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!
The Kent County department heads have selected DANIELLE N. LAMBORN from the Department of Planning Services as the July 2013 Employee of the Month.
Danielle, a Kent County employee since December 2002, is a GIS Specialist in the Geographic Information Systems Division and serves as the primary public contact person in the office. Danielle was nominated for her work over the past year to transition the County’s Geographic Information System (GIS) data to a new web-based server. She coordinated with Information Technology Office staff, Public Works, Planning Services, and outside consultants to determine the technical requirements for the transition as well as the end-user needs of County staff and our customers. When the project goes live in July, citizens will have easy access to myriad, up-todate data such as parcel boundaries, zoning, natural resources, approved development applications, and Levy Court district boundaries. The success of this project reflects both Danielle’s technical expertise and her ability to work effectively with a diverse team of stakeholders.
According to Planning Services Director Sarah Keifer, “Danielle has exceeded all expectations in managing the GIS project for our department. Even when faced with obstacles, she maintained a positive attitude and looked for solutions. Danielle’s commitment to bringing this project to fruition is truly appreciated”.
Congratulations Danielle on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected KENNETH P. BONOVICH from the Department of Administration as the June 2013 Employee of the Month.
Ken has been a Kent County employee since May 2011 and holds the position of 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 updating software; and assisting County employees with various computer related glitches
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Ken was nominated for his work on the new County Website - which will be launched on July 8, where he researched various software solutions for website design and identified the software solution named Umbraco to be used by County staff for updating content material. In addition, Ken developed several databases which hold content information for things like meeting dates, bids and RFPs, along with departmental specific items. He also created user friendly and attractive front-end screens for easy update of content material using effective and termination dates, which will help keep website material fresh.
According to Information Technology Director Kim Crouch, “Ken’s internet expertise has been a great asset to the I.T. staff in refreshing the website and creating several handy databases. He has a keen eye for intuitive webpage design and graphics. Ken is also very friendly and especially skilled at putting County staff at ease when they experience technical problems.”
Congratulations Ken on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected KRISTINA M. RINKENBERG from the Department of Community Services as the May 2013 Employee of the Month.
Kristi has been a Kent County employee since June 2006 and holds the position of Library Technician in the Division of Libraries. Her primary duties include assisting library patrons with book and material selection, cataloging and processing library materials, and assisting visitors with the public computers and Internet access.
Additionally, Kristi coordinates all the programming and outreach activities for the County library and bookmobile. These range from weekly story times for preschoolers, to the Summer Reading Program which helps students maintain or improve their literacy skills over summer vacation, as well as teen and adult programs such as the “Authors and Audiences” regional writers showcase, half-a-dozen book discussion groups, and an ongoing collaboration with the Delaware Division of Libraries to maintain a weekly job support center. Especially successful is "Driven to Read!" a family-oriented Arts-in-the-Parks summer series that is a successful collaboration with Brecknock Park and the Bookmobile, delighting 100 participants each week. Thanks to Kristi, there are free programs for all ages and interests. In 2012, that came out to 292 programs that reached 8,230 people
According to County Librarian Hilary Welliver, “Kristi is a pleasure to work with. Her bubbly personality and friendly smile win friends for Kent County Public Library whether she is introducing a program, contacting performers, or assisting people at the circulation desk.”
Congratulations Kristi on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected VINCENT V. PARSONS from the Department of Public Works as the April 2013 Employee of the Month.
Vince has been a Kent County employee since February 2011 and holds the position of Biosolids Technician I in the Division of Wastewater Facilities. His primary duties include managing the biologic solids handling process during his shift, the safe operation of equipment; implementing minor repairs to highly mechanized equipment; and ensuring the production of a high quality product desired by the farming community.
Vince actually started with the County as a temporary employee in the Facilities Management Division before being hired full-time as a custodian at the Administrative Complex. His dedication to the job and mechanical skills made him an ideal candidate for a new Maintenance Worker position at the wastewater treatment facility where he transferred in July 2011. About a year later, he was promoted to his current position in biosolids. Vince not only works diligently to keep the equipment operational and capable of producing consistently a high quality KentOrganite soils amendment but also improves the appearance of the offices and hallways. He is truly worthy of his nickname “Vinnie the floor man”.
According to Public Works Director Hans Medlarz, “Vince has an extremely positive attitude. He volunteers for every overtime opportunity and still has a great mind-set at the end of a double shift. He has taken it upon himself to learn the ins-and-outs of the biosolids process and can ably assist the Biosolids Supervisor with training new staff.”
Congratulations Vince on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected LORI A. CALOWAY from the Department of Finance as the March 2013 Employee of the Month.
Lori has been a Kent County employee since January 2007 and holds the position of Accountant III in the Accounting section. She is a graduate of Wilmington University with a Bachelors Degree in Accounting and Finance. In addition to reconciling travel reimbursements and reviewing uniform purchases for compliance with County policy, she coordinates and tracks street light and trash accounts receivable activity and handles waste hauler billings and bankruptcies.
Lori is cross-trained in most functions within the Finance Department and can competently resolve a sewer billing dispute one day and then spend hours verifying payroll data entries the next. Whether it is gathering reports and documents in preparation for monthly allocations or approving purchases for the Sewer Fund, Lori can skillfully perform any task with ease. She was particularly helpful integrating the former Receiver of Taxes office procedures with those of the Finance Department and supporting staff with the transition.
According to Finance Director Susan Durham, “Lori has the unique ability to transition from one task to another without hesitation. She is organized, accurate, and an excellent Accountant. Lori asks lots of questions and then applies the knowledge she gains. She values the purpose of each procedure or process followed by the County. She understands the big picture. This quality makes her immensely valuable to the Finance Department and organization as a whole.”
Congratulations Lori on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected ROBERT L. WATTS from the Department of Public Safety as the February 2013 Employee of the Month.
Robert has been a Kent County employee since October 2002 and holds the position of Dispatcher III in the Emergency Communications Division. His primary duties include dispatching emergency responses for fire services, ambulance services, and paramedics of Kent County. He also maintains the Division’s standard operating procedures and trains new dispatch employees on the computer aided dispatch system and protocols of proper procedures.
Robert is praised by supervisors as an outstanding shift supervisor and consistent top performer amongst the 9-1-1 staff, who can be counted on to remain calm and professional in the most demanding and challenging situations.
An example includes the recent plane crash piloted by a local physician. The sketchy details and foggy night time conditions made recovery difficult in the vast acres of farmland and forests along Route 9, but Robert skillfully coordinated emergency communications with 13 responding fire companies until the downed private plane was found. The ability to remain calm against overwhelming odds is not an easy skill to master, but he has done so with the highest degree of professionalism and setting a standard for others to aspire to.
Congratulations Robert on a job well done!
Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce
Delaware Economic Development Office
Kent Economic Partnership
Greater Kent Committee
Comprehensive Plan
