2024 Governor's Award for Excellence Recipients
Congratulations to the 2024 Governor’s Awards for Excellence winners!
The Office of State Human Resources was proud to present the Governor’s Awards for Excellence recipients for 2024. Sponsored by the State Employees Credit Union Foundation, the program recognizes outstanding employees nominated by state agencies and universities. This year, five individuals and one team of two were selected for awards in six categories: Customer Service, Efficiency and Innovation, Human Relations, Outstanding Government Service, Public Service and Safety and Heroism.
Learn more about each exceptional employee by watching short videos that tell their stories and reading their profiles below.
A Message from Governor Cooper
Customer Service
"If you haven't heard a Kenobi announcement, you haven't lived yet," Doris Ganey says of her colleague Bradley Kenobi, a security guard for the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Southport Ferry. Ask anyone who has had the pleasure of boarding the ferry while Kenobi is on the clock and Ganey's statement rings true. Read more to find out how Kenobi has made the trip to and from Fort Fisher a memorable one for North Carolina residents and tourists alike since joining DOT's Ferry Division in November 2021.
Efficiency and Innovation
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Vehicle/Equipment Repair Supervisor Donald Bullock's job responsibilities entail performing all aspects of vehicle maintenance, repair and fabrication for over 100 vehicles plus motorized and landscaping equipment. Still, Bullock's full plate doesn't stop him from going well beyond what is expected of him by finding ways to repurpose and reuse existing vehicles and equipment to best suit the needs of the residents and staff at the Murdoch Developmental Center. Continue reading to learn about Bullock's resourceful solutions to day-to-day problems.
Human Relations
On the University of North Carolina Greensboro's (UNCG) campus, Jeffrey Kaplan is known as a dedicated assistant professor of philosophy. In addition to teaching philosophy courses, publishing original research and serving on various university committees, Kaplan creates YouTube videos of educational lectures on philosophic principles to share his knowledge with those who might not otherwise have the means to take a class. Additionally, Kaplan's work to create the UNCG Prison Education Program has impressively contributed to a better public image and positive public awareness of state government, North Carolina's prison systems and UNCG in the eyes of many. Read on to learn more.
Outstanding State Government Service
As a general trades manager at the University of North Carolina Charlotte (UNCC), Michael Rogers maintains the campus' over 160 buildings. Already an impressive feat, Rogers has taken his duties to the next level, demonstrating a devotion to UNCC and all whose paths cross with the university. Read to find out how.
Public Service
Since joining the Department of Adult Correction (DAC) as a probation officer in December 2000, Chavis Everett has undoubtedly made a positive impact on his community through his role. Still, it's Everett's contribution to his neighbors outside of work that has cemented him as a paragon of generosity and public service within his community. Read on to learn more.
Safety and Heroism
When Darrell Monroe and Scott Surles went to work on February 15, 2024, they could not have anticipated the unusual day that unfolded. Continue reading to find out how the two truck drivers wound up having anything but the average day they expected.
