RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

It is with great appreciation, we announce that after 23 years of service, our beloved Senior Vice President, Ward Howick, has retired from Midtown. We are forever indebted to Ward for all he has done for the organization, and grateful for the example he set during his tenure, as well as the legacy left upon his departure.

Ward has been an integral part of Midtown for over two decades. Influencing our business, as well as our culture, many of his accomplishments have directly impacted Midtown, making us the company we are today.

Midtown founder, President & CEO, Helen Stefan-Moreau, was introduced to Ward while they served together on the board of Rachael’s Womens Center – a place of hospitality and hope for women experiencing homelessness in DC.  Ward was working for a competing staffing agency and in true “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” fashion, transitioned to Midtown in January 1998.

Together, Ward and Helen drove Midtown’s philanthropic efforts, regularly collecting supplies and charitable donations for the center, and similar non-profits. While Rachael’s closed their doors in 2014, Ward and Helen developed a close partnership with their sister organization, HER Resiliency Center, with annual collections of toys and toiletries remaining a favorite tradition of Midtown employees.

Ward also encouraged Midtown to expand their service offerings. Midtown began as a staffing agency solely placing permanent positions for DC’s law firms. After nearly 10 years of direct hires, Ward developed our ability to make temporary placements, and took this new approach beyond the legal field. Ward’s addition quickly took off, and Midtown placed over 40 temporary contractors across a rapidly growing client base in just a few months. Today, Midtown offers contract, contract to hire, and direct hire services throughout various commercial industries, thanks to Ward’s innovation.

In addition, Ward has been a pillar of Midtown’s extensive relationships throughout the DC Government. He then expanded our Municipal services throughout the country. Today, Midtown can be found in 29 states, with a significant presence in Texas. Our support spans state and local government agencies, as well school districts and higher education.

In addition, Ward spearheaded our transportation services. Working with planes, trains, and automobiles throughout the District, Ward oversaw engagements with DC’s metro system, airports, for-hire-vehicles, and more.  Ward also facilitated the proud moment we became the primary vendor of DC Streetcar.

From DC to Texas, and everywhere in between, Ward’s valuable contributions will be fondly remembered as some of Midtown’s most impressive milestones.

Ward’s departure is greeted by the arrival of Dawn Dumbeck, Midtown’s new Vice President of Sales. Dawn has over 20 years of experience in sales, with a focus on staffing and government contracting. Most recently Dawn served as Vice President of Strategic Accounts at a prominent IT Staffing Solutions agency, leading their pursuit of enterprise accounts.
Furthermore, David Stefan, Midtown’s Managing Partner, will be working closely with Dawn to guarantee a seamless transition. Since 1998, David has served various employers and candidates on behalf of Midtown. His expertise includes developing staffing solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs and organizational culture.

Lastly, we are delighted to reveal that Ward will be joining on Midtown’s Advisory Board, where he will continue his support and his vision. Ward’s retirement will surely be disappointing to those who worked alongside him over the past 23 years. But rather than mourn his departure, we have resolved to celebrate his accomplishments and draw inspiration from his example.

On behalf of everyone in Midtown, we wish Ward the best of luck in the future. We are overjoyed for Ward, who is surely looking forward to enjoying his family and new grandson upon the completion of a truly meaningful career.

To commemorate Ward’s well-deserved retirement, Midtown will be hosting a celebration at a later date, once it is safe to do so.