Kent County Department Heads have selected JOHN A. SCHULTIES from the Department of Planning Services as the July 2014 Employee of the Month.
John is a Buildings Codes Inspector III in the Inspections & Enforcement Division and has worked for Kent County since April 2005. His duties include supervising the building inspectors and code enforcement officers for the County and making day-to-day task assignments. His prior background as a contractor makes him imminently qualified to understand construction techniques and overcome unique challenges.
John’s expertise and positive demeanor goes a long way in resolving complex building code interpretations with contractors or property maintenance issues with homeowners. His reputation in the field makes him the “go to” person when an inspector and contractor encounter an unusual situation.
John was previously honored in December 2009, but more recently has proven invaluable by filling a temporary leadership void in the Division. He has taken on additional administrative responsibilities and committed himself to stay on top of various management issues all while performing his normal duties.
“John is the Division’s problem solver,” observed Planning Services Director SARAH KEIFER. “His dedication to the concept of excellent customer service has helped shift the culture of the staff toward collective problem solving and cooperation. He is a role model for the inspectors and the rest of the staff. John’s professionalism and compassion serves the citizens of Kent County well and represents what is best about public service.”
Congratulations John on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected BARBARA L. MILLER from the Department of Public Works as the June 2014 Employee of the Month.
Barbara has been a Kent County employee since June 2005 and serves as Administrative Secretary for the Department. Her primary duties include supervision of clerical staff, preparation of general correspondence as well payroll, administration of the Dover Air Force Base sewer contract, and reconciliation of garbage collection vendor invoices. She was promoted to her current position in August 2013 after serving as Senior Secretary in the Engineering Division for more than 8 years.
Since assuming her new role, Barbara has worked tirelessly to address citizen concerns about garbage collection services. The snowy weather this past winter and wet spring caused numerous service delays and generated hundreds of telephone calls, but Barbara politely responded to the customer issues. She also helped manage the recent garbage contract bidding process and fielded dozens of inquiries. She has deftly handled the competing interests of vendors from the public works arena all the while training a new staff person in her former responsibilities.
According to Public Works Director Hans Medlarz, “Barbara has navigated the transition process with great skill and a lot of patience. She meets Levy Court’s expectation of a model employee in every aspect of the word and serves their constituents and the Public Works team well.”
Congratulations Barbara on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected BENJAMIN A. SACKEY from the Department of Administration as the May 2014 Employee of the Month.
Ben started working for Kent County in November 2007 and holds the position of Systems Analyst Administrator in the Information Technology Office. He earned his MBA and bachelor’s degree in Information Systems/Finance from Bowling Green State University, and has extensive experience working with the IBM AS400 platform. He previously worked for Playtex Apparel, Inc. and Associated Computer Services, the County’s former contracted information technology services provider.
Ben’s primary duties involve configuring and maintaining the AS400 platform including architecture design and development, performance analysis, system evaluation, IT solution coordination, and successful transition to new or enhanced programming versions.
The AS400 is the County’s primary computer platform and hosts most applications from the property appraisal software to payroll processing to sewer billing. As such, it requires regular maintenance and crucial interaction with end users – often at the most critical point in the process.
According to Information Technology Director Kim Crouch, “Ben can best be described as a problem solver. He has the ability to quickly analyze complex computer code to determine the applicable software glitch, correct it, and restore the program to operability. His caring attitude and amicable nature helps ease frustrations when software applications or modifications invariably hit a snag – especially after an update. Although Ben does not interact with every employee or the public, the work he performs behind the scenes impacts each and every one.”
Congratulations Ben on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected BARBARA A. STOUGH from the Department of Finance as the April 2014 Employee of the Month.
Barbara has been a KentCounty employee since August 2005 and holds the position of Accountant II in the general fund Accounting section. She holds bachelor degrees in accounting from Wilmington University and mathematics from Duquesne University. She previously served in the United States Air Force and worked in bookkeeping and accounting positions for a variety of business concerns from restaurants to ILC Dover before joining the County team.
Barbara’s primary duties include reconciling and allocating employee insurance premiums, invoice payment processing, coordinating the financial aspect of the EMS grant, and reviewing all general fund purchases for compliance with County policy and budget constraint provisions implemented in 2008. While the procurement rules can be frustrating to the purchaser and the vendor, she has deftly managed the process with great respect and professionalism.
According to Finance Director Susan Durham, “Barb’s mild mannered demeanor lends itself well to the current procurement process employed by Kent County. She took on the new responsibility without hesitation and has taken the lead in educating managers about the purchasing rules. As a result, the County has trimmed expenditures and instilled a cost conscience mindset amongst employees.”
Congratulations Barbara on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected MEGAN R. MOERMAN from the Department of Public Safety as the March 2014 Employee of the Month.
