Kent County Department Heads have selected KAITLYN M. SCHECH from the Department of Community Services as the November 2020 Employee of the Month.
Kaitlyn serves as a Recreation Program Supervisor I in the Parks & Recreation Division and has worked for Kent County since September 2017. Her primary duties include organizing and coordinating recreational programs and leagues at the Recreation Center, various County parks and other locations.
Kaitlyn is responsible for greatly expanding KCPR’s youth soccer program by leading efforts to combine youth recreational players from a local club and those enrolling in Kent County’s recreation program. Earlier this year, this combination of programs resulted in 175 sign-ups for Spring Soccer. Unfortunately, it was all cut short one week into the season by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Working through the summer, Kaitlyn was able to coordinate a safe return for Fall Soccer, which currently has 130 youth involved. Play has continued and the vision of the Kent Youth Soccer League (KYSL) is taking shape. Kaitlyn works tirelessly coordinating with uniform suppliers, volunteer coaches, local soccer resources, officials groups, park staff, and front office staff for registration purposes.
According to Community Service Director Jeremy Sheppard, “Kaitlyn is a thoughtful worker with a powerful inner drive to make programs better. Her passion for youth soccer led the way for the program merger last spring and now to fruition in the fall. She successfully managed a detailed safe return plan for youth soccer and the Kent County community is better for it.”
Congratulations Kaitlyn on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected CORDAE A. SHOWELL from the Department of Public Works as the October 2020 Employee of the Month.
Cordae has been a Kent County employee since December 2018 and holds the position of Heavy Equipment Operator I in the Wastewater Facilities Division. His primary duties include operating heavy equipment at the Regional Resource Recovery Facility, and transporting and land applying highly prized processed biosolids - Kentorganite to area farms.
Cordae is praised by supervisors for his dependability and conscientiousness. His work ethic is matched only by his enthusiasm for the important work.
More recently, Cordae had a vital role in Kent County’s physical effort to help Dover area property owners clean-up unprecedented tornado damage caused by Tropical Storm Isaias. Cordae along with the rest of the County’s clean-up team worked diligently to remove the debris by operating a large wheeled excavator.
According to Public Works Director Diana Golt, “Since his first day, Cordae has been an exemplary employee. His quiet demeanor and calm attitude have been a pleasant addition. He shows up each day with a smile on his face, ready to tackle whatever job is in front of him. His attitude and dedication makes him a perfect candidate for this honor”
Congratulations Cordae on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected PAUL A. MODESTO Jr. from the Department of Planning Services as the September 2020 Employee of the Month.
Paul has been a Kent County employee since July 2018 and holds the position of Building Codes Inspector I in the Inspections & Enforcement Office. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing/Business Administration from University of Delaware and completed a 4-year apprenticeship in commercial carpentry in 2010. His primary duties include inspecting buildings and property for compliance with the County building code as well as enforcement of zoning, housing and property maintenance ordinances.
Paul has earned praise by his supervisors for utilizing his vast carpentry experience to assist homeowners and contractors in understanding the County building codes and inspection processes. He has brought a unique perspective to the inspections team, and is always willing to pitch in to get the job done.
According to County Administrator Michael Petit de Mange, “Paul has stepped up to help reduce the recent backlog caused by an uptick in building permit applications. This effort was demonstrated last month when he began taking on extra hours and even worked over the 4th of July Holiday to complete timely inspections. Paul’s willingness to go the extra mile is greatly appreciated and very worthy of this recognition.”
According to Planning Services Director Sarah Keifer, “Paul not only possesses the skills required to be a great building inspector, he embraces our customer service mission. His eagerness to take on extra hours to serve the public is deeply appreciated.”
Congratulations Paul on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected KRISANNE MILEY from the Department of Finance as the August 2020 Employee of the Month.
KrisAnne has been a Kent County employee since July 2018 and holds the position of Accountant III in the general fund Accounting section. She has a Bachelor’s degree in accounting from University of Pittsburgh and earned a Master’s degree in accounting from Wilmington University in 2016. Before joining the County, she worked as a State Auditor in the Delaware Office of Auditor of Accounts.
KrisAnne’s primary duties include reviewing and approving all submitted capital project expenditures, managing NSP, EMPG, & Library Standards grant fund draws, monitoring contracts for compliance with terms and expiration, and she has taken the lead role for COVID-19 grant application review and submission. In addition, she has helped organize end of year documents and transfer them for proper storage.
According to Finance Director Susan Durham, “KrisAnne has impressed everybody since she started work here. She is very detail oriented and extremely thorough with a keen eye for complete documentation. She has helped take our grant reimbursement process to the next level by working to maximize return where possible. She continuously seeks new challenges and went the extra mile whenever COVID-19 impacted County operations.”
