This year at Orchard Software, we are recognizing and honoring three employees who have been with us for 20 years. These employees have played a crucial role in shaping Orchard into the industry leader that it is today. We sat down with these valued employees and asked each of them to reflect on their many years at Orchard and to share a bit more about themselves with our readers. Thank you all for over two decades of incredible service and leadership!
Kelly Rusch, Senior Regional Sales Manager (2004)
Kelly’s family
- My husband, Adam, and I share two amazing daughters, Ella (10) and Lily (2). We have one spirited but loving fur baby – Bailey, an Aussie-doodle. Our house is often chaotic, and mornings come early, but we wouldn’t change a thing.
Kelly’s interests
- When I’m not running kids between school and extracurricular commitments, I enjoy traveling, skiing, and catching up with friends. I’m also trying to get back into a regular routine of running and reading, rather than relying on Audible.
Favorite memory at Orchard
- Picking a favorite memory at Orchard is challenging because I have a lot of wonderful memories and have experienced a lot of “firsts” at Orchard. Orchard has had a significant influence on my life and where I am today. I started working here right out of college, got married, moved cross country, had kids, and traveled much of North America with Orchard.
- It’s been and continues to be a great place to work. As Steve Jobs once said, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” For me, the people and the purpose make a difference, and I love what I do.
Christine Henderson, Senior Strategic Marketing Manager (2004)
Christine’s family
- My husband, Greg, and I have 5 kids between us, Leah (22), Brayden (20), Uther (19),
Avery (17), and Olwyn (13). We also enjoy the company of our 3 dogs—Steve, Chessie, and Matilda; and our bunny, Nala. - My kids are my absolute joy. I love watching Avery play softball, Uther perform on stage, and Brayden wowing the world with his driven ambition. Since they are growing up and venturing out on their own, my next biggest joy is my puppies. They make me laugh every day!
Christine’s interests
- I enjoy traveling, photography, art, and anything that has to do with dogs.
Favorite memory at Orchard
- There are far too many to count! I have been blessed to have met wonderful people, traveled all over the country, and expanded my knowledge and skill set more than I ever imagined. My oldest son was 4 months old when I started working here and my daughter was born into the Orchard family. I’ve grown up here and so have my kids. I absolutely love my job and coming to work each day to see what we can think of next!
David Hardwick, Associate Director of Development (2004)
David’s family
- My wife, Jessica, and I have one daughter, Hazel. We also have two dogs, Lucky (a.k.a. Bubby) and Koda (a.k.a. Beast).
David’s interests
- My hobbies include music and building cabins in Kentucky
Favorite memory at Orchard
- I used to work pretty late and was once mistaken for the janitor by Ben Bush, Sr.