FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 28, 2010
Commissioner of Public Lands Goldmark announces achievement awards to DNR staff
Staff efforts for Puget Sound recovery, public service, innovation and other initiatives honored
OLYMPIA – Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark today announced the names of several employees recently honored for their outstanding efforts to foster the recovery of Puget Sound, promote innovation in the management of public resources, and other key initiatives of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The employee recognition awards program was created this year by Goldmark, who is top administrator of DNR. Goldmark selected the honorees from several dozen nominations made by the agency’s employees and presented certificates of appreciation to them.
“People are the most important resources we have at DNR,” Goldmark said. “I hope these annual awards will give broader recognition to the DNR employees’ making outstanding contributions to protecting public resources, lands and clean water.”
The awards recognize significant efforts in support of DNR’s Strategic Plan 2010-2014.
2010 Commissioner’s Award Winners
The awards announced by Goldmark went to individuals and teams for outstanding contributions in the following areas:
Puget Sound Recovery Award (for exemplary commitment to the restoration of Puget Sound):
- Recipients: The DNR Aquatic Reserve Planning Unit: Betty Bookheim, Environment Specialist; Michael Grilliot, Hershman Marine Policy Fellow; and Kyle Murphy, Aquatic Reserves Program Manager (Aquatic Resources Division, Olympia).
Safety Award (for dedicated and conscientious commitment to safety that makes an impact on others, including recognizing and resolving unsafe practices and risks):
- Recipient: Rick Palmer, Natural Resources Specialist I (DNR Pacific Cascade Region, Castle Rock).
Public Service Award (for exceptional dedication and endurance to serving the public with integrity, consistent communication and follow-through to help others):
- Recipient: Luis Prado, Graphic Designer (DNR Communications & Outreach Group, Olympia).
Innovation Award (for appropriate use of technology, taking pragmatic risks and exhibiting a can-do attitude to address an obstacle and create efficiency, cost savings, and/or reform):
- Recipients: The Information Technology Infrastructure Team (various locations and divisions):
Shelley Abbott
Rodney Andreas
Ben Brunner
John Daane
Anton Damm
Donna Dheming
Aaron Doering
John Green
Charles Griffin
Thomas Hoffman
Happy Jenkins
Victor Karpovich
Michael Kell
Laurie McGinley
Kristi Seay
Sherry Sheets
Vonieta Woodard
Leadership Award (for inspiring others to work together; listening and acting decisively while fostering a positive work environment; showing compassion; and getting things done)
- Recipients: The Fleet Vision Committee and Support Team (various locations and divisions):
Randy Acker
Pam Adams
Laurie Bergvall
Deb Chamberlin
Ray Cheng
Kay Foldvik
William Frare
Mark Fullerton
Sheri Godat
Rex Hapala
Roy Hasuko
Roy Henderson
George Jenkins
Albert Kassel
Brad Littlefield
Alex Nagygyor
Dan Reichel
Brian Richardson
Jane Seymore
Todd Welker
Jim Morgan
Dave Wischer
About DNR
DNR manages about 3 million acres of state-owned trust lands for revenue to trust beneficiaries including public schools, universities and public services in several counties. The agency also manages about 2.6 million acres of aquatic lands, including the bedlands under Puget Sound. Peter Goldmark is Washington’s 13th Commissioner of Public Lands since statehood in 1889.
The direct link to Strategic Plan 2010-2014: The Goldmark Agenda is http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/em_strategic_plan_2010_goldmark_agenda.pdf
Media Contact: Bob Redling, Senior Communications Manager, 360-902-1149, Bob.Redling@dnr.wa.gov
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