North Andover Names 2021 Employees of the Year

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — Town Manager Melissa Murphy-Rodrigues named two town employees the Employees of the Year for 2021 Monday, recognizing their service to the town throughout the last year.

The 2021 winners are Toni Wolfenden, Health Department assistant, and John Wood, lead communications officer.

"The North Andover Employee of the Year program was instituted in 2020 to recognize annually one employee for being a team player, exhibiting exceptional customer service, going above and beyond expectations in their work, conduct and dedication, and who embodies the true meaning of being a public servant," Murphy-Rodrigues said.

The town manager selected the winner based on nominations by town employees.

"We received so many worthy nominations this year," Murphy-Rodrigues said. "It was a truly difficult decision, and I just could not settle on only one. This year we had two employees who truly were deserving."

Murphy-Rodrigues shared some quotes from Wolfenden and Wood's nominations:

“John does so much for the Police Department and asks for nothing in return.”

“There is not a person at the Police Department that doesn’t ask John Wood for something every day.”

“Toni has always been a cheerful, smiling bright light at the entrance of Town Hall.”

“I nominate Toni for employee of the year for her relentless good cheer, inspiration to all of us and commitment to North Andover.”

Last year's inaugural winner of the award was Public Health Nurse Caroline Ibbitson.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.