Carla DeMuth Award Recipients
Carla DeMuth Award for Excellence Recipients-
Ron Salvner and Kay Ballien
The Carla M. DeMuth Award for Excellence was established in 1997 to celebrate the legacy of Carla Marten DeMuth. Carla had a passion for assisting women and children in need of food, shelter and a safe environment. She was an active member of a community action program in Littleton, Massachusetts called “Help.” Her sister, Ruth Marten of Midland, Michigan and former LCFS Board member established the award.
Carla believed that “Excellence” was the key to success. She served as a contract administrator in her professional life, working for a division of Litton Industries which dealt with government missile programs. One of Carla’s many gifts was the ability to persuade engineers to be professional and complete their work on time. Carla embodied “Excellence” and helped others to see the importance of their work.Ron Salvner was the first staff person to serve as CFO in the agency’s 100 plus years of service. He brought his experience in the for-profit world (Stricker Corporation, Kalamazoo and Schilling Accounting Firm in Bay City). In his role, he applied financial analysis to all phases of the agency’s work including contract bidding, financial management, budgeting. He was also responsible for facility oversight and insurance (risk management).
Kay Ballien
Kay Ballien joined LCFS after serving as Executive Secretary to the President of Saginaw Osteopathic Hospital. Kay is recognized for her outstanding organizational skills, follow-through, timeliness, accuracy, attention to detail, scheduling, style and pleasant manner in dealing with persons internally as well as externally.
Both Ron and Kay exhibited exemplary work ethics. Both people of faith who value the work the agency does to improve the lives of children and families who often find life an uphill battle. We wish Ron and Kay the very best in retirement. The agency, staff and Board of Directors are better because of their service.