We are thrilled to announce that Christopher Penna, Engineering Coordinator, Meliadine, Nunavut is our 2nd annual 2019 Larry Connell Award for Collaborative Excellence recipient!
The Larry Connell Award for Collaborative Excellence was created in honour of Larry Connell, who retired from Agnico Eagle in 2017 as our Corporate Director, Regulatory Affairs. During his almost 40-year career in the mining industry, Larry earned the admiration and respect of everyone around him for his positive attitude and superior collaborative skills which enabled him to achieve great results.
To ensure this spirit of strong collaboration and positive impact continues at Agnico Eagle, in 2018 the Larry Connell Award for Collaborative Excellence was created to recognize our employees for the key qualities Larry exemplified throughout his remarkable career. Recipients are selected based on their impact, network and sphere of influence, both inside and outside Agnico Eagle and for supporting the success of the Company regionally or globally and in meeting the criteria outlined for the award:
• A high degree of collaboration with colleagues at all levels
• A positive attitude in the face of many and varied obstacles
• A high degree of commitment and professionalism
A true role model, Chris is highly revered for his professionalism, his integrity and diligence. It’s no wonder why the Meliadine Engineering Team decided to gather over seventy signatures from colleagues who agree that Chris is very deserving of the Larry Connell Award. Selected from a group of strong nominees, Christopher is widely respected as the consummate team player and for his highly collaborative approach, his infectious positive attitude and willingness to always help and guide others.
Christopher felt humbled upon learning he was nominated by his colleagues. “Being nominated by one’s colleagues is very special,” says Christopher. “And, if anything, stands as great testimony to the underlying spirit that exists within the team at Meliadine.”
Over his 10-year career at Agnico Eagle, more than 5 of those years have been at Meliadine where Christopher is well-respected among his colleagues. He is known to actively listen to his colleagues’ concerns and takes his time to consider them seriously and respond thoughtfully; even if it means asking for help or consulting external sources. Colleagues feel at ease in sharing their questions and concerns with Chris.
Christopher further keeps his colleagues motivated with his naturally cheerful demeanour and contagious positivity. He humbly leads by example; always ensuring his team receives recognition for their success; treating everyone, regardless of their position, with respect.
In recognition of his achievement, a donation of $5,000 CDN will be made by Agnico Eagle on behalf of Christopher to Embrace Life Council, a non-profit suicide prevention organization based in Iqaluit, Nunavut. Christopher was also invited to attend a virtual ceremony on September 29, where he was presented with the award, which will be displayed at the Meliadine site in Nunavut.
As part of this Award, we are also pleased to announce our other regional finalists:
• Mark Masson and Patrice Barbe - Exploration
• Katja Erkkilä - Kittilä
• María Ofelia Nava Murrieta, Mexico
• Véronique Falmagne - Abitibi
A donation of $1,000 CDN will also be made by Agnico Eagle on behalf of each regional finalist to the community initiative or charity of their choice.
Congratulations Christopher on this big win! And to Mark, Patrice, Katja, María and Véronique, our regional finalists for achieving great results with your superior collaborative skills.
In the words of our 2019 Larry Connell Award for Collaborative Excellence winner, Christopher:
“It’s only through collaboration that we can consistently keep moving forward – drawing on all experiences and expertise available.”