Joe Jones with Melody Euler
The award was presented by Nancy Boyd, ACBL’s Director of Tournament Operations, and ACBL Executive Director Joseph Jones.
The Jean Molnar Employee of the Year Award recognizes the field employee who consistently delivers directing expertise, customer service, and professionalism. This award is named for Jean Molnar, a tournament director for more than 20 years who loved bridge, the players, and her co-workers. She consistently delivered outstanding customer service through her technical expertise, her quick and effective response, and her ability to handle all situations professionally and calmly.
Euler, who began directing in 2012, has risen quickly through the TD staff, and was recently promoted to the rank of Associate National Director. Among her many other tournament assignments, Euler serves as the assistant director-in-charge at the Summer NABC.
Among the fellow staff members who nominated Euler for the award was Charles MacCracken of Memphis: “Melody is a relatively new tournament director, but people know her from places far from Texas. She is in great demand as a DiC and as a staff member. Melody works hard, is pleasant and always willing to help people. She was AIC of Las Vegas and did an excellent job managing a staff of more than 50 TDs, even though the largest staff she previously had was three.”
TD Rick Beye of St. Louis said, “Melody is very good as a TD now, but will be even better. She can do anything, and when she’s assigned to a job, she always shows up completely prepared.”
TD Scott Humphrey of Pflugerville TX said, “When I nominated Melody last year, not so many directors knew how good she is. Now that she has served as Assistant in Charge of our Las Vegas NABC, she is no longer the best kept secret in the ACBL.
“When Melody worked her first tournament in the summer of 2012, she was anxious to learn as much as she could about tournament directing. She caught on quickly and always wanted to learn more. After about three or four years, I felt like I taught Melody everything I knew. Now, I learn from her.
“I have hired Melody to work with me many times over the years. Whenever she is on staff, I get many compliments on how well the tournament is being run and how much fun the players are having. Melody is a key reason as to why the players react that way.
“About two years ago, I played at a tournament in which Melody was directing, and I got a new and fresh perspective of her directing abilities. Melody keeps the game moving, and she interacts with the players in a friendly manner. If she is called to the table, she shows a great command of the laws and makes fair rulings. At the same time, she stays firmly in control, yet remains very respectful toward the players. She is a shining example of excellent customer service.”