We’re celebrating an incredible journey filled with laughter, love, and a dash of Duran Duran as we say “happy retirement!” to our OG Mod, Misty Hammett. In the wise words of Mr. Rogers, we’ve always been told to ‘look for the helpers’, and we found a gem right here at ModSquad.

Back in 2007, the first iPhone was introduced, Twitter was a blip on the radar, photos were still in albums, and remote work was a wild idea. ModSquad brought together a group of remote Mods to foster safer and friendlier online communities for some powerhouse brands. One of those Mods was Misty. A former school teacher who believed in a kinder internet, she signed on in 2008, just a year after we started.

Misty began as an in-world moderator for Gossip Girl in Second Life. She also helped keep the trolls at bay in several children’s online games. Misty later moved on to management roles, helping keep kids safe online as a project manager. 

After a great run in services, Misty moved to finance in 2013. There she worked in the payroll department to make sure payday was always a good one for the folks at ModSquad. In 2020, she was awarded the annual Bestofus Festivus award. This honor is given to the person who best embodies the ModSquad spirit, someone who is truly the best-of-us.  

There have been a lot of memories over the last 15 years, on and off the clock. One of her favorites involves a rented pontoon boat captained by our head of finance, David W. and a crew of ModSquad friends. Rumor has it, someone went overboard?!  Maybe that’s a tale for another day. 

As we bid farewell, we’re doing it the ‘Misty way’—with joy, warmth, and a little Duran Duran. So crank up Misty’s favorite, Ordinary World, and take in the awesome mark she’s left on ModSquad. 

Misty taught me everything I know about ModSquad, I was hired to help her with payroll/payments. She has helped us all so much, she will be fiercely missed. Thank you for everything Misty! 

– Allison P. 

Misty, you have been ever-helpful and a constant here at ModSquad. I have always, and will always, appreciate the gracious and patient way you’ve always answered questions and shared information. Retired or not, you are an important thread in the tapestry of ModSquad, always! 

– Aunya R. 

Where do I even begin. You truly ROCK!!! Your knowledge of everything payroll speaks volumes. You are going to be so missed, and I hope you enjoy your future adventures. It has been such a pleasure working with you, and learning everything there is about how the payroll/payments side of the business works. I promise you it won’t go unnoticed, and yes, I am crying yet again.

– Amanda H. 

Misty, you’ve been incredible in every phase of your ModSquad journey and while we will certainly miss you, I hope that this next chapter in your life is the very best yet as you’ve earned it. Thank you for championing Payroll and the ModSquad spirit for all these years. 

– Mike P.

Ohhh Misty, I could write a book about how wonderful you are! Since joining the Finance team, I have learned so much from you. You truly are a one-of-a-kind person, and your knowledge knows no bounds. Our Payroll/Payments team is going to miss you so much. I am so excited to see where you go on your next adventure in retirement. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for your patience, willingness to teach, and most importantly, your friendship. You will be missed! 

– Amanda S. 

Misty, you are a legend and amazing person all around! Thank you for being a wealth of knowledge and so fun to work with these past few years. You’ve been a phenomenal partner to the entire People Operations group and I can’t thank you enough. We will miss you so much, and wish you all the best in this exciting new chapter!

– Michelle P. 

Taking the ModSquad journey with Misty has been such a pleasure, not only does she always excel at her work, she’s a lovely person all around!

– Tera T. 

What a genuine pleasure to work with you these last few years. Congratulations on your retirement. Congratulations on your career here, and congratulations on the impact your presence has made here at ModSquad. You will be sincerely missed!

– Hannah W. 

Oh from the days of midnight shifts with those crazy Gossip Girls in Second Life to that Friday night all nighter when the payroll company glitched. It has never been a dull moment (well a few in finance) and I can’t believe how lucky I am to have ridden this ride for so long with you. Get some rest!

– Amy P. (aka Twig Tomorrow)

From the early days when we were known as Metaverse Mod Squad (loads of fun typing out those emails!), Kung Fu Panda and Pandanda (not the same!), and the days of time tracking in Harvest… to tracking down timesheet approvers, to implementing new labor management systems – you’ve been there for us all! Helping to navigate through the ModSquad waters, you’ve been a steadfast shipmate, a loyal crew member, a number cruncher and most importantly – you got us paid! You’ve kept us in good humor, provided moral and actual support, and helped us keep our eyes on the prize – for which we’ve celebrated many many successes over the last 15 years! You are truly the BestOfUs and you will be deeply missed. Wishing you all the best in your next adventure! With the biggest virtual hug possible.

– Gina M.  

Misty – what a ride! I am so proud and grateful to have had the opportunity to work with you all these years. You are a major reason why ModSquad has done so well and we can’t thank you enough. Good luck in your next chapter. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

– David W. 

From a Gossip Girl avatar to a Bestofus Festivus-winning worldwide payments expert – what a ride!  We’ve been so lucky to have you over the years.  We’ll miss you!  From one Duranie to another, congratulations on your retirement!  

– Mike Pinkerton

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