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 Department Heads have selected SCOTT A. McMILLON from the Department of Public Safety as the April 2017 Employee of the Month.
Scott has been a Kent County employee since November 2003 and serves as a Paramedic II 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. In addition, he is a founding member and longest serving member of Kent County’s Medic SWAT Team, which requires rigorous physical and mental training and the ability to deploy with little notice. He was previously honored as Employee of the Month in September 2012.
Scott is also an accomplished public speaker and trainer. A skillset which was effectively demonstrated recently when he and a co-worker developed and presented a comprehensive Active Shooter Response training program to all Kent County employees. The training course garnered widespread praise from staff members for the valuable content and effective use of video with hands-on demonstration of aftercare techniques.
According to Public Safety Director Colin Faulkner, “Scott is an outstanding medic and a dedicated role model for new paramedics joining the service. He delivers the highest level of patient medical care even under the most extreme conditions. His devotion to the SWAT medic program and extra training required is a testament to the outstanding professional standards he personifies.”
Congratulations Scott on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected KEVIN A. IMHOF from the Department of Public Safety as the March 2017 Employee of the Month.
Kevin started with Kent County in March 2007 as a student in the Delaware Tech paramedic training program and now 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 recently promoted Sergeant for his shift, Kevin is the team leader responsible for assisting the Field Supervisor with communication, evaluation, and continuous training.
Kevin is an active member of the Delaware Army National Guard and has been deployed for three tours as a Flight Paramedic in Afghanistan, Iraq, and allied countries as part of the continuing war on terrorism. On the home front, he and a co-worker, recently developed and presented a comprehensive Active Shooter Response training program to all Kent County employees, which garnered widespread praise from staff members for the valuable content.
According to Public Safety Director Colin Faulkner, “Kevin is an excellent paramedic that clearly has an aptitude for teaching others. He has served our Country with valor and effectively shares his military training for the County’s benefit. He is dedicated to achieving outstanding patient outcomes and devoted to his craft. He is extremely deserving of this honor.”
Congratulations Kevin on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected KIA EVANS from the Department of Administration as the February 2017 Employee of the Month.
Kia has worked as the Public Information Officer for Kent County since October 2012. Her primary duties include media relations for the purpose of keeping citizens informed about County government activities.
Kia serves as the County’s contact person with the local news media. She is often the first person contacted by WBOC-TV, News Journal, Delaware State News, and radio stations about breaking stories involving the County government. Her professionalism, eloquence, and poise are valuable attributes that yield quality results in the presentation of information in a positive, clear and concise manner to the benefit of Kent County. Her unique position allows her to work closely with all the departments and elected officials.
Kia also has responsibility for County public relations efforts including the publication of the quarterly Kent County Levy Court Community Newsletter as well as publicity for Levy Court sponsored tributes, initiatives, and events such as Youth in Government Day. In addition, she researches emerging issues for the County Administrator and maintains relationships with a network of resources vital to the County’s decision making process.
According to County Administrator Michael Petit de Mange, “Kia Evans is an outstanding professional who maintains a great work ethic and provides high quality customer service. Kia is a disciplined, self-motivated team player and is a joy to have on Staff. Her prior public relations background with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Delaware State University has prepared her well to excel here at Kent County. I am impressed daily by her ability to get ahead of the news cycle and position the County for the most favorable coverage. She has certainly earned the honor of being recognized as Employee of the Month.”
Congratulations Kia on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected SKYLAR D.WILLEY from the Department of Public Works as the January 2017 Employee of the Month.
Skylar, a Maintenance Worker II in the Division of Wastewater Facilities, has worked for Kent County since October 2014. His primary duties include maintenance of buildings and grounds located at the Regional Resource Recovery Facility including the UV disinfection system, painting, and general repairs.
Supervisors describe Skylar as extremely capable with a wealth of knowledge in construction, pumps, motors, and electricity. He has taken it upon himself to become proficient in the operation in all work-related equipment and can even rebuild the hot end bearing of the biosolids dryers. His ingenuity saves thousands of dollars when he diagnoses mechanical problems and then develops a workable solution. After only two years with the County, he can skillfully disassemble and repair the ultraviolet disinfection units which are vital to the wastewater treatment process.
According to Public Works Director Andrew Jakubowitch, “Skylar is a highly skilled member of the team with a positive attitude and willingness to do anything you ask. He can machine and weld metal, fashion power cables, provide solutions to mechanical issues at the Facility, and anticipate what is needed to complete a particular repair. Skylar has consistently exceeded our expectations and has certainly earned the honor of being recognized as Employee of the Month.”
Congratulations Skyler on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected ANDREW T. RIGGI, P.E. from the Department of Public Works as the December 2016 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.
Shortly after joining the staff, Andy proved his engineering prowess and coordination skills as the project manager for the $1.5 million HVAC upgrade, telephone replacement, and parking lot expansion projects at the Department of Public Safety all while the Emergency Operations Center remained fully functional.
