Mickey Wiles, CEO and founder of Working Fields, has received the 2023 Tammy Bushell Award for making substantial contributions to creating recovery-friendly workplaces in Vermont. This award is a crowning achievement in his work and reflects the statewide impact of Working Fields.

Wiles is a person in long-term recovery who has worked in the recovery field since 2009. He was instrumental in establishing peer recovery coaching in the state while serving as the Executive Director of the Turning Point Center of Chittenden County. He founded Working Fields in 2017 with a vision of providing employment opportunities to those traditionally excluded, particularly people in recovery or with justice backgrounds.

Bestowed by Recovery Vermont, the Tammy Bushell Award is a celebration of Wiles’ personal journey and “all that Working Fields does for people in recovery, workplaces, and work cultures.”

It was announced during Vermont’s Recovery Day celebration on February 15, 2023, with notable attendees including Congresswoman Becca Balint and Commissioner of Health Dr. Mark Levine.

The award was presented by Tammy Bushell, the award’s namesake. Bushell, who is Director of Human Resources at Edlund Company, is a recognized champion of recovery-friendly workplaces. She is also a longtime client of Working Fields and credits the staffing agency with keeping Edlund fully staffed. 

“This award is only possible because of all the work done by our incredible team. This really is a Working Fields award,” said Wiles. “I thank Recovery Vermont for this recognition. We have much to accomplish in this work and knowing that we are recognized for making a difference will keep us motivated as we move forward.”

The staffing agency has won numerous awards since its founding, including the 2020 VBSR Innovation and Inspiration Award and the 2022 Lake Champlain Chamber Workforce Innovation Award. 

For more information or to work with Working Fields, contact daryn@workingfields.com.