Megan has been a Kent County employee since July 2007 and serves as Paramedic II in the Division of Emergency Medical Services. Her primary duties include treating patients using advanced emergency care procedures and insuring the high quality delivery of life support techniques. In addition, she serves as the Field Training Officer for her shift responsible for orienting and evaluating new hires, precepting Delaware Tech paramedic students, and conducting continuing education training.
Megan is praised by supervisors for her enthusiasm and initiative. She takes an active role in the Division by serving as the County’s primary representative on the State Protocols Committee which reviews and develops procedures for treatment and medications for consideration by the four State Medical Directors. Megan’s co-workers especially appreciate her considerate nature. For example, recently after working the overnight shift in adverse weather conditions, she volunteered to substitute last minute for a co-worker on an interview panel for a potential employee, just so the co-worker would not have to drive in the snow.
According to Public Safety Director Colin Faulkner, “Megan exhibits a high level of energy that lends itself well to her FTO duties instructing Paramedic students during field training and the quality assurance process. She brings out the best in people, especially on the scene. Her keen awareness of patient outcomes drives her to be the best she can be in every situation. That dedication serves as an inspiration to her co-workers. She is especially deserving of this recognition.”
Congratulations Megan on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected HILARY WELLIVER from the Department of Community Services as the February 2014 Employee of the Month.
Hilary has been a Kent County employee since November 2006 and serves as Assistant Director of Community Services – Libraries Division. Her primary duties involve administering the operations of the County library system, including the CountyLibrary and the mobile library, preparation of budget requests for State Library Standards funds, managing the library staff and collections, and serving as liaison between the County and other public and private libraries. In addition, she assists the Kent County Library Advisory Committee and represents the County on state-wide library associations.
Hilary became County Librarian in June 2009, and has endeavored since then to expand community outreach and increase the number of library patrons. Her efforts have resulted in a 44 percent increase in County issued library cards, 35 percent increase in circulation, and 26 percent increase in Library visits. The outreach efforts have seen significant growth with the extremely popular “Arts in the Parks” programs and the unique Winter Carnival. These programs have generated much positive press and elevated the importance of reading in the lives of Kent County residents and visitors.
According to County Administrator Mike Petit de Mange, “Hilary has worked diligently to raise the stature of the “Friendly Little Library on the Highway” in our community and her success is measured by the increased visits, expanding circulation, and exceptional customer service. She and the staff have made the County Library a popular Kent County destination not only for books and videos, but outstanding community events like the Winter Carnival and performing arts programs, a variety of inspiring special interest programs, and job training. We’re very fortunate to have Hilary as an important member of the Kent County Team.”
Congratulations Hilary on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected ANDREW T. RIGGI from the Department of Public Works as the January 2014 Employee of the Month.
Andy has been a Kent County employee since September 2012 and serves as an Engineering Project Manager III in the Division of Engineering. His primary duties include performing professional engineering work with emphasis on design and construction. In addition, he performs research, analysis, and assessments in order to develop reports and recommendations on proposed and ongoing projects.
Since joining the staff, Andy has taken the lead for the $1.5 million HVAC upgrade, telephone replacement, and parking lot expansion projects at the Department of Public Safety. He has confidently managed the competing interests of several contractors and numerous vendors in a critical, highly sensitive component of County government. He has earned praise from Public Safety staff for his careful consideration of their needs during the construction phase and his commitment to achieving timelines. He has sacrificed many hours of family time to guarantee the full functionality of the Emergency Operations Center during these projects.
According to Public Works Director Hans Medlarz, “Andy has earned his reputation with his significant contributions to the success of this enormous project at the Department of Public Safety. Once completed, the Public Safety staff will have an efficient and effective HVAC and telephone system plus adequate parking and equipment storage with considerable overall cost savings.”
Congratulations Andy on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected SHERVINA Y. MILLER from the Department of Public Safety as the December 2013 Employee of the Month.
Shevy has been a Kent County employee since 1996 and serves as Paramedic II in the Division of Emergency Medical Services. Her primary duties include treating patients using advanced emergency care procedures and insuring the high quality delivery of life support techniques. In addition, she was recently designated as the Field Training Officer for her shift responsible for orienting and evaluating new hires, precepting Delaware Tech paramedic students, and conducting continuing education training.
Shevy is praised by supervisors for her technical consistency and excellent patient skills. The EMS Division has received numerous positive comments from patients about the high quality care she provides.
According to Public Safety Director Colin Faulkner, “Shevy is a leader in the department. Her lengthy experience in the field and attention to details results in successful patient outcomes. She has an uncanny calming presence in very tense situations. Concerned family members, especially children, tend to follow her firm, but soft spoken directives on scene. All of these skills make her a great paramedic and well deserving of this recognition.”
