Date: May 2023
Subject: Recommendation Letter for Gerald (Jerry) Griffin
Arcadis U.S., Inc.
295, Bendix Road, #240 Virginia Beach, VA
United States
M: 609 860 0590 753 1065
www.arcadis.com
To Whom It May Concern,
Dear Madam / Sir,
I lead the North American practice for the Sustainable Operations solution at Arcadis. Arcadis is one of the world's leading companies delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We are more than 36,000 people, in over 70 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life.
As part of our global solutions that cover 3.5B+ Euros in annual revenue, we advise our clients on setting strategies and developing roadmaps for driving their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) agendas forward. Many of the private sector companies we work for apply the triple-bottom -line approach, balancing their commitments to people, the planet, and profits as part of their ESG ambition. Part of this ambition is building inclusive cultures within corporations and promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging. At Arcadis, we not only help our clients drive towards their DEIAB outcomes, but we also work to embed DEIAB into our everyday behaviors. This is why I work for Arcadis. It’s a career that helps me live my values. In addition to my work with the company, I have the privilege of chairing Virginia AWWA’s maiden DEI committee
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jerry Griffin, who has served in the Vice Chair role for this committee since Oct 2021 (currently getting ready to take over as Chair!) I am confident in his exceptional qualifications, dedication, and passion for promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace – through the vital tools of leadership, communication, and influence!
Jerry has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. He possesses a keen awareness of the challenges and barriers that individuals from underrepresented groups face and actively strives to create opportunities for all employees to feel valued and empowered.
One of Jerry’s notable strengths is his ability to envision and then drive change and transformation, be it through collaboration with HBCUs, Diversity Richmond, Randolph College, YWCA, and other community stakeholders, or active networking and engagement with committee members and their organizations He combines his passion with a strong analytical mindset, enabling him to conduct thorough assessments of existing policies, practices, workplace dynamics, and programs. He has the insight and acumen in identifying areas for improvement and implementing effective measures to create a more inclusive and equitable work culture. Moreover, Jerry has excellent communication skills and a natural ability to engage with individuals at all levels of the organization, including with DEI change makers and influencers like Dr. Janice Underwood, Dr. Keesha Burke-Henderson, and Dr. Jesse Winn to contribute to the DEI dialog and learning. He is adept at leading
May 16, 2023
workshops (e.g., via our Monthly thought leadership program called Thoughtful Tuesday) , training sessions, and discussions on DEI, leadership, and organizational culture topics, ensuring that employees and volunteers gain the necessary knowledge and understanding to become allies and advocates for the cause.
In addition to this expertise, Jerry brings a genuine passion and commitment to his work. He approaches every task with enthusiasm and a strong sense of purpose. His empathy, humility, and respect for others make him an excellent collaborator and a trusted advisor.
I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact Jerry has made within VA AWWA and in the expanded circles with members and member organizations. He has successfully implemented initiatives that have fostered a more inclusive and supportive environment, resulting in increased volunteer satisfaction and improved membership engagement rates. His dedication and accomplishments in the DEI, communication, and leadership space make him an ideal candidate for the leadership position within your organization.
If you have any further questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Sincerely,
Supriya Email: supriya.murthy@arcadis.comTo whom it may concern,
It is my pleasure to write this leter of recommenda�on for Jerry Griffin in his professional pursuits.
I met Jerry at the 2022 WaterJAM conference in Virginia Beach when I atended as visi�ng representa�ve for the American Water Works Associa�on (AWWA). He stood out to me during a discussion on workforce challenges at the U�lity Managers Breakfast. When emphasizing the importance of reflec�ng the community among a U�lity’s leadership for the benefit of workforce development, he offered himself as an example of a young professional and person of color who was promoted into a management posi�on as Lynchburg ’s Public Informa�on Officer. His willingness to engage in these important conversa�ons, understand the issues and work towards solu�ons was apparent to me from this first encounter, and I made a point to connect with him and discuss leadership opportuni�es within AWWA.
Since then, I have goten to known Jerry through regular conversa�ons and while spending �me together at na�onal water conferences. I know Jerry as a dedicated collaborator and passionate communicator who strives to bridge divides through connec�ng diverse stakeholders on a common ground. He engages fully in any pursuit, whether his career or volunteer work, aspiring to maximize the value of his contribu�ons However, Jerry understands he can’t be everywhere at once, and while individuals like him are highly sought-a�er, he is careful where to direct his aten�on to achieve the greatest impact. Jerry approaches new challenges with a learning mindset, striving for personal growth and development to the benefit of current and future endeavors.
Jerry ’s a�tude and drive are inspira�onal to me, and these characteris�cs would be welcome on any team, especially in the current workforce climate as the Water Community competes (ac�vely) with other industries, and (reluctantly) within our own, for talented and willing individuals to serve our noble cause. I am ac�vely recrui�ng Jerry for opportuni�es at AWWA, and I would strongly endorse his applica�on to your organiza�on.
Feel free to contact me by phone or email if you have any ques�ons or would like to discuss my thoughts on Jerry ’s talents and capabili�es relevant to your opportunity.
Sincerely,
T.J. Stroebl Market Development Leader – Kurita America Board Member and Council Chair – American Water Works Associa�on(612)
801-2849t.stroebl@kurita-water.com
2609HurdleHillRoad
Lynchburg,Virginia24503
July23,2023
Re: GeraldGriffin Towhomitmayconcern,
AstheSpecialProjectsManagerfortheDepartmentofWaterResourcesintheCityof LynchburgIhaveworkedwithGeraldGriffinforthepastthreeyears.
Ihavefoundhimtobeaconscien ousandcommi edworkerwhostrivestogoaboveand beyondtherequirementsofhisposi on. Hemakeshimselfavailable24/7torespondto Departmentemergencies.
Ihavepersonallyobservedhimovercomeanini allystrainedrela onshiptocreateacommon basisofmutualsupportandtrustandobservedhimstrivetobuildlongtermrela onshipsso thatwhenunforeseencircumstancesarise,heknowswhomhecancall.
Iwishhimthebestinwhateverendeavorshechoosestopursueandencourageyoutogivehim strongconsidera onforaposi onwithinyourorganiza on.
Sincerely, James
JamesS.Talian,PE