeCarlo that have entered into Authority lore. “Always arriving at work on time and rarely taking time off, John’s quiet qualities and large size earned him the nickname of ‘gentle giant,’” she said. “Through his service to residents, John exemplified the outstanding level of dedication that NYCHA now seeks to recognize each year through the John DeCarlo Memorial Award.”

Shola Olatoye and Victor Cortes — Chair & CEO Shola Olatoye with award winner Victor Cortes.

In thanking NYCHA for the award, Mr. Cortes — who has served as caretaker for 50 years at the same development — remarked: “I feel like I am a role model for the new generation of caretakers. I encourage them to keep working hard because there are lots of opportunities here to serve residents and provide for your family.”

Roberto Rodriguez — who was honored as runner-up for the second consecutive year — recalled first putting on a NYCHA uniform at the age of 16 as a Summer Youth Employment Program participant. “This job takes hard work and dedication and that is what we all showed,” he said, referring to this year’s winner as well as the 12 caretakers from among the nominees honored with Certificates of Merit.

Praise for Honorees

Senior Vice President for Operations Brian Clarke told all the honorees, “It’s wonderful that you keep John DeCarlo’s spirit alive everyday in what you do.”

Bronx Property Management Department (PMD) Director Melania Allen and Brooklyn PMD Director Phil Calendrillo also thanked the honorees. Ms. Allen recalled “how well-loved John DeCarlo was“ and noted that “just to be nominated for the DeCarlo prize is an honor.”

“Victor is a very hard worker who stays late and also encourages others to work at a higher level,” said Monroe Houses Property Manager Ricardo Rodriguez. “He makes my job and the superintendent’s job much easier.”

In closing remarks, Ms. Salaudeen announced that a plaque would be permanently installed at Monroe House in recognition of the 2015 John DeCarlo Memorial Award’s presentation to Victor Cortes. Ms. Salaudeen also acknowledged the many supervisors who took the time to recognize outstanding caretakers by preparing commendation memos and completing the nomination forms.

“It is so important to document outstanding performance,” she said. “Let’s all try to catch someone doing something good and take the time to write commendation memos for deserving employees. The person you recognize and encourage might be a future DeCarlo Award winner.”