Congratulations Shevy on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected CHRISTIAN G. WHITE of the Sheriff’s Office as the November 2013 Employee of the Month.
Chris, a Deputy Sheriff in the Office of Kent Country Sheriff, has been a KentCounty employee since May 2008. His primary duties include service of court-ordered subpoenas; maintaining records of service; conducting property inventory for scheduled sales; assisting in the sale of property by the Sheriff; and related duties.
Chris is a retired City of Dover police officer and is highly regarded for his professionalism and positive attitude. He has an uncanny ability to defuse tense situations when serving a subpoena or summons or inventorying personal property to settle a judgment. Last year when dog control services transitioned to a new vendor, Deputy White volunteered to serve as an animal control officer until the new vendor was adequately staffed. He responded to several late night calls and apprehended several dogs running at large.
According to Sheriff Norman Wood, “Chris always steps to the plate when called upon. No matter what the task, I can count on him to be there. He and his fellow deputies are highly trained individuals capable of handling any situation. The Sheriff’s Office takes pride in being able to assist the Levy Court with the dog control situation and others. Chris is a fine example of the high quality employees working for Kent County and he is very deserving of this honor.”
Congratulations Chris on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected TERESA L. CARTER from the Department of Finance as the October 2013 Employee of the Month.
Teresa has been a Kent County employee since November 2003 and holds the position of Accountant I in the Sewer Accounting section. Her primary duties include preparing and verifying quarterly sewer billing, preparing the contract user invoices, and coordinating sewer user payment plans
Teresa was nominated in recognition of her efforts in a recent utility billing conversion project, which involved numerous software changes and special training. She has earned accolades for her customer service skills and works closely with title searchers and attorneys seeking sewer payment information for property settlement purposes.
According to Finance Director Susan Durham, “Teresa excelled as project leader for the upgraded billing software conversion which demonstrated her strong analytical skills. She is very friendly, empathetic, and respectful, which lends to her great success working with sewer customers, internal customers, and arranging payment plans for delinquent sewer users and ensuring follow through by those customers.”
Congratulations Teresa on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected NICOLE L. VAUTARD from the Department of Public Safety as the September 2013 Employee of the Month.
Nicole, a Kent County employee since February 2004, is a Secretary in the Emergency Management Division. She serves as the receptionist for the Emergency Services Building and recording secretary for the Local Emergency Planning Committee.
Nicole cheerfully greets visitors every day, organizes the bimonthly LEPC meetings, and shares responsibility for inputting the department’s complex biweekly payroll. She has been instrumental in helping the Division remain on task since the retirement of the former Assistant Director in May 2009. She maintains regular contact with all of the components of the Emergency Operations Center and remains on post during activation of EOC during pending weather emergencies. After the storm, she assists with the collection of data which often qualifies Kent County residents and property owners for federal disaster assistance.
According to Public Safety Director Colin Faulkner, “Nicole regularly impresses me by continuously seeking new ways to streamline and improve relationships with our many public safety partners. She is a key component during EOC activations responsible for coordinating the deployment of outside assets to our emergency operations center. She is also the manager of a statewide asset management tracking and identification program sponsored by the State and managed through our Emergency Management Division.”
Congratulations Nicole on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected STEVEN A. MULLINS from the Department of Public Works as the August 2013 Employee of the Month.
Steve, a Kent County employee since November 2007, is a Maintenance Mechanic III in the Wastewater Facilities Division. He serves as a crew leader maintaining mainly the equipment at the Wastewater Treatment Plant but also provides special expertise to the more complex pumping station repairs.
Steve was nominated for his courage under heavy “spray”. He and a lot of other Public Works employees had family plans scheduled for this past Father’s Day. However, a complex air release valve failure on the main wastewater transmission system dictated otherwise. Despite not being “on call”, Steve reported for duty and contributed valuable technical expertise to the repair effort. In the end, it came down to a live repair which most people would walk away from, but not Steve. He had the tools, knowledge and courage to get the job done when Assistant Public Works Director Keith Powell needed him most. As a result of his actions the environmental damage of this sewer overflow was limited and the difficult repair was successfully completed.
According to Public Works Director Hans Medlarz, “Steve is an employee who performs at Employee of the Month levels every day. However, from time to time, he even surprises himself when he digs real deep into the ingenuity drawer and comes up with solutions worthy of patent protection all while maintaining a positive attitude. Steve’s in-depth knowledge is truly needed and much appreciated”.
Congratulations Steve on a job well done!
Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce
Delaware Economic Development Office
Kent Economic Partnership
Greater Kent Committee
Comprehensive Plan
