Page 9 - 2019 PMAD Winners Booklet

Joanne

BRANCACCIO

MAKES A
difference

Benefits Administrator
SARGENT – New Haven, Connecticut, USA

Going above and beyond

When Joanne Brancaccio began working at and compassion . “I hope that I have made these
SARGENT, she didn’t anticipate putting down situations a little less stressful by lending a
roots . Initially, she accepted the position to be sympathetic ear and helping our employees
eligible for early dismissal from school . Fast forward navigate through any insurance issues I can help
four decades and the mother of three is still with with,” she says .
the organization—happily so—forging strong One accomplishment for which she is especially
connections with colleagues and making a positive proud was streamlining benefits management
difference in lives along the way . to one platform across the group via the
As Benefits Administrator, Joanne is responsible for implementation of the Benefit Focus program .
administering all company benefits from medical “I had to work on standardizing the benefits across
coverage to prescriptions, pensions, 401(k)s and the Americas,” she explains . “This was a long,
more . She also oversees workers’ compensation complicated process but it was successful .”
for SARGENT, Door Security Solutions, Corporate The hard work has not gone unnoticed . Jack
and the Electronic Door Security Sales Group .
Dwyer, Vice President of Human Resources and
Due to the nature of her role, it’s no surprise that Administration at Opening Solutions Americas,
she is regularly inundated with calls and emails, sings her praises . “Throughout Joanne’s 40-plus-
often with questions from employees and retirees . years career in benefits administration, she has
Despite the constant demand for her attention, consistently gone above and beyond to assist
Joanne always makes a point to respond promptly, employees and their dependents navigating the
if only to let someone know she’s working on it . “My complexities of the U .S . healthcare and benefits
motto is, ‘Go with the flow’ and prioritize what is system,” he says . “Joanne’s service-minded attitude,
most important,” she says . combined with her pragmatic and proactive
responses distinguish her as an employee who lives
Joanne enjoys the ability to connect with colleagues
on a personal level . “I get to share life’s greatest the qualities associated with the ‘People Making a
Difference Award’ day in and day out .”
moments, such as getting married and having a
baby,” She explains . “I always ask for pictures!” After a storied career at ASSA ABLOY, Joanne will be
She also shares in life’s difficult events, such as retiring in early 2020 . She will be missed by all who
divorce, illness or death, by expressing support had the good fortune to cross her path .
people making a difference 9