Introduction

Welcome to the final issue of Bytes and Insights. Over the past year, we have worked together to create an open, welcoming, and safe space that allowed staff consultants to connect and get to know one another. As the cohort leadership, we appreciate the time, commitment, and kindness you have shown us and are so glad you welcomed us into your spaces.

We look forward to welcoming a new fiscal year and leadership team! - Jon, Allisha, Joe, Caitlin



Thank you, Jon!

Jon Grace

For the past year, Jon has dedicated his time, resources, and guidance to the staff consultant cohort. Jon is a Principal within the LGPG department and has made time to not only know each staff consultant within the department but provide us with solutions to problems and give guidance when we needed it.

For the final issue, the staff cohort leadership team would like to dedicate this issue to Jon to thank him for everything he has done to help make this team successful. As a surprise, the leadership team reached out to all staff consultants to provide thank you messages to Jon.

Jon, we thank you and appreciate everything you've done to support the cohort. Below are thank you messages from some of the cohort members.

"Your commitment to our personal and professional growth has made a lasting impact. Thank you for generously sharing your time, guidance, and wisdom - your willingness to mentor and support us truly inspires and empowers our journey ahead."

"Jon has been very plugged in and supportive."

"Jon has been the rock of LGPG, getting to know and understand each of the staff consultants. Because of this, the cohort has been able to come together successfully as a group to promote a safe, educational, and constructive space. Thank you, Jon for your expertise, kindness, and never-ending support."

"Jon, your enthusiasm and support have created a positive and encouraging learning environment within the staff consultant cohort. Thank you for sharing your expertise and for your commitment to helping us all succeed. Your guidance and contributions to the LGPG Staff Consultants are greatly appreciated."

"While my interactions with Jon have been limited, the positivity and energy he brings to client engagements and internal meetings are commendable. I've enjoyed learning from him and always look forward to working alongside him."

As we close out another year of the Staff Consultant Cohort, remember that we are all here to help, guide, and lift each other up.

Summer is almost here! Trips to the beach become more frequent, and the time the sun hits your skin increases your risk for skin cancer. Sun damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause sunburns, skin aging (such as skin spots, wrinkles, or leathery skin), eye damage, and skin cancer (the most common form of cancer in the U.S.).

If you forget to wear sunscreen, there are other ways to decrease your risk of cancer and other skin issues by limiting your time in the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun's rays are the most intense. Wearing clothing such as pants, sunglasses, and hats can reduce the time your skin is exposed to the sun. Lastly, using a broad-spectrum sunscreen according to the directions will help fight against both UVA and UVB rays.

The FDA encourages everyone to read the labels carefully to help ensure the most benefit is gained from sunscreen use. Here are some tips to think about:

  1. Sunscreens that are not broad-spectrum, lack an SPF of at least 15, must carry a warning "Skin Cancer/Skin Aging Alert."
  2. Water resistance claims for 40 or 80 minutes tell you how much time you can expect to get the labeled SPF-level of protection while sweating or swimming.
  3. Many sunscreen products contain flammable ingredients, like alcohol. Be careful when using and storing these products. Read all warning and instruction labels and don't use spray sunscreen near an open flame.

Whatever you choose to do this summer, make sure you are having fun and using sunscreen!

Upcoming Events

  1. Q4 Staff Consultant Cohort Mock Orals Presentations - May 16
  2. Memorial Day (PTO) - May 26
  3. Annual Assessment and Review - May 30
  4. Staff Consultant Cohort and Debrief - May 30