But Andy’s most recent accomplishment pales in comparison. In mid-November, the $24 million Nutrient Removal & Expansion Project at the Kent County Regional Resource Recovery Facility was finally completed with much fanfare and well deserved accolades for the project manager. Andy was proactive in his approach and confidently managed numerous vendors and subcontractors in all phases of construction with ever present attention given to the budget and project timelines. His level of common sense and innovative problem solving puts him at the top of his profession.
According to Public Works Director Andrew Jakubowitch, “Andy spent countless hours working on this huge project no matter the weather or the hour of day. When challenges arose, as they always do, he was there with a unique solution. Not enough can be said about Andy’s positive, energetic and hard-working attitude. He values his team, he communicates well, and he gets things done.”
Congratulations Andy on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected KAREN COOPER from the Department of Finance as the November 2016 Employee of the Month.
Karen has been a Kent County employee since December 2004 and serves as a Property Specialist II in the Assessment Office. Her primary duties include processing the elderly and disability tax abatement applications, assisting customers on the phone and in person, making billing address changes, proofreading deed transfers, researching returned mail, and organizing and filing routing forms.
Karen is praised by her supervisor for her willingness to learn new tasks and to help out as needed. She recently aided her previous worksite, the Tax Office, by filling in during the busy tax season. Karen is devoted to mastering any job related skills and searches for ways to improve them to better meet the needs of the customers she serves. She consistently provides exceptional customer service to Kent County constituents, helping them to complete and turn in the necessary forms required for tax exemptions.
According to County Finance Director Susan Durham, “The Finance team is so very proud of the professional growth Karen has exhibited over the years. She has made a personal commitment to understand how all components of our organization are interconnected. As a result, Karen can offer a comprehensive and succinct explanation to any citizen inquiry. She not only knows where to find the answers to customer questions, she can explain “why” a particular procedure, process, or rule applies to a particular situation. This ability is incredibly valuable in the assessment office.”
Congratulations Karen on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected FRANCES S. GUNNING from the Department of Community Services as the October 2016 Employee of the Month.
Fran has been a Kent County employee since September 2002 and serves as a Library Technician in the Division of Libraries. Her primary duties include operating the bookmobile, assisting library patrons with book and material selection, cataloging and processing library materials, and assisting visitors with the public computers and Internet access.
Fran is praised by her supervisor for her outstanding customer service. She is devoted to meeting the needs of remote library users in underserved communities such as the Veterans Home, senior housing communities, daycare centers and charter schools. Fran knows her customers personally and has developed strong ties with patrons. Her dry humor and genuine interest in regular bookmobile users make Fran popular with the customers she serves.
According to County Librarian Hilary Welliver, “Fran is the Bookmobile’s most passionate advocate. The word ‘bookmobile’ literally means ‘books in motion’ and Fran is the epitome of that, making fifteen stops a week in every Levy Court District. She is the bookmobile’s sole operator – literally making the mobile library live up to our motto as The Friendly Library on the Highway.”
Congratulations Fran on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected EARL T. BRIEL from the Department of Public Safety as the September 2016 Employee of the Month.
Earl has been a Kent County employee since July 2008 and serves as Paramedic II and Special Operations Medic 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.
Earl consistently demonstrates a high level of professionalism and expertise in patient care and is well respected by his co-workers and other partner agencies in public safety. Earl is a participating member of our Special Operations section and as such, is credentialed in Hazardous Materials Response and Technical Rescue. He continuously provides positive input on areas of operation in a meaningful and productive manner and frequently volunteers for departmental public relations initiatives.
According to Public Safety Director Colin Faulkner, “Earl has been a top performer in our Department who repeatedly demonstrates a high level of patient care this Department is known for. He is a consistent source of input in a positive manner for departmental initiatives and improvement opportunities. He is always friendly to others and easily approachable by our internal and external customers. He is praised by his supervisors for his teamwork, input and willingness to go above and beyond. Earl is well deserving of this honor.”
Congratulations Earl on a job well done!
Kent County Employee Council selected and Kent County Levy Court has honored FRANCES S. GUNNING from the Department of Community Services as the 2016 Employee of the Year!
Fran has been a Kent County employee since September 2002 and serves as a Library Technician in the Division of Libraries. Her primary duties include operating the bookmobile, assisting library patrons with book and material selection, cataloging and processing library materials, and assisting visitors with the public computers and Internet access.
Fran is praised by her supervisor for her outstanding customer service. She is devoted to meeting the needs of remote library users in underserved communities such as the Veterans Home, senior housing communities, daycare centers and charter schools. Fran knows her customers personally and has developed strong ties with patrons. Her dry humor and genuine interest in regular bookmobile users make Fran popular with the customers she serves.
According to County Librarian Hilary Welliver, “Fran is the Bookmobile’s most passionate advocate. The word ‘bookmobile’ literally means ‘books in motion’ and Fran is the epitome of that, making fifteen stops a week in every Levy Court District. She is the bookmobile’s sole operator – literally making the mobile library live up to our motto as The Friendly Library on the Highway.”
Congratulations Fran!
Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce
Delaware Economic Development Office
Kent Economic Partnership
Greater Kent Committee
Comprehensive Plan
