Jessica Gosa Named the June Community Hero of the Month
In partnership with the Tompkins Trust Company, we have named Foodnet Meals on Wheels Executive Director, Jessica Gosa, as the June 2021 recipient of the Community Hero of the Month Award, which recognizes individuals from Tompkins County who have significantly impacted our community.
Foodnet Meals on Wheels provides meals and other nutrition services to older adults and other persons in need in Tompkins County and is the only local agency that delivers hot meals directly to clients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jessica and her team expanded the organization’s services to meet the growing needs of the community at a time of severe food insecurity by launching a new program that provided emergency bulk meals to local individuals and families of any age in quarantine.
Jennifer Tavares, President and CEO of the Tompkins Chamber, stated, “We are honored to recognize Jessica Gosa for a job well done – particularly during the last year, as she has led Foodnet and our community through so many food insecurity issues. Foodnet has served not only our senior neighbors, but expanded services to all who needed food access due to isolation during the pandemic.”
Tompkins Trust Company President and CEO Greg Hartz added, “We are pleased to bestow this award to Jessica who, along with her team, has provided critical and expanded services to our community throughout this difficult year.” Hartz added, “On behalf of the Trust Company, I would like to thank Jessica for her exceptional work.”
Jessica has more than 15 years of leadership experience within the areas of healthcare, mental health, human services, and aging services. She received her bachelor’s degree in social work from Shepherd University and her master’s in social work from the State University of New York at Albany where she also completed a John A. Hartford Gerontology fellowship. Additionally, Jessica serves as the President of the Meals on Wheels New York State Association.
Jessica will receive a Community Hero of the Month plaque and a few additional surprises from Tompkins Trust Company.
Listen to the interview here.
About Tompkins Trust Company
Founded in 1836, Tompkins Trust Company has 13 locations in Tompkins County, Cortland, Auburn, and Syracuse. Bank services include complete lines of consumer deposit accounts and loans, business accounts and loans, as well as trust and investment services and leasing. Insurance services are offered through Tompkins Insurance Agencies, and wealth management services are offered through Tompkins Financial Advisors. Further information about the bank is available at www.tompkinstrust.com.
About Tompkins Chamber
With over 650 active members, the Tompkins Chamber is dedicated to making our community a great place to live and work. The Chamber is a progressive, forward-thinking organization dedicated to promoting business in our region by being the community’s nexus. The mission of the Tompkins Chamber is to foster sustainable economic growth through service to our members, strategic advocacy, workforce development, destination marketing, and quality-of-life investments.
About Community Hero of the Month
The Tompkins Trust Company, in partnership with the Tompkins Chamber, is pleased to announce the launch of the Community Hero of the Month Awards, which will give deserving recognition to individuals from Tompkins County who have significantly impacted our community. The program will begin March 2021 and will announce community heroes each month.
Tompkins Trust Company President and CEO Greg Hartz shared his excitement for the new program, “We are looking forward to honoring these incredible community heroes who have done so much for Tompkins County and are pleased to collaborate with the Tompkins Chamber on this important and meaningful initiative” Hartzadded, “It is especially important to recognize the accomplishments of community members who have stepped up this past year, as COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on the entire community.”
“This is a wonderful way for us partner with Tompkins Trust Company and show gratitude to these deserving community members who have demonstrated exemplary service to our community,” said Jennifer Tavares, President & CEO of the Tompkins Chamber. “We’re excited to highlight how much the Trust Company and Tompkins Chamber alike value strong leadership and commitment to our community with the establishment of this new recognition program.”
The monthly winners will receive a Community Hero of the Month plaque and a few additional surprises from Tompkins Trust Company.
