April staff spotlight highlights Stephanie Willard for her growing impact and dedication at the Penfield Department of Public Works

Penfield, New York – At the front desk of the Penfield Department of Public Works, where phones ring and residents come and go with questions, Stephanie Willard has quickly become a steady and welcoming presence. This April, the Town of Penfield is shining a light on her work, naming her the latest employee to be featured in its monthly Staff Spotlight.

Though her time with the department is still relatively new—she joined in November 2025—Willard has already taken on a workload that stretches across multiple corners of daily operations. Serving as Payroll and Accounts Clerk, she handles essential behind-the-scenes tasks that keep the department functioning without interruption. From managing payroll for staff to coordinating purchasing and overseeing billing, her role touches nearly every aspect of the office.

But her work is not limited to numbers and paperwork. For many residents, she is the first point of contact when they walk through the door. Whether assisting with permits or responding to inquiries, Willard helps ensure that each request is handled clearly and professionally. In a department as busy and wide-ranging as public works, that kind of consistency matters.

Her transition into the role has been notably smooth, thanks in part to experience gained before arriving in Penfield. Willard previously worked for the Town of Henrietta, as well as in local school districts, building a foundation that prepared her for the demands of municipal operations. That background has allowed her to step in with confidence, even while still settling into a new environment.

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Beyond her core responsibilities, Willard has also shown a willingness to get involved in the broader workplace culture. She volunteers as a member of the Town’s Employee Wellness Committee, contributing to initiatives aimed at supporting staff well-being. It’s a role that goes beyond her job description, reflecting a broader commitment to the people she works alongside every day.

Town leadership has taken notice of her impact. “The Department of Public Works is by far our largest department, and it’s no small task to ensure everything is running smoothly,” said Town Supervisor Kevin Berry. “We’re fortunate to have Stephanie in the main office helping to keep everything on track.”

That sentiment captures the essence of Willard’s contribution—steady, reliable, and often operating behind the scenes, yet essential to the department’s overall rhythm. In a place where coordination and timing are critical, her work helps maintain order and efficiency.

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Outside the office, Willard’s focus shifts to family life and personal interests. She enjoys spending time with her loved ones and is an enthusiastic supporter of the Buffalo Bills, cheering them on whenever she gets the chance. It’s a reminder that, like many public servants, her life extends well beyond her professional responsibilities.

As April’s Staff Spotlight highlights her contributions, the recognition serves as both acknowledgment and encouragement. For Willard, it marks an early milestone in what appears to be a promising role within the Town of Penfield—one defined not just by the tasks she completes, but by the reliability and care she brings to them each day.