Congratulations KrisAnne on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected AMY L. MINNER from the Department of Planning Services as the July 2020 Employee of the Month.
Amy started as a Permit Technician I with Kent County in January 2008 and currently serves a Permit Technician III. Her primary duties include performing highly technical work in the issuance of County permits and maintaining the efficient and effective operation of the Permit Service Center ensuring high employee performance, customer service and support to other departments.
Amy was previously recognized as the Employee of the Month in October 2015 and August 2010. Both times, her outstanding customer service skills, frequent praise from customers and dedication to the “Go Pink” campaign were given as reasons why she deserved the award.
During the COVID-19 pandemic response, Amy helped make the business continuity plan in her department particularly successful.
According to Director of Planning Services Sarah Kiefer, “During a period of exceptionally high permit demand, changes in how permits are submitted, changes in how we communicate with applicants without use of the front counter, and continued MGO testing and development, Amy kept everything moving as efficiently and effectively as possible. She handled the situation not only without complaint, but cheerfully. I am proud of how all of Planning Services was able to continue providing service in all areas, but Amy truly stands out and has been noticed by her coworkers for that fact as well.”
Congratulations Amy on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected EMS Captain JOHN A. TINGER from the Department of Public Safety as the June 2020 Employee of the Month.
John started as a Paramedic with Kent County in May 2006 and currently serves as the Administrative Officer in the division of Emergency Medical Services. His primary duties include responsibility for statistical data management, education and analysis of data for quality assurance in EMS operations.
John has accomplished many things during his career at the County including developing the Training Center into an official center recognized by both the County and State government, becoming the first SWAT Commander and assisting with the development of the SWAT team and bringing Combat Tactical Medicine Training and self-defense classes to all the staff. John regularly and actively engages with First Responders to communicate information and guidance from the Delaware Department of Health & Social Services. He is also a Registered Nurse.
During the COVID-19 pandemic response, John has communicated operational enhancements to each platoon and worked with staff daily to ensure they have requisite PPE for current and future needs. He has also developed an informational video and training for County employees about the proper use of PPE.
According to Chief Colin Faulkner, “John is an extremely energetic Administrative Staff Captain who constantly strives to improve operations and our ability to provide the very best emergency medical and traumatic response for our citizens. John’s collective accomplishments and straightforward energy for promoting our Division of EMS has clearly raised the bar for future personnel aspiring to enter the administrative ranks.”
Congratulations John on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected GREGORY J. MANSFIELD from the Department of Administration as the May 2020 Employee of the Month.
Greg started with Kent County in November 2015 and serves as a Computer Support Technician II 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. He was previously honored in October 2017.
At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Greg took the lead to quickly install software upgrades on hardware to facilitate remote work or telework from home by County employees. He has made a point to report to the worksite almost every day since the business continuity response plan began in order to address various computer access issues.
In addition, Greg continues to perform has normal assignments working closely with the Department of Public Safety on 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. He also provides backup to the Media Systems Coordinator for audio/visual support, streaming media and meeting recordation.
According to Information Technology Director Kim Crouch, “Greg surely was the “go to guy” during this crisis as he quickly found available PC and desktops to satisfy every request from Directors for staff to work remotely. And, with available software, Greg is able to provide real time assistance to users by connecting directly to their PCs. We are 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 SIERRA E. HORNEY from the Department of Public Safety as the April 2020 Employee of the Month.
Sierra is currently a Paramedic II and has worked for Kent County in the Division of Emergency Medical Services since September 2014. Her primary duties include treating patients using advanced emergency care procedures and insuring the high quality delivery of life support techniques.
Sierra stepped up early in her career as a Paramedic to act as a mentor to new employees, assisting them with orientation and system familiarity. Recently, she was chosen to take the lead on the social media presence for the department, developing an Instagram page and being the primary contributor to the EMS Division’s Facebook page. Sierra is described by her co-workers as being a natural leader, a pleasure to work with and always willing to help when needed.
According to Director of Public Safety Chief Colin Faulkner, “Sierra is an extremely capable paramedic always willing to go the extra distance. She is well liked by all and clearly a role model. Her willingness to promote the Department via our social media outlets is just one example of Sierra’s willingness to go above and beyond.”
Congratulations Sierra on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected MICHAEL R. LYNCH from the Department of Public Works as the March 2020 Employee of the Month.
Mike has worked for Kent County in the Division of Wastewater Facilities since October 2014. He began his career as a Maintenance Worker and advanced to a Maintenance Mechanic III work team leadership position in a relatively short period of time. His primary duties include performing highly skilled mechanical, pipe fitting and electrical maintenance and repair tasks, such as instrument calibration. His position requires special training for welding and brazing of cast iron, steel, stainless steel and aluminum. Mike also oversees, inspects, repairs and maintains sewage pumping stations, performing a variety of mechanical work assignments.
