After an incredible 36-year career with Morrison, we bid a fond farewell to Maryann Valbuena as she embarks on her well-deserved retirement. Maryann’s journey with us began in April 1988 when, as a high school senior looking for a part-time job, she joined Morrison Management Specialists at Harbor UCLA Medical Center in a clerical role. This would begin a remarkable career filled with growth, dedication, and lasting relationships.
A Career of Growth and Achievement
Maryann’s talent and work ethic quickly became apparent as she rose from her initial position to Office Manager and then to Assistant Director of Operations, where she remained until 1994. During this time, she worked under Regional Vice President Paul Murphy, helping to expand the company’s presence by opening accounts in the Bay Area and Arizona.
When Ed Clark stepped into the role of Regional Vice President, Maryann was promoted to Support Services Coordinator. In this position, she provided crucial operational and financial support to two West Coast Divisions. One of her most notable contributions in this role was the creation of a PTO tracker that was widely used in the company before the FTO policy went into effect.
Perhaps Maryann will be most remembered for her exceptional talent for organizing and elevating the annual region and division meetings. With a natural flair for planning and a passion for bringing people together, she transformed these gatherings into memorable experiences for everyone involved.
“Regional meetings were my favorite part of my job and the most fun because my RVPs let me do it how I wanted. Our meetings are the most fun in the company. They always told me to run with it and make it fun,” Maryann shared.
Her responsibilities ranged from planning the menu, negotiating hotel rates with the meeting venues, and developing engaging themes. She took pride in constantly improving these meetings year after year. “I enjoyed planning the menu and coming up with entertainment and awards. It’s my passion, and I like to make sure that everybody has a great time. We always seem to elevate each year,” she noted.
Building a Second Family
For Maryann, Morrison has been more than just a workplace—it has been a second family. She has formed deep and meaningful connections with her colleagues and leaders throughout her career.
“I am one of the luckiest people out there. I am so lucky to have the best leaders to work for. They have always supported me and included me in everything. They made me feel like an important part of the team,” she reflected gratefully.
She speaks fondly of Ed Clark, describing him as “The Father of methodology. Cool as a cucumber and smart. He always looked out for people and was a class act. I really admire him.”
Working alongside leaders like Division Presidents Kathy Wyatt, Lisa Trombley, and RVP Joyce Kruesopon, Maryann has been inspired by watching them progress in their careers. “All of my bosses are my heroes. They have become my friends and my second family. We have always been such a close-knit team,” she said.
Her connection with her Morrison family extended beyond office hours, as she organized a hiking group for weekend outings and volunteer opportunities.
Joyce Kruesopon said, “She is just a fun person to work with and has a way of creating an enjoyable work environment. She really brings everyone together. We’ve done hiking adventures and other gatherings.
She is just someone that is really kind and thoughtful. She is just like a sister, makes me laugh almost every day, and brings light to some things that can be upsetting. “Kill them with kindness” is her approach. She just anticipates other people’s needs. Know what you need before you ask.”
Bringing Passion to Work: The Safe Landing Garden
A passionate gardener, Maryann found a way to bring this personal interest into her professional life by creating a community garden at Safe Landing. “I have always been very passionate about gardening. I eat what I grow, and I was so glad when I was allowed to create one at Safe Landing and share my passion and how it helped me heal,” she explained.
Ashley Ramirez, Assistant Director of Operations at LA General Hospital, helped to bring the Healing Garden to life and will miss the experience of working with Maryann. “When she approached me with the idea to start a garden at an account that was a homeless transitional space, I was so honored to be a part of it. It’s a testament to her selfless desire to create something beautiful and spread her infectious energy and positivity to the most vulnerable populations. She embarked on this project to share her love of gardening with a population that needs love the most.”
Looking Forward to New Adventures
As Maryann steps into retirement, she has exciting plans for this new chapter of her life. Her love for gardening will continue as she volunteers at an elementary school, teaching children the joys of growing their own food, and at Mudtown Farms, an urban farm in the middle of Watts community in Los Angeles.
Travel is high on her agenda, with trips planned to New Zealand to hike and the Philippines to scuba dive. Most importantly, Maryann looks forward to spending quality time with her daughter and granddaughter.
Thank You, Maryann!
As we bid farewell to this exceptional team member, we celebrate her remarkable career and wish her all the best in her retirement. Thank you, Maryann, for your years of service and the lasting impact you’ve made on Morrison and everyone who has worked with you.
