Colozzi keeps president’s office running smoothly, earns employee of month honors for November

November 2021 GTCC Employee of the Month Maria Colozzi

Maria Colozzi understands taking up the slack in the workplace. For almost a year the executive administrative assistant in the president’s office has made sure it was business as usual even though there were two staff vacancies.

For the hard work and effort in doing that, Colozzi has been named the Guilford Technical Community College employee of the month for November.

Colozzi currently provides sole support to GTCC President Anthony Clarke and three other executives while working with the board of trustees. She also serves as the face of the office, answering phones, greeting visitors, and handling the administrative workload.

“Maria is reliable, professional and immensely patient in her dealings with others at every level,” said her nominator. “Since December of 2020, Maria has faithfully helped to maintain smooth operations in the face of now two vacancies in our office. She has worked to acclimate and train several staff to help. She has worked tirelessly to help interview and select candidates to fill those vacancies.”

The past year has brought not only increased hours for Colozzi, but the stress and anxiety that came with it. On the mornings of 7:30 board meetings, she has to arrive especially early. And then there is the challenge of managing hybrid meetings during covid where some board members attend in person and others virtually.

“Maria is able to accomplish these tasks because she plans ahead, makes good use of all available resources and is an excellent team player,” said her nominator. “She is well-liked and respected around the college and co-workers seem to enjoy the opportunity to help her where they can. Thank you, Maria for all you do all year. It doesn’t go unnoticed or unappreciated.”