Volunteer of the Year Ann Kissell Places Others First

Ann Kissell volunteers with heart, an attribute that shines through the work she accomplishes and the way she relates to colleagues at Catholic Charities of Long Island. She consistently places others first, and is quick to share a smile and a kind word.
She first came to CCLI in 2017, soon after retiring from the Syosset public school district. She volunteers with the Human Resources department two days a week, and is serious about completing her tasks. She goes so far as to remind her colleagues not to “give away” her work, because she wants to finish what she starts.

For her dedication and commitment, Ann was named 2026 Volunteer of the Year. She was honored April 22 at CCLI’s Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at Butler Hall on the campus of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Amityville. The event took place during National Volunteer Week, April 19-25.

Serena Perotta, HR generalist, presented Ann with the honor and paid tribute to Ann in front of 50 staff members and fellow volunteers.

Her responsibilities include organizing incoming employee paperwork, making calls to complete the onboarding of new staff, assisting with data entry, and covering the front desk at the Hicksville administrative offices and directing incoming calls.

She is a woman of Faith, Commitment and Heart. At her parish of Saint Paul the Apostle in Brookville, Ann serves as a lector, a member of the bereavement ministry and a Eucharistic minister who brings Communion to nursing home residents. At Catholic Charities, Ann shares our joys and prays for our intentions.

While fully committed to her work, she is flexible and not afraid to try new tasks. When other departments such as Finance, Parish Social Ministry and Development call, Ann is happy to lend her skills.  

Thank you, Ann, for your Faith, Commitment and Heart—and for sharing your time and talents with Catholic Charities. You are an important and valued member of the HR team. Congratulations!