As you may well be aware, Rob McKenney has accepted a well-earned promotion to Project Manager for Hana's entire Mid-Atlantic region. In his new role, Rob oversees operations across Norfolk, VA; Philadelphia, PA; Earle, NJ; and Boston, MA—a significant portfolio.
Before stepping into his new position, however, Rob's team at the IRS had one final mission: send him off with a surprise he'd never forget.
The celebration marked the close of Rob's leadership at the IRS-MD contract. As Rob moved on to lead Hana's Mid-Atlantic operations, the officers he had led wanted to thank him in a way that reflected the impact he had made.
According to Senior Contract Manager Ron Best, that kind of gesture is uncommon.
"It's very rare that the PSOs give their outgoing manager a thank-you and good-luck party," Ron said. "They respected Rob, even after he had to discipline some of them. That says a lot about the kind of leader he is."
The morning began like any other. Rob spent the early hours at the range with Ron Best and Destiny Terry. While Rob was away, officers quietly transformed the conference room and prepared the celebration.
When Rob, Ron, and Destiny arrived at the site, Destiny received what appeared to be an urgent phone call reporting a medical emergency in the conference room. Knowing Rob would immediately respond, they hurried upstairs.
As Rob walked through the conference room doors expecting the unexpected, he was greeted instead with a room full of smiling faces shouting, "Surprise!"
"I was completely caught off guard," Rob said. "They got me. It was awesome."
The celebration was made even more special thanks to Lieutenant Raymond, who previously owned a catering business before joining the security team. She prepared all the food, creating a warm atmosphere where members of the IRS security team gathered throughout the day to share food, stories, and well wishes.
"His team members came up to him one by one and wished him well," Ron recalled. "Rob looked each of them in the eye, shook their hands, and said, 'You have my number. Keep in touch.'"
"It was really, really nice," Rob reflected. "I was moved by it, for sure."
Moments like these speak volumes. They’re a testament to the genuine relationships built through taking care of people every day.
As Rob leads operations across the Mid-Atlantic region, we're excited to see him bring that same people-first approach to an even broader team.