Kent County Department Heads have selected DANIEL E. TWARDUS Jr. from the Department of Planning Services as the April 2018 Employee of the Month.
Dan has worked for Kent County since May 2016 and now serves as a Plans Reviewer I after first working as a Building Codes Inspector. His primary duties include reviewing building permit applications, blueprints, and other documents for conformance to County building codes and authorizing the issuance of building permits.
Dan is praised by his supervisors for his ability to utilize his extensive experience as a self-employed contractor to anticipate building design challenges and communicate code compliance issues with homeowners and others in the building trades. He has brought a unique perspective to the job and been instrumental in helping maintain tight deadlines. More importantly, Dan has cultivated positive working relationships with builders and helped County inspectors identify important aspects of the construction process in need of special attention.
According to Planning Services Director Sarah Keifer, “Dan exemplifies the County’s customer service ethos and has brought a positive energy to the County’s plan review process. He is very thorough, but his contracting experience helps him identify with the challenges facing homeowners and the building community. He is able to assist the process by suggesting solutions that meet the code requirements and the construction project’s budget and timetable. He has earned a reputation for being methodical, but fair.”
Congratulations Dan on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected ANGELA G. WISE from the Department of Finance as the March 2018 Employee of the Month.
Angie has worked for Kent County since July 1995 and serves as an Account Specialist III. Her primary duties include complex bookkeeping tasks such as assuring accurate payment of invoices, verifying compliance with County procurement rules, reconciling bank statements, and maintaining cash disbursement and receipt journals and ledgers.
Angie is praised by her supervisors for her ability to complete multiple tasks in a fast paced working environment. She also excels as a trainer on the accounts payable system for new staff members. More importantly, over the years Angie has cultivated and maintained trusting working relationships with the various County departments, which results in prompt attention of the responsible direct and indirect cost center funding authority.
According to Finance Director Susan Durham, “Angie is an exemplary member of the Finance team and over the years she has mastered the accounting software with respect to accounts payable. She is dependable and has attained a level of initiative and proficiency that requires minimal follow-up by senior staff.”
Congratulations Angie on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected KATHRYN H. “Kay” KRISS from the Office of the Kent County Register of Wills as the February 2018 Employee of the Month.
Kay has worked for Kent County since March 2015 and serves as a Wills Clerk II. She is responsible for scheduling openings and closings of estates, audits estate accountings and explaining to the public the many different procedures required when a family member passes.
Supervisors describe Kay as very compassionate and caring toward Wills Office customers. Often grieving family members are inconsolable when visiting the office, but Kay has the unique ability to offer comforting words that help them get through the estate process. She is also praised for her willingness to go above and beyond and accommodate the schedules of her coworkers.
According to Register of Wills Harold Brode, “Kay is the kindest person you could ever meet and very deserving of recognition as Employee of the Month. We receive so many comments from constituents about her genuine kindness and caring attitude. She has this wonderful ability to engage with people suffering emotionally over the loss of a loved one and make them feel better.”
Congratulations Kay on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected MELANIE A. MARINUCCI from the
Department of Public Safety as the January 2018 Employee of the Month.
Melanie started with Kent County in April 2014 and serves as a Paramedic II in the Emergency Medical Services Division. Her primary duties include treating patients using advanced emergency care procedures and insuring the high quality delivery of life support techniques.
Melanie serves as a Shift Mentor and as such assists the Field Training Officers with training of paramedic students by sharing her wisdom and experiences to those learning the profession. Also a mentor, she functions as a role-model encouraging new Kent County paramedics to achieve the highest standards of care and conduct.
Melanie is highly praised by supervisors for her enthusiasm and customer service skills. Her positive attitude embodies our motto of “Serving Kent County with Pride.”
According to Public Safety Director Colin Faulkner, “Melanie, like all our paramedics, is tireless in her commitment to deliver high quality advanced life support. She is devoted to achieving superior patient outcomes and praised by supervisors for her teamwork and willingness to work whenever needed. Melanie is certainly deserving of this honor.”
Congratulations Melanie on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected ANA ITURRIAGA from the Department of Public Works as the December 2017 Employee of the Month.
Ana started with Kent County in May 2005 and serves as a Custodian in the Facilities Management Division. Her primary duties include cleaning restrooms and offices in the Kent County Administrative Complex as well as at the Kent County Recreation Center.
Ana is a dedicated employee who earns high praise from supervisors for her personal commitment to maintain a clean and sanitary environment for visitors and her fellow employees. She always has a kind word and her pleasant demeanor makes her easily approachable. Ana is a dependable employee who can be counted on to complete all assigned tasks in a timely manner and represent Kent County in the most positive way.
