McElroy President Celebrates 20th Anniversary
On September 14, 2007, McElroy Translation President Shelly Orr Priebe celebrated 20 years of service and leadership with the company. Employees, translators, family, and other special guests joined together the day before in a festive celebration that included balloons and banners, champagne and good food, kind words and meaningful gifts.
We began with a champagne toast to a tearful Shelly, thanking and congratulating her for 20 years of service and leadership. Several employees then said a few words in honor of the occasion, including Account Managers Tina Cargile and Olga Kopp, Director of PMO Patricia Bown, Proofreader Clay Browne, owner Diane McElroy, and Shelly’s husband Chuck, who brought along photos of Shelly on her first day of work at McElroy 20 years ago!
Account Manager Tina Cargile says a few words
about her 17 years of working with Shelly.
More of the McElroy team listens intently to our speakers.
Shelly Priebe and Diane McElroy
Tina’s story was particularly poignant, as she related a day a decade ago when she found herself in a difficult situation and needed to resign immediately. Tina recalls that instead of asking about undone projects and tasks, Shelly asked her three things: “Are you okay? Will you be okay? Would you like to take my cell phone with you?” That kind of care and concern has been a hallmark of Shelly’s leadership.
We then presented Shelly with three very special gifts. The first was just for her, a gift certificate for a full day of services at Lake Austin Spa Resort. The second gift was for Shelly and her family, because we know that people don’t reach a 20-year anniversary without the support of their families. We hope they enjoy the gift certificate from Evergreen Studios for a family portrait session and photographs.
VP of Operations Kim Vitray and Shelly
Our third gift was a donation in Shelly’s honor to the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders. We were especially pleased to have Governor Richards’ daughter Ellen Richards with us at our celebration, to accept the donation and say a few words about the school’s mission and purpose.
Ellen Richards, daughter of Ann Richards, former governor of Texas
Our celebration was capped off by a delightful lunch catered by Pecan Street Café, which is an Austin institution that was once owned by our founder Ralph McElroy. We wrapped that up with chocolate cake, followed by nap time at McElroy Translation!
