Keystone Today

Last week Gov. Tom Wolf announced the recipients of the Governor’s Awards for Excellence and thanked the state’s employees for their hard work in public service.

Twenty-six state agencies submitted 121 nominations, and there were 10 individuals and six groups selected as this year’s winners, according to a May 20 press release.

“Over the past seven years, I have met thousands of commonwealth employees and witnessed the incredible work they do each day,” Wolf said. “This year’s award recipients embody the best qualities of our workforce, and their accomplishments demonstrate the breadth and impact of public service. I want to thank these commonwealth employees for their exceptional contributions and being an inspiration to all of us.”

Venkata Chimmili, Shane Daniels, Ian Detamore, Ronald Minnich, Daphne Simeonoff, Amy Stum, John Taylor, Maribel Torres, Loc Tran, and Aaron Wolff of the Find My Ride Apply Team were chosen for creating a tool that helps people apply for transportation assistance programs.

The Litter Action Plan Team, which consists of Kathryn Cole, Natasha Fackler, Jessica Shirley, and Emily Watts, was recognized for the partnership with Keep America Beautiful and cleaning up the Harrisburg area.

Robert Then of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency was recognized for working with state agencies and county partners during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Caleb Dixon of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency was honored for his work to improve public safety and resiliency during the pandemic.

The Educator and Support Staff Vaccination Team consisting of Kira Lemmons, Jennifer Shirk and Kari Worley, was recognized for organizing vaccine sites for more than 112,000 teachers and staff in a 20-day period.

The Criminal Justice Team composed of Brian Corl, Anne Cornick, Carissa Morales, and Emily Yague-Cowfer, was recognized for providing second chances for more than 2,000 people and helped Pennsylvania be a national leader in pardon reform.

Crystal Weand of the Office of Administration was recognized for leading training for the Department of Health’s COVID-19 contact tracing program.

The PA VetConnect Initiative team consisting of Samantha Cossman, Daniel Dudkiewicz, Chelsea Ellsworth, Susan Meighen, Erica Moore, Zachariah Pearson, Zackary Portser, Jennifer Spitler, James Stafford, and Craig Swineford, was recognized for supporting veterans.

Barbara Raymond of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs was recognized for leading the staff at the Southeastern Veterans Center in Philadelphia.

Richard Hamp of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs was recognized for leading the state’s involvement in a national initiative focused on preventing suicide among service members, veterans and family members. He has written grant proposals resulting in $7 million for programs.

Brenda Duppstadt of the Department of Labor and Industry was recognized for supporting the state’s workers through the pandemic and her efforts that helped secure nearly $7 million for employment and training.

Melissa Hawkins of the Department of Labor and Industry was recognized for helping deliver information about the pandemic to people with disabilities.

The COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Rollout Team consisting of Daniel Bechtel, Jennifer Bixler, Sarah Edge, Jennie Harpster-Basiago, Robert Kobilis, David Mattiko, Thomas McCleaf, Kristine Rosancrans and Christy Scheidler, was recognized for enrolling thousands of vaccine providers throughout the state to prepare for the vaccine’s release. Nearly 11.5 million does have been administered.

Vincent Pascucci of the Department of Environmental Protection was recognized for fighting climate change and improving the state’s air quality through developing regulations to reduce air pollution.

Curtis Sherwood of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources was recognized for working to engage the public in virtual programing during the pandemic, as well as writing and performing the song “Let it Grow” to inspire people to let their grass grow to meadows for pollinators.

Stephanie Cole of the Department of Aging was recognized for implementing a program to bring together undergraduate and graduate students, and older adults who are receiving services through the Department of Aging.