Community Service

The People of ER Associates: Involved In Our Community

At Employee Relations Associates, we’re obviously all about people and achieving success. Helping people find careers or discover the ideal candidate. But we’re also people who are part of a greater community and we understand our responsibilities to give back to the people and institutions that support us. That’s why we are highly active in community service.


Here are just a few examples of how the people of ER Associates are involved with important civic, charitable and professional organizations and causes.

Thomas C. Ioele, President and CEO

Tom is our “model volunteer,” promoting the concept of doing more for others within our company.

  • Board of Directors of Rochester Chapter of American Red Cross
  • Chaired American Red Cross’ Couples for Kids Charity Golf Tournament
  • Board Member of Crisis Nursery Foundation
  • Member of Rochester Business Alliance (Chamber of Commerce) since 1985, serving as a board member in 2005 and 2006
  • President of Small Business Council in 2005 and 2006; Board of Directors of Small Business Council from 1996 to 2006
  • Board Member/Trustee of Nazareth College
  • Founder and Chair of annual “Eyes on the Future” Greater Rochester Economic Summit

Jill Knittel, Principal

Jill demonstrates a true commitment to our community by serving on several boards and committees.

  • President of St. John Fisher College Alumni Board
  • Board Member of “Eyes on the Future” Greater Rochester Economic Summit Planning Committee, chair of 2009 Eyes Expo
  • Executive Member, St. John Fisher Accounting Alumni Society, emcee of annual awards banquet, and guest speaker
  • Board Member and past President of Rochester Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants
  • Membership Chair of the Women’s Executive Network of Rochester

Annette DiPalma, Principal

Annette shares her gifts through a commitment to professional organizations and the community.

  • 20 years active service, and two years as Board Member, with Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM)
  • Member of Board of Directors of Junior Achievement
  • Toast Masters member
  • National Human Resources Association (NHRA) member
  • Member of Women’s Foundation of Genesee Valley

Abby Parnell, Executive Recruiter

Abby’s dynamic personality makes her a natural: a valuable contributor in business and the community.

  • Active volunteer with the Womens Foundation of Genesee Valley
  • Member of the Voices Committee and Member of the Purse for Change Committee