Kennedy-Kafer Service Award
About the Kennedy-Kafer Service Award
The Kennedy-Kafer Service Award is presented at 3RNET’s annual conference to a 3RNET member who demonstrates the same passion, dedication, and loyalty toward 3RNET's mission as the awards namesakes: Nikki Kennedy-Kafer and Jerry Kafer.
3RNET staff members select the Kennedy-Kafer Service Award recipient. The first award was presented in 2014.
About Nikki Kennedy-Kafer and Jerry Kafer
Nikki Kennedy-Kafer and Jerry Kafer are former employees of 3RNET. Nikki joined 3RNET as a full-time administrator in July of 1999, and worked out of her home office in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. She served as the contact for health professionals, employers, and 3RNET members, maintained the website, and answered the toll-free phone line. In many ways, she and Fred Moskol, 3RNET's founder, became the face of 3RNET. Jerry Kafer came on board as a part-time employee in the winter of 2008. Jerry became full-time associate administrator in the fall of 2009. Nikki and Jerry both retired in 2014.
The Kennedy-Kafer Service Award is presented at 3RNET’s annual conference to a 3RNET member who demonstrates the same passion, dedication, and loyalty toward 3RNET's mission as the awards namesakes: Nikki Kennedy-Kafer and Jerry Kafer.
3RNET staff members select the Kennedy-Kafer Service Award recipient. The first award was presented in 2014.
About Nikki Kennedy-Kafer and Jerry Kafer
Nikki Kennedy-Kafer and Jerry Kafer are former employees of 3RNET. Nikki joined 3RNET as a full-time administrator in July of 1999, and worked out of her home office in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. She served as the contact for health professionals, employers, and 3RNET members, maintained the website, and answered the toll-free phone line. In many ways, she and Fred Moskol, 3RNET's founder, became the face of 3RNET. Jerry Kafer came on board as a part-time employee in the winter of 2008. Jerry became full-time associate administrator in the fall of 2009. Nikki and Jerry both retired in 2014.
2023 Kennedy-Kafer Service Award Recipient
Brandon Carman (West Virginia)
(left to right) Stacy Kulser (North Dakota), 3RNET Board President; Brandon Carman (West Virginia) Kennedy-Kafer Award Recipient; Mike Shimmens, 3RNET Executive Director.
We sent a few questions to our 2023 Kennedy-Kafer award recipient, Brandon Carman (West Virginia) to learn more about his history with and service toward 3RNET, and what these mean to him:
Tell us about when and how you were first connected with 3RNET.
I believe it was 2007 when I was first introduced to 3RNET. I just made myself feel very old with that revelation. One of my early roles within the West Virginia State Office of Rural Health (SORH) was to promote 3RNET during our conferences and exhibit opportunities.
Tell us about your history with 3RNET. How long have you served as a Network Coordinator? What committees, projects, events, and more have you helped with?
I have been the Network Coordinator for West Virginia for at least the last 7-8 years. During that time I have worked on several state-level initiatives leveraging 3RNET. Most notably, the Balance West Virginia Nursing Relocation Initiative spearheaded by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the Office of Governor Jim Justice. We have also had great success with allowing our partner organizations to embed 3RNET job opportunities directly into their organizational websites. I am currently serving on the 3RNET Board of Directors and seeking to be more involved in future event planning.
What does ‘service’ mean to you?
I believe ‘service’ is providing something of benefit to someone else. It means looking at the task at hand and identifying the expertise or resources I possess to help accomplish the desired outcomes.
What does the 3RNET Network of membership organizations mean to you?
When I discuss 3RNET within our bureau I describe it as “the cornerstone” in the West Virginia SORH's workforce programs. And that’s what our membership is- without 3RNET the ability of our office to effectively address recruitment and retention issues is severely, if not irreparably, damaged. For the investment, the tools and support provided are integral. Membership strengthens the services our office can provide. Not only are we gaining access to the expertise of the 3RNET team but we have access to our other state peers. The friendships and informational sharing are beyond value. Hearing the successes of our counterparts inspires me in ways that will make me a stronger Network Coordinator. Knowing you aren’t alone eases the stresses of the challenges we face!
