Jean Gauger honored with 2024 Marjane B. Kelley Award

(July 3, 2024)

Jean Gauger (center), Pottstown Office Manager, receives Legal Aid of Southeastern PA’s 2024 Maryjane Kelley Award. She is pictured with Carolyn Johnson, Chief Counsel, and Shawn Boehringer, Executive Director, on June 28, 2024

NORRISTOWN - Jean Gauger, Pottstown Office Manager, received LASP's 2024 Maryjane B. Kelley Award at the Staff Retreat June 28, 2024 at Elmwood Park Zoo. Prior to the retreat, all staff were invited to nominate colleagues for recognition. Shawn Boehringer, Executive Director, and Carolyn Johnson, Chief Counsel, presented the award.

A staff nomination noted,

"She has never worked from home. She comes to the office to ensure walk-ins can be seen. What I appreciate the most about her is the way she treats clients. She is always pleasant and patient. ... She ensures they all feel heard. ... Clients told me she always returns their calls. She does a superb job of getting my exhibits ready for trial..."

The award is named for Maryjane Kelley, who was a longtime LASP attorney who passed away in 2018.

Maryjane worked in LASP’s Doylestown Office from 2002-2018, serving as Managing Attorney. Respected by the bar, the judiciary, and by the staff she supervised and mentored, Maryjane compiled a distinguished record of community and public interest service during her 16 years at LASP, and long before her LASP tenure, as a Commander in the Navy JAG Corps.

The Maryjane B. Kelley Award is presented to a longtime LASP staff member who:

• Demonstrates empathy and compassion for clients;

• Embodies the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in his or her work;

• Has distinguished him or herself through effective advocacy on behalf of clients;

• Has served as a role model and mentor in the professional development of staff; and

• Has consistently embraced, supported, and furthered the mission of LASP.