49-Year WNDE Employee Joan Snyder to Retire June 26

White Nelson Diehl Evans will say goodbye to 49-year employee Joan Snyder, CAP-OM on June 26. Joan joined the staff of Diehl Evans as a “Kelly girl” temporary employee in 1965. Today, she serves as firm administrator assisting with human resources, payroll and firm accounting.
“It’s difficult to say goodbye to the people who work here,” said Joan. “It’s been a wonderful experience, and it’s hard to imagine that it’s gone by so fast.”
Joan is originally from Philadelphia and moved to California in 1962 to marry her husband Richard. She began working with Diehl Evans in a part-time role during tax season in 1965. Ellis Diehl founded the firm in 1925, and joined with Bryn Evans in 1954. After the 1965 tax season ended, Joan called Bryn and asked him for a full-time job. She recalled, “He said, ‘sure!’ and hired me over the phone. When I came in, they didn’t even have a place for me to sit. I started working out of the library.”
The firm was located at 19th and Bush Streets in Santa Ana when she began, moved to Irvine in 1989 and merged with White Nelson in 2011. Diehl Evans had five partners and 20 employees when she started, Joan recalled.
“I was happy there,” Joan remarked. “I liked the small, family-oriented environment.”
Joan began as a receptionist, then transitioned into a statistical typist and office manager. The firm had a diverse client base, she recalled, working with professional services firms, real estate professionals and public sector clients. She remarked, “I used to type school district reports using carbon paper to make copies. Can you imagine that?”
Joan found Bryn to be a good boss. She recalled, “He was distinguished, personable and easy to work with.” When Diehl Evans acquired offices in Carlsbad and Escondido, she was promoted to firm administrator. There was always a new challenge to tackle which kept the job interesting.
The merger with White Nelson brought big changes to Joan’s role with the company; partner Lynne Houri served as the White Nelson firm administrator, the role Joan was performing for Diehl Evans. Joan noted, “I didn’t know what I’d do, but Lynne utilized my skills and made me feel needed.”
Joan is grateful for the many friendships she’s had with WNDE employees over the years, and still keeps in touch with many who have left. She remarked, “People are key. They keep you in your job, allow you to form bonds and enable you to enjoy where you work.”