Employee Feedback Drives Regional Recognition for Organizational Culture and Excellence at The Planning Council.
Norfolk, VA [August 11, 2025] The Planning Council, a leading nonprofit dedicated to advancing community well-being across Hampton Roads, is proud to announce it has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2025 honor.
The award is based solely on anonymous feedback from The Planning Council’s employees, who rated the organization on key cultural drivers including alignment, execution, connection, and leadership. Recognition is earned through an employee survey — no judges, votes, or pay-to-play tactics.
For this honor, The Planning Council has been featured in The Virginia Pilot – Inside Business.
“This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes directly from our team,” said Jo Ann Short, President & CEO of The Planning Council. “Our staff is the heart of our mission, and we are proud to foster a workplace where people feel respected, empowered, and inspired to make a difference.”
For over 80 years, The Planning Council has worked to improve quality of life through research, planning, and programs that address housing, public health, education, and economic stability. The Top Workplace honor reflects a broader commitment to operational excellence and a people-first philosophy that drives measurable community impact.
“Creating real change starts with creating a culture where people love to work,” said Carter Smith, TPC Board Chair. “The Planning Council is honored to be recognized alongside other outstanding organizations nationwide.”
The Planning Council’s employees are happy to share their observations about working at The Planning Council that led to this award:
“I’m proud to work for a company that genuinely cares about doing good work in the Hampton Roads community.” – Amanda Ofsonka, Director, Continuum of Care Programs
“I am grateful to work alongside some of the smartest and most patient people I’ve ever met. At The Planning Council, there is a genuine value placed on family, and I’ve always felt supported in putting mine first.” – Tomika Pitts-Jones, Respite Care Program Director
“It really feels like a team here. Everyone does their job, and as the accountant, that makes my days easier. A great portion of an accountant’s time is spent waiting for someone to turn in something — not here at The Planning Council. If something is missing and I reach out to an employee for it, they are always on top of the situation and they get me what I need almost right away. I really appreciate that.” – Adam Stegeman, Accountant
More from our employees on video about why The Planning Council is a great place to work:
Karen Griffith, Continuum of Care Manager
Julie Dixon, VP Community Planning & Development
Maria Cole, CACFP Field Monitor
Ashley Love, HMIS Administrator
The Planning Council will continue to support an organizational culture that aligns with its mission to identify community needs, connect people with solutions, and improve lives.
To learn more about The Planning Council’s work, to join its award-winning team, or to donate, visit www.theplanningcouncil.org.
About The Planning Council
The Planning Council is a nonprofit organization based in Norfolk, Virginia, dedicated to building stronger communities through research, collaboration, and evidence-based program development. For over 80 years, it has been a trusted convener and innovator in addressing complex social issues across Hampton Roads. Since its inception, from children’s issues to homelessness, The Planning Council has identified areas of regional concern and brought together the decision-makers and resources to address these challenges.
About Top Workplaces
Top Workplaces is the nation’s leading employer recognition program based entirely on employee feedback, recognizing outstanding companies since 2006. Companies are measured on culture drivers that are critical to organizational success and employee satisfaction. Learn more at www.topworkplaces.com.