According to Director of Public Works Diana Golt, “Through his hard work and dedication, Mike maintains a large section of the County collection and transmission system and performs a wide array of maintenance duties with the assistance of his crew. He has taken every opportunity to learn new skills and obtain relevant certification which makes him an exemplary Public Works employee. Mike provides friendly public service whenever he is called upon, including stressful situations. He sets an example as a team player and is always willing to jump in and get the job done. Mike is an excellent selection deserving of the honor of being called Employee of the Month.”
Congratulations Mike on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected ROBERT L WATTS from the Department of Public Safety as the February 2020 Employee of the Month.
Robbie has worked for Kent County since October 2002 and now serves as the Operations Support Officer in the Emergency Communications Division. His primary duties include maintaining the computer aided dispatch (CAD) system that will result in the proper dispatch responses for fire services, ambulance services and paramedics of Kent County, training all new dispatch employees on the computer system and providing support for all emergency services and related computer systems.
Robbie was previously recognized as the February 2013 Employee of the Month when he was a Dispatcher III. At the time, his co-workers said he could be counted on to remain calm and professional in the most demanding and challenging situations. Today, his co-workers say the same, adding that he is always willing to tackle new projects and will get the job done.
According to Assistant Director of Public Safety Kevin Sipple, “Robbie spends countless hours trying to find ways to improve our delivery of 911 services to the public. He oversees the newly created Drone program, oversees and manages the Tyler Computer Aided Dispatch, Fire Records and Mobile Data Program and manages the GIS data for all programs involved with Public Safety. Robbie has also enhanced our outreach programs to include Rave Panic Button, Smart911 and PulsePoint.”
Congratulations Robbie on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected WARREN F. COLLINS from the Department of Administration as the January 2020 Employee of the Month.
Warren has worked for Kent County since August 2015 and serves as a Computer Support Technician I in the Information Technology Office. His primary duties include responding to and troubleshooting I.T. Help Desk calls, obtaining quotes for technology equipment, placing technology supply orders for the County, and overseeing the video surveillance and badging systems. Warren is the first line of support for those systems.
Co-workers describe Warren as very knowledgeable in the technology field and always willing to help solve any problems which arise. He is a family man and frequently shares stories about his children and grandchildren.
According to Director of Information Technology Kim Crouch, “Warren should be recognized for his outstanding work on the Recorder of Deeds hardware and software replacement project this past summer. As the project leader, Warren managed the orders for all the hardware and software and coordinated the hardware configuration with fellow co-workers and the software vendor. He led the team on a weekend to deploy the hardware and verify the system was operational. The Recorder of Deeds office was up and running the next business day.”
Congratulations Warren on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected ROBERT K. FRANKEL from the Department of Planning Services as the December 2019 Employee of the Month.
Bob has worked for Kent County since May 2017 and now serves as a Building Codes Inspector I in the Inspections & Enforcement section after initially working a few months as a WWF Plant Operator Trainee in the Public Works Department. His primary duties include inspecting buildings and property for compliance with County building, and enforcement of zoning, housing and property maintenance codes and ordinances.
Bob is praised by co-workers as always being well-prepared, and he has earned a well-deserved reputation for winning court cases due to that preparation and his presentation skills.
According to Planning Services Director Sarah Keifer, “Bob is the first code enforcement officer I’ve worked with who can essentially sell people on compliance with the code. So often both the complainants and the violators end up being friendly with him. We have a fairly new enforcement team and he has helped to set the standard for both customer service and successful enforcement. We’re very fortunate to have him as part of the department.”
Congratulations Bob on a job well done!
MARGARET M. MANGIAMELE-ORLANDO
Kent County Employee Council selected and Kent County Levy Court has honored MARGARET M. MANGIAMELE-ORLANDO from the Office of the Kent County Sheriff as the 2019 Employee of the Year!
Margo started with Kent County in September 2008 and serves as Secretary in the Sheriff’s Office. Her primary duties include processing court documents and related paperwork; answering incoming telephone calls; assisting with Sheriff Sales; and numerous other clerical duties. Prior to transferring to the Sheriff’s Office in 2015, she worked in the Personnel Office and in the Register of Wills Office.
Current and previous supervisors report that Margo always exhibits enthusiasm and a positive attitude, making her a first-rate example of Kent County Levy Court’s commitment to excellent customer service. She is an exemplary employee, performing her duties in a timely fashion and always willing to assist others. In keeping with her spirit of service, Margo teaches classes for children at her local church and has been a member of the Clayton Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary for years.
According to Kent County Sheriff Brian Lewis, “Margo makes everyone in the office feel at home and welcomed, whether it is visitors to the office or coworkers. She is always pleasant, a pleasure to be around and her spirit is delightful. She is a great asset to this department!”
Congratulations Margo!
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