JEFFERSON CITY, MO – State employees will be recognized today for their dedication to public service at the annual Missouri State Employee Recognition Day ceremony held from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the steps and south lawn of the Missouri State Capitol. This event is part of the Missouri State Employee Recognition Week celebration.
The event provides an opportunity to say “thank you” to the dynamic and innovative employees who touch the lives of Missouri citizens every day through their professionalism, commitment to service excellence, and diligence. The theme for this year’s event is, Missouri State Employees – Dedicated People Committed to Excellence!
State employees will have the opportunity to visit with representatives from state agencies, organizations, and local businesses that have displays and information highlighting their programs and services. Scheduled entertainment includes a performance by the Jefferson City Swing Dance Club.
“Missouri state employees are often the first point of contact for Missourians needing access to information and resources about state services,” said Gov. Jay Nixon. “State Employee Recognition Day is a way to express our appreciation to all state employees for their dedication and commitment to serving the people of Missouri.”
In conjunction with State Employee Recognition Week and Day, the annual Missouri State Employee Awards of Distinction will be presented to state employees by Gov. Nixon during a ceremony in his office. Recipients of the 2013 program were:
Heroism (2 recipients)
- Bill Finney – Department of Corrections – Central Training Unit
- Selenda Webb – Department of Corrections – Missouri Eastern Correctional Center
Awarded for demonstrating exceptional judgment or courage in a potentially serious situation outside the scope of the workplace, or in a situation far above and beyond the duties and responsibilities of the employee’s position and which reflect credit upon the State of Missouri.
Human Relations
- Glenda Muschany – Department of Social Services – Family Support Division
Awarded for outstanding contributions toward enhancing the quality and morale of the workplace, or creating a better public image of state government
Innovative Suggestion of the Year
- Jennifer Calvin – Office of Administration – Division of Personnel
Awarded to an employee who submitted a suggestion via the Missouri Relies on Everyone (MoRE) State Employee Suggestion System that best exemplifies how the ideas of state employees can serve to initiate and/or establish a new method, practice, plan, or design which provides an “added value” to state government, or solves a unique problem in a creative manner.
Leadership
- Kristina Chamley – Department of Health and Senior Services – Bureau of Home and Community Based Services
Awarded to an employee who exemplified and promoted outstanding leadership qualities and behaviors. The employee “sets the standard” for others to follow, and consistently performs at a superior level in achieving significant and tangible benefits for his/her department/agency.
Public Service
- Dee Ann McKinney – Department of Economic Development – Division of Tourism
Awarded for outstanding dedication to the advancement of state service which enhances the quality of life to citizens that is far and above the employee’s normal job requirements, or who through volunteering service and/or time improved the quality of life for members of the community.
Safety ( A team of 8 recipients)
- Joe Dotson – Department of Transportation – Southwest District Traffic/Signal Shop
- Dusty Reid; Tim Smith; Cheyne Matzenbacher; Randall Norman; Ranger Josh Rolls; Gary Swearingen; Kerry Kroll; – Department of Natural Resources – Roaring River State Park
Presented to an employee or team of individuals whom created and/or used innovative initiatives or approaches to protect and ensure the health and safety of state workers or customers.
For more information about Missouri State Employee Recognition Day, visit www.serd.mo.gov.
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