Page 11 - SRNS_Today_July_2021

JULY 2021 | SRNS TODAY | 11

THE PEOPLE OF SRNS

Aiken Standard’s
Young Professionals 2 Follow
2021 winners from SRNS

Laura Russo
Candice Gordon

Bryan Ortner

for Tots and Salvation Army Angel Tree donation drive events that
Laura Russo – Media Specialist, Communications benefit hundreds of children each year across the CSRA.
and Media Services
Gordon serves as the 2021 Vice President of Aspiring Mid-Career
Since 2016, Laura Russo has worked as a staff photographer Professionals (AMP), an SRNS peer-led career development group.
and multimedia specialist in the Corporate Communications group A native of North Augusta, Gordon enjoys spending time with
for SRNS. Her work duties include capturing visual images and family, traveling, cooking, event planning, do-it-yourself crafting
supporting video production for SRS missions. and shopping.
Russo has been part of the $1 million SRNS Employee United Bryan Ortner – Manager, Talent Acquisition
Way Campaign Committee since 2016 and has led the Corporate
Communications group’s United Way solicitation effort since 2019. and Human Resources Analytics
In 2020, Russo and her husband Jarett Acosta bought an Bryan Ortner began his career at SRNS in 2014 and has held
abandoned golf course in Jackson, South Carolina, and opened positions of increasing responsibility in the staffing functions.
Boondock Farms — a new venue for farmers and artisans to come He delivered significant process improvements in hiring and
together, meet their community and sell fresh produce, flowers and recruiting top technical talent, while adhering to strict
other locally crafted items. Boondock Farms hosts weekend vendor compliance standards.
and music events; and has a farmers market store for fresh, local Ortner is currently in the development of a Human Capital
produce including eggs and goat cheese. The farm has working Management Plan and Resource Management Board for the NNSA
gardening beds, a greenhouse and small pasture, plus 20 acres of Capital Projects organization, which is now planning a significant
woodlands and farmland available for nature trails and camping. hiring surge related to three capital projects at SRS.

A native of Aiken, Ortner has served as an SRNS United Way
Candice Gordon – Principal Business Analyst Ambassador and Campaign Kickoff Coordinator; participated in
for the SRS Solid Waste Management Facility the Aiken Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Team; and was
selected for leadership roles within the SRNS Leaders Emerging
Candice Gordon joined SRNS in 2013 and is an engaged leader Among Professionals (LEAP) organization, a peer-led early career
at SRS who enjoys finding ways to make a positive impact for her development group at SRS. He is also an active supporter
colleagues and community. As the 2021 Vice-Chair for the SRNS of several local mental health organizations, and volunteers
Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) American Heart Association with United Way’s Project VISION (Volunteers In Service In Our
Heart Walk effort, she helped lead the company in surpassing its Neighborhoods), Friends of the Aiken County Animal Shelter and
fundraising goal. She also has served as Treasurer for the SRS Toys Habitat for Humanity of Aiken County.