When we approach July 1st, and the beginning of a new fiscal year, CFSA takes an afternoon to celebrate what we achieved together as a team in the previous year, enjoy lunch, and tackle some kind of arts activity. Last year, we expanded our Staff Excellence Awards to recognize two people. One whose work was more clearly visible internally, perhaps impacting organizational team culture or processes, and one whose work was more visible to external audiences such as donors, nonprofits, and those who attend our events.
Definitely not a perfect distinction, but honoring two people in this manner gives us some room to recognize the different kinds of work we do here at CFSA and a bit more of a yardstick from which to measure the work being done. (It’s also more FUN to honor two teammates!)
Staff Internal Excellence Award FY26 – Jonathan Kleefeld
Our (remote) Senior Finance Associate, Jonathan has been with CFSA for almost four years now, and has proven an indispensable resource and consummate teammate in that span, whether helping staff figure out their expense reports, explaining complex subjects with regard to our budget, or assisting with helping award a record-shattering amount for CORE Grants in 2026. Here are some of the things his nominating teammates had to say:
“Jonathan created a uniform budget template to use across all the initiatives. While this is structured within the system of finance and meets what finance needs, it also works really well for the initiatives and for CFSA reporting back to initiatives. Win, win, win!”
“Jonathan has been incredibly generous with his time and expertise this year in coaching and supporting not only me but several members of the CI team with financials, especially with regard to supporting the Initiatives. He has made himself available so often, throughout the year, and even at a moment’s notice, to answer questions, walk through complex situations, provide review, react to an idea, or give guidance. He has also provided affirmation and solidarity in spades every time I was faced with a challenge! He is an incredibly giving colleague, and much of that we’ve been able to clarify, advance, and streamline across the CI team and with the Initiatives this year has been directly because of him.”
“Jonathan was also extremely helpful in meeting with me to go over the budget templates and cooperatively work on each initiative budget, helping provide context, prior year information, and support to estimate costs relative to real data. Plus, he is pleasant and easy to work with!”
Staff External Excellence Award FY26 – Christopher Echeveste
Having effortlessly transitioned from his original role under AmeriCorps VISTA to a proper full-fledged member of the Community Impact team, Christopher continues to shine in every regard, whether locking down the little details for website registration or solving a problem in the middle of a public event. He is unfailingly kind, considerate, and ready to do whatever is needed to advance CFSA’s mission and provide a welcoming vibe for the community. Here’s what his teammates said:
“Christopher has taken on so much responsibility this year. Not only has he risen to meet the challenge of a restructured team, but he’s lifted everyone else up while doing so.”
“Christopher consistently steps up to support all CFSA departments by taking on new responsibilities and learning unfamiliar tasks whenever help is needed. He approaches every opportunity with curiosity, professionalism, and a positive attitude. He also volunteers in most events and engages fully with the team and community. His growth since starting at CFSA as an AmeriCorps VISTA has been remarkable.”
“Christopher genuinely cares about the people around him and the work being done at CFSA. He consistently brings kindness, enthusiasm, and encouragement into team settings. One thing that stands out is how invested he is in the organization, even bringing his family to events and showing pride in being part of CFSA. He is thoughtful, eager to grow, and always willing to contribute in any way he can, making him an incredibly valued teammate.”
Congratulations again to Jonathan Kleefeld & Christopher Echeveste! You embody the values of CFSA and make this a better place to be for everyone.
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