U.S. Heart of Ambassador Award Nominees

Patrick Clemens Reactive Field Service Technician, Austin Coca-Cola Cooler Department

Location: Austin, TX

Started at Coca-Cola: I started September 6, 1994 as a merchandiser after honorably serving in the U.S. Army

Favorite Coke Product: Hands down, Mexican Coca-Cola

What We Heard About Patrick...

Patrick learned how to be a leader and inspire others long before he began his 20-plus year career at Coca-Cola – first in the Boy Scouts of America, then during Desert Storm as an AH-64 Apache Crew Chief and Phase Maintenance Section Sergeant in the U.S. Army.

His customers regularly acknowledge his ethics, professionalism, and high level of customer service. But it’s not just his customers who benefit from his strong commitment to his job and community. In the past year, Patrick witnessed two traffic accidents and provided first aid until first responders arrived on the scene. On a separate occasion Patrick arrived at a customer who had just been burglarized by an armed robber and helped secure the location until police arrived.

“He’s one of the best Ambassadors our company has ever hired. He takes pride in everything he does on and off the clock.”

Q: What is your favorite part about working at Coca-Cola?

A: Every day there’s a new challenge. I never know where I will end up, what I will be working on, and what problem or opportunity I get to solve. I enjoy that I’m not in an office and that I get to make face-to-face connections daily with our customers. I consider our department to be on the “front lines” of our daily competitive battle to serve the community and the world in a positive way by providing the best quality refreshment available.

Patrick Clemens

Patrick Clemens

Q: What does this nomination mean to you?

A: To be nominated by James Svetlik, who is just as deserving a field service technician for the Austin Market Unit as well as a U.S. Army veteran himself, is just as humbling as being given the opportunity to meet Muhtar Kent for saving a life on the job in 2011. I’m speechless and grateful to be part of Austin Coca-Cola and to serve the community daily.

Cassandra C. Robinson-BaconPrincipal Financial Analyst, Coca-Cola North America Capital Management

Location: Sugar Land, TX

Started at Coca-Cola: I started at Houston’s Minute Maid headquarters in June 1997

Favorite Coke Product: My favorites are Coca-Cola Classic, Simply Lemonade with Raspberry, and DASANI water

What We Heard About Cassandra...

Cassandra is a champion of both internal and external engagement activities. She regularly organizes special events for associates, including a diversity luncheon and multicultural food fair; coordinates the purchase of Christmas toys for the Minute Maid BU’s adopted families; builds care baskets for military soldiers; and organizes volunteers to work with the Houston Food Bank, Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure and Habitat for Humanity.

Additionally, Cassandra helped establish a monthly employee product sales program that provides employees the opportunity to purchase products at a discount.

“Cassandra’s contributions as an Ambassador are numerous. She goes out of her way to make Sugar Land a great place to work and gives back to the community.”

Q: What is your favorite part about working at Coca-Cola?

A: I’m proud to work for a world-renowned brand with a reputation of caring about its employees and community. Sharing happiness is not just a slogan in a commercial or advertisement. Our company strives to make this a tangible activity every day.

Cassandra C. Robinson-Bacon

Q: What does this nomination mean to you?

A: I am honored to be nominated, but when I volunteer as a representative of the company, I don’t do it for recognition or accolades. I enjoy being a “face” of the company I love when I volunteer and seeing the appreciation of people we encounter. And when we organize fun activities for the employees, the excitement in their faces makes all the planning and work worthwhile.

Cassandra C. Robinson-Bacon

Amy Chrest Facilities Manager II, Global Workplace Strategy and Operations Team, Tampa Field Operations

Location: Brandon, FL

Started at Coca-Cola: June 2, 2014

Favorite Coke Product: Barq’s Root Beer

What We Heard About Amy...

Amy has been an inspiration to those around her and an extraordinary Ambassador for The Coca-Cola Company since joining the GWSO team. She has demonstrated leadership qualities in her role of facility manager of six separate buildings, directing numerous renovations and overseeing several projects, while displaying a positive outlook and take-charge attitude.

According to her colleagues, she’s completed an unprecedented number of assignments, projects and renovations during her three years with the company – always keeping a smile on her face and motivating her colleagues, no matter the obstacle.

“It’s an uplifting feeling to know I have a true leader that I can count on. Amy shows the Coca-Cola spirit, and it is infectious.”

Q: What is your favorite part about working at Coca-Cola?

A: I love working with a team that is inspired and driven to provide the best work environment for all employees. There’s an enormous variety of daily responsibilities to ensure we are operating our buildings in a cost-effective manner, responding to employees’ requests, and striving to exceed client expectations. I know I can always reach out to any team member in the GWSO organization to ask a question, bounce an idea around, or just touch base to see how they are doing.

Amy Chrest

Q: What does this nomination mean to you?

A: It’s an honor to be nominated for the Heart of Ambassador award and have my efforts recognized as extraordinary by my team and leaders. Whether I’m working on a renovation project, meeting with service providers, or helping my team find the best solution to a problem, I’m always inspired to do my best. I feel I am part of something bigger than myself, and I am always looking for a way to make someone else’s life easier and better.

Amy Chrest