What advice would you give to someone new to 3RNET or new to recruitment?
Lean on your peers; ask the dumb questions. We all started out somewhere and many of us weren’t in recruitment. 3RNET staff as well as the other members have been some of the most welcoming and genuinely helpful people I have ever met. I know each year that I am surrounded by friends and folks who genuinely “get” the work we do.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you so much, I am truly honored to be the recipient of the 2023 Kennedy- Kafer Award.
Congratulations, and well deserved, Brandon!
Tell us about when and how you were first connected with 3RNET.
I believe it was 2007 when I was first introduced to 3RNET. I just made myself feel very old with that revelation. One of my early roles within the West Virginia State Office of Rural Health (SORH) was to promote 3RNET during our conferences and exhibit opportunities.
Tell us about your history with 3RNET. How long have you served as a Network Coordinator? What committees, projects, events, and more have you helped with?
I have been the Network Coordinator for West Virginia for at least the last 7-8 years. During that time I have worked on several state-level initiatives leveraging 3RNET. Most notably, the Balance West Virginia Nursing Relocation Initiative spearheaded by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the Office of Governor Jim Justice. We have also had great success with allowing our partner organizations to embed 3RNET job opportunities directly into their organizational websites. I am currently serving on the 3RNET Board of Directors and seeking to be more involved in future event planning.
What does ‘service’ mean to you?
I believe ‘service’ is providing something of benefit to someone else. It means looking at the task at hand and identifying the expertise or resources I possess to help accomplish the desired outcomes.
What does the 3RNET Network of membership organizations mean to you?
When I discuss 3RNET within our bureau I describe it as “the cornerstone” in the West Virginia SORH's workforce programs. And that’s what our membership is- without 3RNET the ability of our office to effectively address recruitment and retention issues is severely, if not irreparably, damaged. For the investment, the tools and support provided are integral. Membership strengthens the services our office can provide. Not only are we gaining access to the expertise of the 3RNET team but we have access to our other state peers. The friendships and informational sharing are beyond value. Hearing the successes of our counterparts inspires me in ways that will make me a stronger Network Coordinator. Knowing you aren’t alone eases the stresses of the challenges we face!
What advice would you give to someone new to 3RNET or new to recruitment?
Lean on your peers; ask the dumb questions. We all started out somewhere and many of us weren’t in recruitment. 3RNET staff as well as the other members have been some of the most welcoming and genuinely helpful people I have ever met. I know each year that I am surrounded by friends and folks who genuinely “get” the work we do.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you so much, I am truly honored to be the recipient of the 2023 Kennedy- Kafer Award.
Congratulations, and well deserved, Brandon!
Past Kennedy-Kafer Service Award Recipients
2023 - Brandon Carman - Read the full announcement here.
2022 - Anita Mitchell - Read the full announcement here.
2021 - Stacy Kusler - Read the full announcement here.
2019 - Jill D'Errico - Read the full announcement here.
2018 - Judd Mellinger-Blouch - Read the full announcement here.
2017 - Ann Cranford - Read the full announcement here.
2016 - Joni Adamson - Read the full announcement here.
2015 - Renee Fullerton - Read the full announcement here.
2014 - Melissa Candelaria - Read the full announcement here.
2022 - Anita Mitchell - Read the full announcement here.
2021 - Stacy Kusler - Read the full announcement here.
2019 - Jill D'Errico - Read the full announcement here.
2018 - Judd Mellinger-Blouch - Read the full announcement here.
2017 - Ann Cranford - Read the full announcement here.
2016 - Joni Adamson - Read the full announcement here.
2015 - Renee Fullerton - Read the full announcement here.
2014 - Melissa Candelaria - Read the full announcement here.