Keller @ Large: Celebrating 30 Years Of Debra Lawler

BOSTON (CBS) -- Congratulations Debra Lawler, you're incredible. Thirty years with WBZ Radio?

You're unusual too. The median number of years an employee stays with one employer is 4.6; for twentysomethings, it's closer to three years.

Once upon a time American workers typically spent their entire careers working for one company. But those days are gone, the victim of technological and economic changes and managerial approaches that often value the bottom line over experience and personal history.

So what does it mean when someone celebrates a 30th anniversary in the same workplace?

It tells you something about the employer.

Debra is one of several BZ Radio anchors who've been here for three decades or more, including Diane Stern, Anthony Silva, and Dan Rea, whose tenure spans both the radio and TV sides. Gary LaPierre was here for 40 years.

Believe it or not, yours truly has been contributing here since 1986.

There's a family atmosphere at this place, fostered by management, that makes you want to keep coming back.

And longevity like this tells you something about the employee as well.

Debra is, as Charlie Baker might put it, a sweetheart, and a consummate professional. We're lucky to have people who work well together in a culture that withstands the social and economic forces that often drive workers from their workplaces.

For you, Debra Lawler is a smooth, friendly, trusted voice delivering the news. For us, she's a beloved colleague.

Debra, here's to another thirty years of more of the same.

Listen to Jon's commentary:

You can listen to Keller At Large on WBZ News Radio every weekday at 7:55 a.m. You can also watch Jon on WBZ-TV News.

MORE LOCAL NEWS FROM CBS BOSTON