ORC proudly launched its first-ever ORC Way Culture Awards, a new tradition recognizing the leaders who are actively shaping our values and creating a workplace where people thrive.
This milestone moment brought leaders from across the company together to celebrate the individuals whose everyday actions are moving ORC forward through adaptability, accountability, coaching, innovation, and client service.
With more than 90 powerful nominations submitted across the company, this year’s awards showcased just how deeply ORC’s values are lived by our people. Each story shared highlighted a different lens of leadership, but together, they revealed a common thread: a culture built on trust, excellence, and community.
Celebrating the Best of The ORC Way
The 2025 ORC Culture Awards introduced eight peer-nominated categories, each aligned with one of ORC’s cultural commitments, from embracing change to putting clients and teams first. These were joined by a capstone award, the ORC Way Award, given to the leader who most fully embodies the ORC values in action.
Nominees and winners were selected through a thoughtful, anonymous review process by executive leaders and the People Operations team to ensure each recognition was earned solely on the strength of the story, not on titles or tenure.
2025 ORC Way Culture Award Winners
Change Champion: Jill Buterbaugh
For leading her team with confidence through change and helping others embrace new roles and systems.
Ownership Mindset: Richard Szeles
For taking full ownership of high-profile initiatives with foresight, accountability, and strategic impact.
Culture Connector: Joe Ullman
For fostering authentic relationships and reinforcing a sense of belonging across every team he supports.
Coach: Jayson Gardner
For empowering others with clarity, encouragement, and honest, growth-focused feedback.
Progress Driver: Nick Adkins
For implementing innovative solutions that created long-term value for both clients and internal teams.
Response Time Rockstar: Bill Rivers
For setting the gold standard in responsiveness and clear, proactive communication.
Team First Leader: Steve Irby
For putting the success of others first and building strong, collaborative, high-performing teams.
Client Champion: Erik Bell
For going above and beyond to anticipate needs, deliver excellence, and strengthen client relationships.
The ORC Way Award
Brent Kurtz
Recognized as a cultural north star, Brent was praised by employees for his mentorship, encouragement, and unwavering commitment to doing what’s best, for clients, teams, and individuals alike. His impact reaches beyond project outcomes; he’s helping shape the very fabric of ORC.
Join a Company Where Culture Leads
At ORC, we believe culture isn’t just a value, it’s a verb. The ORC Way Awards are more than recognition; they’re a reflection of how we show up, support one another, and lead with purpose.
Inspired by these stories?
We’re growing and looking for people who want to build something meaningful. Explore careers at ORC and find your place in a culture that puts people first.