According to Acting Public Works Director Diana Golt, “The work our custodians do is often underappreciated, but it is extremely important in maintaining a healthy environment for everyone working in or using our facilities. Ana diligently performs her duties with a very pleasant attitude that results in numerous positive comments from the public and visitors. She is a joy to be around and her devotion to the County is obvious by the quality of work she performs.”
Congratulations Ana on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected ELIZABETH A. "Betsy" CAUFIELD from the Department of Planning Services as the November 2017 Employee of the Month.
Betsy started with Kent County in June 2015 and serves as a Planner I in the Planning Division. Her primary duties include review of site plans and subdivision plans for compliance with all ordinances and regulations and good planning principles; researching requests for rezonings, variances and special use permits; assisting the general public in understanding complex planning principles and practices through pre-application meetings; and preparing staff reports.
Betsy has earned high praise from supervisors for her effective design and management of the social media strategy for the Comprehensive Plan. She has been instrumental in developing the Plan, and consistently met aggressive and perhaps intimidating deadlines not just without complaint but with enthusiasm. She has accomplished all of that while also managing the normal day to day activities of Planning.
According to Planning Services Director Sarah Keifer, “While Betsy has been with us only a relatively short time, she has had a substantial impact on our Department. Her GIS and social media work for the Comprehensive Plan are invaluable and her positive attitude is refreshing and very much appreciated. We are all pleased to have her as part of our team.”
Congratulations Betsy on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected GREGORY J. MANSFIELD from the Department of Administration as the October 2017 Employee of the Month.
Greg started with Kent County in November 2015 and serves as a Computer Support Technician I in the Information Technology Office. His primary duties include troubleshooting computer hardware, software and/or network operating problems; responding to telephone calls to the I.T. Helpdesk; installing new computer hardware and configuring software; and assisting County employees with various computer related glitches.
Although Greg works with all departments, he is assigned to Public Safety and assists with the technical challenges of an around-the-clock operation, as well as the unique inter-agency needs of the Offices of Sheriff and Clerk of the Peace. Additionally, he provides backup to the Media Systems Coordinator for audio/visual support, streaming media and meeting recordation.
According to Information Technology Director Kim Crouch, “Greg has an unmatched knowledge of personal computers which allows him to diagnose and fix fatal errors that often befuddle other team members. This special skill makes him the County’s ‘go to, guy’ for most operating system failures. In addition, Greg is proactive about seeking out low cost enhancements or alternatives for expiring software support contracts. Kent County is so very fortunate to have such a talented individual on the I.T. team.”
Congratulations Greg on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected JOSEPH W. PAUGH Jr. from the Department of Community Services as the September 2017 Employee of the Month.
Joe started with Kent County in February 2016 and serves as a Recreation Program Supervisor I in the Division of Parks & Recreation. His primary duties include organizing and coordinating recreational programs, activities at the Recreation Center and various County parks along with special events such as the Children’s Halloween Fantasy Trail at Brecknock Park, which requires the direction of over 30 volunteers.
While a relative newcomer to the Parks and Recreation Division, Joe has been the point person during the busy evenings at the Recreation Center. He also lends his leadership by personally coaching youth sports programs such as tot volleyball and tot and youth floor hockey.
According to Community Service Director Jeremy Sheppard, “Joe has the energy and passion for providing quality recreation programming at the Kent County Recreation Center. His enthusiasm for programming earns him high praise from community members utilizing the Rec Center. Joe is eager to accomplish new tasks while mastering the day to day operations of the growing center.”
Congratulations Joe on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected JOHN R. WITZKE from the Department of Public Safety as the August 2017 Employee of the Month.
John started with Kent County in February 2001 and serves as a Paramedic III in the Division of Emergency Medical Services. His primary duties include treating patients using advanced emergency care procedures and insuring the high quality delivery of life support techniques. As the Sergeant for his shift, John is the team leader responsible for assisting the Field Supervisor with communication, evaluation, and continuous training. In addition, he performs Special Ops duties as a member of the bike team and technical rescue group.
For many years John has served on the Safe Summer Day Committee responsible for planning the annual health & safety event held at Brecknock Park. After serving as Co-Chair, John assumed full Committee Chair duties this year and earned high praise from former chairman Glen “Wayne” McCarty for his leadership and organizational skills. Of particular note was John’s personal effort to make the annual Patriotic Presentation a moving tribute to the first responders, military service members, law enforcement officers, and correctional officers in attendance at the event. John served many years in the Air Force Reserve and was deployed to active service several times during his career before retiring.
According to Public Safety Director Colin Faulkner, “John continuously reflects the values of our Public Safety Department and has been a consistent top performer held in high regard by his peers and our administration alike. He welcomes any challenge our department offers and excels as an assistant supervisor.”
