ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball joined cabinet members and Howard County Government employees to recognize the 2024 Employee Awards honorees. For the annual awards program, employees nominated the best of their co-workers in several categories and a selection committee of fellow employees from various county departments selected the final award recipients. Pictures of the event can be found here.
As a role model for community service, Meridy McCague, Director of the East Columbia 50+ Center was named the County’s 2024 Employee of the Year for her leadership in overseeing the opening of this amazing newly renovated and expanded senior facility this year. As with any project of this size and importance, there was a tremendous amount of collaboration, cooperation, challenges and adjustments to reach the final reveal on deadline. Her positivity, creativity and determination inspired the entire project team to make this center a reality for our community.
Our employees make us great with their dedication, innovation and hard work. I am incredibly impressed and grateful for our employees’ responsiveness, professionalism, creativity, and caring. I commend Meridy, our winners, and all of our nominated employees as stellar examples of public service in our community.
The annual awards program also recognized outstanding employees in the following categories:
In the newly created category of Manager of the Year, Captain Elizabeth Jenkins, Commander of the Central Booking Facility in the Department of Corrections, was selected for ensuring that her staff have the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in their jobs and maintain the high-quality standards of our facility. Captain Jenkins is known to go above and beyond to assist her staff with coverage at the facility, resolve complex situations during off hours, and demonstrate compassion for individuals who find themselves in county custody.
In a little over a year, the 2024 Contingent of the Year winner, Samantha Remery from the Department of Recreation & Parks’ Natural and Historic Resources Division, has brought valuable tracking data, credibility and safety to the county’s managed deer hunt program in our parks. She is an exceptional steward for our wildlife, our environment and our community.
Great Idea Award
The First Place Great Idea Award for 2024 was awarded to Daneisha Nicholas in the Department of Recreation & Parks. As a lead for the department’s Community Outreach Team, Daneisha recognized the need for a summer camp opportunity open to lower income families. Thanks to grants, collaboration with the school system to provide free meals through the summer, and a whole lot of teamwork, more than 400 children enjoyed a camp experience that their families would otherwise have been unable to afford.
In second place, Joel Ozbolt in the Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Environmental Services was honored for his innovative thinking to keep harmful methane gas from migrating off the former New Cut Landfill site. His work has kept the site in compliance with local, state and federal regulations and has helped ensure our local homeowners, community and environment are protected.
Green Initiative Award
First Place is awarded to Jaimie Wilder with the Department of Recreation & Parks for a simple but environmentally-friendly change offered to Robinson Nature Center rental customers. To reduce plastic waste, customers are provided a large iced water dispenser and compostable cups for every event, and discouraged from bringing disposable water bottles for their guests.
In second place, Lindsay DeMarzo from County Administration’s Office of Community Sustainability is being acknowledged for her efforts to enhance the county’s Watershed Protection and Restoration Fee and the stormwater management programs that it funds. Her demonstration of the need for a fee increase means years of protection for our public health and environmental safety.
Unsung Hero Award
The 2024 First Place Unsung Hero is a champion of active living for our older adults. While Sherri Lively in the Department of Community Resources and Services has been Fitness Coordinator at the Ellicott City 50+ Center for barely a year, she has exponentially expanded the center’s reach and program opportunities. A lively force, Sherri engages and motivates members of all abilities to join her on a fitness journey that is fun and tailored to their success.
Second Place for 2024 goes to Kimberly Webb in the Department of Fire and Rescue Services. Breaking bad news in the midst of trauma can take its toll on even the best first responders requiring tremendous compassion and strength. Through her training sessions, Kim shows her own courage and ability by sharing her experience and most challenging calls with hundreds of other EMS staff so they can provide stability and comfort in the worst of circumstances.
Leadership Award
A driving force behind the IT Service Desk for County employees throughout the pandemic, Elizabeth Nwadiuko from the Department of Technology and Communication Services earned recognition for her latest accomplishment as a Project Manager, including leading the County into the next chapter of technology innovation with the Windows 11 transition.
Mentoring Award
With an open door and endless energy, Antonio Wilkerson from the Howard County Police Department was nominated for his motivation and guidance to the department’s Payroll Team. Relatively new himself, Antonio has given clear instruction and support to those he works with and is always a resource and a means of encouragement.
Customer Service Awards
- Sarah Wilkinson in the Department of Community Resources and Services’ Office on Aging and Independence (First Place – Internal)
- Angela Gruenfelder in the Office of Human Resources (Second Place – Internal)
- Charlynn Burgess in the Department of Fire and Rescue Services (First Place – Public)
- Christine Ferraro, Department of Community Resources and Services (Second Place – Public)
Customer Service Team Awards
Internal: The Department of Technology and Communications Services Cyber Security Team consists of Matthew Harvey, Sean Howley and Bryan Solis who serve employees and protect county systems daily.
Public: The Howard County Police Department Youth Division’s School Resource Officer Team includes 16 officers dedicated to our students and the future of our schools.
In addition to the above awards, more than 30 county employees were also recognized for 30 or more milestone years of service to Howard County Government.