RICHMOND, Va. — During the COVID-19 pandemic the Virginia Department of Military Affairs continues to recognize outstanding individual state employees and also agency-wide award winners for their accomplishments.
Previously, DMA conducted the State Employee Recognition Day by providing a banquet and an awards ceremony at two different locations, Fort Pickett and the State Military Reservation, that totaled over 400 participants. This year to meet the Adjutant General’s directive of social distancing in the workplace, the 2020 awards ceremonies will be conducted at the department level to ensure all safety precautions are met for the health and welfare of our DMA employees.
The State Employee Recognition Program is designed to encourage employees to make a performance difference either individually or through teams. Individual awards can be given to up to 50% of a department’s staff in May, and supervisors have the option of submitting staff throughout the year for Individual “Impact” Awards separately. The sole purpose for the Employee Recognition Program is to recognize employees for their achievements above and beyond those duties outlined in their Employee Work Profile. The recognition program recognizes the employee’s dedication and hard work, which contributes to the overall mission and success of the DMA.
Agency-Wide Awards are given to exceptional employees who are top performers in their area or who demonstrated excellence in one of several unique categories such as customer service, innovation, teamwork, career achievement and others. Senior staff officers are responsible for nominating their employees for agency-wide awards by completing the Agency-Wide Awards Form. No more than one individual / team may be nominated by a senior staff officer, and they are selected by a panel in a very competitive process.
The 2020 DMA Recipients of Agency Wide Awards are:DMA Agency Star Award– Michael Alder- Maneuver Training Center- Department of Public WorksThis award recognizes an individual who, through extraordinary performance and interaction with others, contributed to the mission and overall success of DMA, within the realm of his/her responsibilities based upon the criteria listed below.
- Must have a current Extraordinary Contributor rating (For P 14 employees, in order to be considered for this award, the supervisor must complete an evaluation rating the employee as an Extraordinary Contributor)
- Contributed to the DMA Mission: The employee demonstrated continuous respect for supervisors, managers, and the overall chain of command; has participated or is willing to serve on an agency- related committee, and demonstrated a willingness to serve in the surrounding community.
- Cooperation: The employee exhibited a cooperative work ethic through integrity, positive attitude, dependability, willingness to perform above and beyond expectations, and by providing exemplary customer service.
- Skill Performance: The employee exhibited extraordinary work performance by taking the initiative, meeting all deadlines, utilizing creative work methods, implementing cost-saving measures, and paying utmost attention to safety.
The Recipient of the DMA Agency Star Award will receive:
- Thank You letter from TAG
- Monetary award of $1,000.00
- The award will be presented by TAG with Commander’s Coin at an appropriate event
Award for Customer Service- Debra Dupuy- Virginia Finance and AccountingThis award recognizes the individual who, through a willingness to respond to the needs of the organization and its internal and external customers, contributed to the overall mission and overall success of DMA, within the realm of his/her responsibilities based upon the criteria listed.
- Communication: Employee demonstrated the ability to understand and quickly respond to customer’s needs, provided courteous and respectful service, demonstrated patience when dealing with complex matters, and insured timely follow-up when necessary.
- Performance: Employee possesses the dedication and energy to go above and beyond minimum requirements in order to provide clear and accurate information and/or service in a timely manner.
The Recipient of the Customer Service Award will receive the following:
- Thank You letter from TAG
- Monetary award of $500.00
- The award will be presented by TAG with Commander’s Coin at an appropriate event
Award for Teamwork–
- Trip Jones- Maneuver Training Center Department of Plans, Training and Security
- Beth Nelson- Maneuver Training Department of Public Works
- Glenn Chappell- Maneuver Training Center Department of Plans, Training and Security
- Donald McDaniel- Maneuver Training Department of Public Works
- John Cole- Maneuver Training Center Department of Plans, Training and Security
- Christopher Ellett- Maneuver Training Center Department of Plans, Training and Security
This award will recognize teams of 2-5 employees, either within a directorate or across directorates, working together to accomplish a specific task or assignment in order to contribute to the overall mission and success of the DMA. Criteria will be based on attitude, participation, and performance of entire team.
The Recipients of the Teamwork Award will receive the following:
- Thank You letter from TAG for each team member
- Monetary award of $500.00 per employee. Team trophy re-issued yearly to winning team.
- The award will be presented by TAG with Commander’s Coin at an appropriate event
New Employee Award– Charles Davidson- VAFM
This award will recognize an individual who has been employed 2 years or less with DMA based on the following criteria:
- Achieved noteworthy accomplishment(s)
- Demonstrates a positive attitude and a grasp of DMA mission
- Displays a willingness to learn and develop professionally
The Recipient of the New Employee Award will receive the following:
- Thank You letter from TAG
- Monetary award of $500.00
- The award will be presented by TAG with Commander’s Coin at an appropriate event
Award for Career Achievement– Geoff Fisher- VAFM
The employee nominated has a record of consistent achievement over time that has significantly improved the efficiency and effectiveness of Commonwealth operations. For instance, you may have an employee who has demonstrated personal achievement and is frequently called upon for advice because of his/her expertise and experience.
The Recipient of the Career Achievement Award will receive the following:
- Thank You letter from the TAG
- Monetary award of $500.00
- The award will be presented by TAG with Commander’s Coin at an appropriate event
Award for Community Service and Volunteerism- Derrick Hall- VAFM
The employee nominated volunteers on his/her own time in non‐profit community activities or serves as the “extra pair of hands” in agency activities. For instance, you may have an employee who helps build a house for Habitat for Humanity or who coordinates the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign at the agency.
The Recipient of the Community Service and Volunteerism Award will receive the following:
- Thank You letter from the TAG
- Monetary award of $500.00
- The award will be presented by TAG with Commander’s Coin at an appropriate event
Award for Innovation– Linwood Hoffman- VAFM- ENV
The employee nominated produces results such as increased productivity, efficiencies or cost savings through creativity and bright ideas that are implemented within the agency or state government. For instance, you may have an employee who has been recognized by the Employee Suggestion Program or who had a great idea for the productivity savings initiative.
The Recipient of the Innovation Award will receive the following:
- Thank You letter from the TAG
- Monetary award of $500.00
- The award will be presented by TAG with Commander’s Coin at an appropriate event
Award for Workplace Safety and Health- Daniel Breslin- Commonwealth ChalleNGe
The employee nominated leads the way in promoting a safe and healthy work environment, suggests workplace improvements, and promotes and supports the importance of a safe and healthy work environment. For instance, you may have an employee who consistently suggests workplace improvements to reduce the risk to other employees or someone who has done particularly well in identifying ways to reduce workers compensation claims in the agency.
The Recipient of the Workplace Safety and Health Award will receive the following:
- Thank You letter from the TAG
- Monetary award of $500.00
- The award will be presented by TAG with Commander’s Coin at an appropriate event
Walt Mercer, DMA chief operating officer, will join the various departments to congratulate these winners of the 2020 Agency Wide Award.