Congratulations John on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected STELLA J. PADILLA from the Department of Public Works as the July 2017 Employee of the Month.
Stella has been a Kent County employee since March 2002 and serves as Laboratory Technician II in the Laboratory section of the Division of Wastewater Facilities. Her primary duties include daily wastewater sample collection and evaluation of test results for optimization of plant operations. Stella has more than 20 years of experience in wastewater operations and holds a Class III Wastewater Facilities Operator license issued by the State of Delaware.
Stella is praised by supervisors for her ability to accurately analyze sample data and maintain quality control. She has superior knowledge of sampling techniques, testing equipment, and the County’s laboratory processes. Over the years Stella has remained dedicated to the environmental field including serving in leadership positions with the Water & Waste Operators Association.
According to Public Works Director Andrew Jakubowitch, “Stella is another fine example of the high quality staff we have working at the Regional Resource Recovery Facility. In addition to performing her duties as a laboratory technician, she recently stepped up to provide assistance in operations when other licensed staff was unavailable after one retired and another sustained a work related injury. On multiple occasions she volunteered to fill in vacant operator shifts to prevent operators from working a triple shift. This required her to work on her scheduled days off, or to work a double shift to assist the operators.”
Congratulations Stella on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected MICHELE L. GREEN from the Department of Planning Services as the June 2017 Employee of the Month.
Michele has been a Kent County employee since March 2013 and holds the position of Planning Technician II in the Planning Division. She is primarily responsible for explaining zoning and land use rules to the general public; analyzing and evaluating rezoning and special use permit applications; preparing public notices and preparing public hearing documents for meeting packets; reviewing documents for compliance with codes and regulations; and conducting research and compiling data for various reports.
Supervisors praise Michele for always going the extra mile to perform her duties and exceeding their expectations. She excels in providing excellent customer service and consistently demonstrates a high comprehension of the zoning code and the various procedural processes contained therein.
In addition, Michele is a tireless advocate for wellness and a healthy lifestyle. She was recently elected to Employee Council and serves as Secretary.
According to Planning Services Director Sarah Keifer, “Michele works very efficiently with a high degree of accuracy, which is essential for this position. Her organizational and research skills are tremendous and she readily volunteers to help outside of her ordinary responsibilities. More importantly she combines her expertise with a deep empathy for citizens and employees, which makes her invaluable to Kent County.”
Congratulations Michele on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected JESSICA R. STEELE from the Department of Finance as the May 2017 Employee of the Month.
Jessica has been a Kent County employee since April 2005 and holds the position of Accountant II in the general fund Accounting section. She holds two associate degrees in accounting and microcomputers & networking from Delaware technical & Community College. Before transferring to the Finance Department in 2010, she worked in the Recorder of Deeds office and the Comptroller’s office.
Jessica’s primary duties include daily banking reconciliation, accounts payable & accounts receivable for the Sheriff’s Office, general fund invoice payment processing, coordinating the financial aspect of the CDGB grant, and reviewing purchases in area of responsibility for compliance with County policy and budget constraint provisions implemented in 2008. Although helping process the financial aspects of foreclosures can be complex, she has won high praise from the parties involved for her professionalism.
According to Finance Director Susan Durham, “Jess is extremely thorough. She completes a high volume of work and does it with a high degree of accuracy. She provides excellent customer service and diligently researches tough financial issues to a satisfactory resolution. She willingly takes on more work when needed and has excelled in the cross training efforts implemented by the department.”
Congratulations Jessica on a job well done!
Kent County Employee Council selected and Kent County Levy Court has honored ELIZABETH A. "Betsy" CAUFIELD from the Department of Planning Services as the 2017 Employee of the Year!
Betsy started with Kent County in June 2015 and serves as a Planner I in the Planning Division. Her primary duties include review of site plans and subdivision plans for compliance with all ordinances and regulations and good planning principles; researching requests for rezonings, variances and special use permits; assisting the general public in understanding complex planning principles and practices through pre-application meetings; and preparing staff reports.
Betsy has earned high praise from supervisors for her effective design and management of the social media strategy for the Comprehensive Plan. She has been instrumental in developing the Plan, and consistently met aggressive and perhaps intimidating deadlines not just without complaint but with enthusiasm. She has accomplished all of that while also managing the normal day to day activities of Planning.
According to Planning Services Director Sarah Keifer, “While Betsy has been with us only a relatively short time, she has had a substantial impact on our Department. Her GIS and social media work for the Comprehensive Plan are invaluable and her positive attitude is refreshing and very much appreciated. We are all pleased to have her as part of our team.”
Congratulations Betsy!
Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce
Delaware Economic Development Office
Kent Economic Partnership
Greater Kent Committee
Comprehensive Plan
