Governor Eric Greitens honored 38 Missouri state employees at a celebration at the Governor’s Mansion. Honorees included August 2016 through April 2018 Missouri State Employees of the Month and 2017 Missouri State Employee Award of Distinction recipients. The Award of Distinction is given to individuals or groups who go above and beyond their normal job duties in the categories of heroism, human relations, innovation, leadership, and public service.
In addition to award recipients and their families, senior leaders, colleagues, and legislators attended to pay tribute to the outstanding state employees. More than 400 people attended the event.
“This team is committed to making state government work better for taxpayers. They’ve risked their lives for others. They’ve helped developmentally disabled clients live in comfort. They’ve protected elderly veterans, and led transformations to save taxpayer dollars. This is a strong team, and we’re all proud of their hard work for the people of Missouri,” said Governor Eric Greitens.
“This is a special event for a special group of people who have done special things for the citizens of Missouri,” said Drew Erdmann, State of Missouri Chief Operating Officer.
“In all my years in Jefferson City, this is the first time we’ve had such a celebration for so many distinguished employees and their families,” said Office of Administration Commissioner Sarah Steelman.
The State of Missouri used the event to kick off the use of its #WeServeMO hashtag to help track the distinctive impact of Missouri state employees.
The event also featured a sampling of food items from distinct Missouri producers like Baetje Farms in Bloomsdale, Castor River Farms in Dexter, Davis Meats in Jonesburg, and many more. For a complete list of Missouri Grown products, click here.
Those honored at yesterday’s event include:
Terry Traynor, Department of Corrections, Award of Distinction 2017 – Heroism
Beckie Brietzke, Department of Transportation, Award of Distinction 2017 – Human Relations
Jacinda Thudium, Office of Administration, Award of Distinction 2017 – Human Relations
James Civiello, Department of Conservation, Award of Distinction 2017 – Leadership
The Missouri Department of Conservation Electrofishing Equipment and Safety Committee, Department of Conservation, Award of Distinction 2017 – Safety
– Zach Ford (Co-Chair)
– Dave Woods (Co-Chair)
– Jake Allman
– Glenda Branson
– Brian McKeage
– Rich Meade
– Phil Pitts
– Kevin Sullivan
– Andy Turner
– Kyle Winders
Michael McGill, Department of Corrections, August 2016 State Employee of the Month
Lydia Mitchell, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, September 2016 State Employee of the Month
James Thuss, Department of Public Safety, October 2016 State Employee of the Month
Adam Miller, Department of Public Safety, November 2016 State Employee of the Month
Shayne Talburt & Logan Monahan, Department of Public Safety, December 2016 State Employee of the Month
Jason Glendenning & Tyler Zimmerman, Department of Public Safety, January 2017 State Employee of the Month
Randall Willoughby, Department of Natural Resources, February 2017 State Employee of the Month
Brent Willeford, Department of Natural Resources, March 2017 State Employee of the Month
Tina Brooks, Department of Social Services, April 2017 State Employee of the Month
Becky Cantrell, Department of Public Safety, May 2017 State Employee of the Month
Kindra Beiseman, Department of Social Services, June 2017 State Employee of the Month
Robert North, Department of Public Safety, July 2017 State Employee of the Month
Clifton Parker, Department of Social Services, August 2017 State Employee of the Month
Kurt Merseal & Bryan Silverthorn, Department of Public Safety, September 2017 State Employee of the Month
Nathan Koffarnus, Department of Health and Senior Services, October 2017 State Employee of the Month
Democrito Saberon, Department of Public Safety, November 2017 State Employee of the Month
Adam Crouch, Department of Public Safety, December 2017 State Employee of the Month
Robert Trivette, Department of Natural Resources, January 2018 State Employee of the Month
Meredith Conklin, Department of Corrections, February 2018 State Employee of the Month
Nola Dodge, Department of Health and Senior Services, March 2018 State Employee of the Month
Rick Gann, Department of Natural Resources, April 2018 State Employee of the Month
For more information about the Missouri State Employee Award of Distinction program, click here.
For more information about the Missouri State Employee of the Month program, click here. Both programs are administered by the Missouri Division of Personnel’s Center for Management and Professional Development.