A record-setting 184 state employees from eight state agencies and three University of North Carolina System institutions were honored with Governor’s Awards for Excellence during ceremonies today in Jones Auditorium on the campus of Meredith College.
“State employees are the backbone of our government,” said Governor Roy Cooper in video remarks delivered to honorees. “Each of you has gone beyond the scope of your job requirements to make North Carolina the best state in which to live, work, play and raise a family. Thank you for your service to our state, and congratulations on this well-deserved achievement.”
The events marked the first in-person presentation of the prestigious awards since 2019, after which pandemic protocols shifted recognition to virtual ceremonies. The 164-member COVID-19 Response Team from the Department of Health and Human Services was celebrated in the morning, and 13 individuals and a team of seven employees received their awards this afternoon.
A description of each recipients winning qualities and videos that share their story is featured on the Office of State Human Resources website: https://oshr.nc.gov/2022GAE.
The highest honor a state employee may receive for dedicated service to the state and the people of North Carolina, the Governor’s Awards for Excellence recognize accomplishments and actions that are outside of the usual scope of their job duties. Awards were presented in six categories: Customer Service, Efficiency and Innovation, Human Relations, Outstanding Government Service, Public Service, and Safety and Heroism.
This annual event is made possible by funding from the State Employees Credit Union Foundation. The morning ceremony was hosted by WRAL anchor Debra Morgan, with the afternoon ceremony emceed by WRAL anchor Ken Smith. Both events featured remarks from Governor Roy Cooper and State Human Resources Director Barbara Gibson.
The 2022 Governor’s Awards for Excellence honorees include:
Customer Service:
- Jessica Trevena, Department of Public Safety, Correction Enterprises (Raleigh)
Efficiency and Innovation:
- Tiffany Turner Lynch, Winston-Salem State University, Office of Legal Affairs (Winston-Salem)
- Travis Woods, UNC Wilmington, Facilities-Project Management (Wilmington)
Human Relations:
- Justine Brownell, Department of Health and Human Services, Black Mountain Neuro-Medical Treatment Center (Black Mountain)
Outstanding Government Service:
- North Carolina COVID-19 Response Team, 164 honorees, Department of Health and Human Services (statewide)
- Thomas Walls, Department of Transportation, Division of Aviation (Morrisville)
- Daniel Tenney, Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, Crowders Mountain State Park (Kings Mountain)
- Pete Anderson (Morehead City), John Aydlett (Elizabeth City), Sam Brake (Oxford), Joe Hampton (Salisbury), Kelly McIver (Raleigh), Allison Medlin (Oxford) and Jack Nales (Raleigh), Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Public Service:
- Randall Keen, NC Education Lottery, Finance/Administration/Security (Raleigh)
- Anthony Reader, Department of Administration, Motor Fleet Management (Raleigh)
- Jimmy Wright, NC State University, Office of Finance and Administration (Raleigh)
- Debbie Riddle, Department of Public Safety, Communications (Raleigh)
Safety and Heroism:
- Charles “Charlie” Carter, Department of Public Safety, Office of Staff Development and Training (Apex)
- Danyeal Emory, Department of Revenue, Unauthorized Substances Tax Section (Charlotte)
- Trooper Cody Thao, Department of Public Safety, State Highway Patrol (Raleigh)