Deidra Bennett relishes any chance to make a difference, whether it’s at Haskell’s Jacksonville headquarters or mentoring in Northeast Florida.

When the opportunity arose for Bennett, a Haskell Accounting Director and a 19-year team member, to be one of the leaders implementing Oracle Cloud, the company’s new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, she embraced what she knew would be one of the greatest undertakings of her career.

The project began in 2024 and is scheduled to be unveiled in 2027, integrating data, workflows and business processes on a robust software platform that comprises all of Haskell’s business units. Bennett has ensured cross-functional alignment, partnering proactively with IT, operations and external consultants, and translating accounting requirements into clear, actionable guidance.

“Work on this project has been the majority of my life since October 2024,” she said. “Trying to build something new has been a great experience. Implementing a new system has given me an opportunity to work with different sides of the business, as well as our third-party consultants. It has been a demanding but enjoyable process.”

Her contribution and leadership during the transformational project have earned her Haskell’s Living the Values award, given quarterly to team members who exemplify the company’s core values of Team, Excellence, Service and Trust.

“Her commitment to getting it right—rather than just getting it done—sets a high standard for the entire team,” wrote Molly Keifer, International Accounting Director and Bennett’s nominator. “She approaches every request with a solution-oriented attitude. Whether training colleagues on new workflows or troubleshooting unexpected issues, Deidra ensures others feel supported and confident.”

The Jesup, Ga., native was moved by the honor, which was announced during what seemed like a regular staff meeting – but with way more attendees.

“I was humbled and honored that I would be considered for this reward,” Bennett said. “You do things because you enjoy doing them, and not because you think anyone is looking or noticing. So, it’s nice to get that recognition, but this is just part of who we are and what we do. So, it’s also nice to join the people who have been previously recognized for this award, knowing that they really have that balance between doing things for their community as well as excelling in their work.”

Bennett maintains the same qualities away from work, whether it’s her passion for cooking, traveling with friends and family or part of her church outreach and extensive work with the Big Brothers Big Sisters, through which she has spent time with high school students as they discovered paths during and beyond their education.

“To be able to see someone who was maybe struggling at the time and being able to provide a support system is very rewarding,” Bennett said. “They began to not just survive but thrive.”

Driven by our core values of Team, Excellence, Service and Trust, Haskell is committed to contributing to the communities where we live and work. Contact us to discuss your facilities – and your community’s – needs.