First Lady Kristin Cooper, state leaders and other dignitaries, honored 15 state employees who have served North Carolina for 45 years or more during a ceremony at the North Carolina Museum of History.
Employees, from across the state and representing several state agencies, were presented with the Caswell Award.
“The combined contribution of experience, knowledge and commitment these employees provide to our work force and to our state is invaluable,” said Barbara Gibson, Office of State Human Resources Director. “We admire and respect their tremendous work ethic and the difference they make in the lives of North Carolinians. The Caswell Award shows our gratitude for their work and for the example set by these dedicated public servants.”
“Public service is a calling that these impressive award recipients have answered for more than 45 years,” said First Lady Kristin Cooper. “I’m honored to get to help honor these dedicated state employees.”
Created in 1998, the Governor Richard Caswell Awards Program expresses the state’s appreciation for noteworthy extended, dedicated service. Gov. Caswell served two terms and dedicated his life to public service. The awards program is managed by the Office of State Human Resources.
Audrey Bailey, former UNC-TV reporter and producer, emceed the ceremony, which was followed by a reception.
Caswell Awards Recipients:
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
N. David Smith
Department of Environmental Quality
Roy Byrd
Department of Health and Human Services
Carole Allen
Barbara McDonald
Charles Philbeck
Vivian Williams
Administrative Office of the Courts/Judicial Branch
William Baggs
Cora Billups
Susie Gambill
Fred Hatley
Department of Military and Veteran Affairs
Deborah Coley
Department of Public Instruction
Betsy West
Department of Public Safety
Grace Dilda
Department of Transportation
Judy Heath
David Moss