SW Dallas News

City employees nominate other city employees to be considered for Employee of the Year (EOTY) awards. The EOTY committee meets to evaluate the nominations and select the recipients. This year, six categories were recognized for their outstanding efforts. 

Project of the Year: Veteran’s Appreciation Program

The City's veteran’s appreciation program is an opportunity to honor the service of those residents and employees who served in the armed forces and to connect them with resources and community. On Veterans Day (November 11), the City worked with the local chapter of Disabled American Veterans to host a Veteran Resource Fair at the Recreation Center. The City also issued a proclamation honoring Veterans Day and placed "Thank You Veterans" street banners on Uptown Blvd and Belt Line Rd. The Fire department hosted coffee and donuts for the 48 city employees who are veterans, and those employees were also recognized on social media. For Women Veterans Day on June 12, the City Council issued a proclamation, and the City hosted a networking breakfast and hike at Dogwood Canyon for Women Veterans. The veteran appreciation program is recognized as project of the year, as it is a direct reflection of the City's values and has a huge impact on veterans and the way that they engage in the community. 

Employee of the Year: Brittney Walker, Animal Services Administrative Secretary

Brittney Walker is an employee that lives the City's values every day. She is the go-to person at the Tri-City Animal Shelter for both customers and employees. For several years, Brittney has led the customer service efforts at the front desk of the shelter. The front-line customer role in any department is difficult, but emotions can run especially hot when dealing with our pets. On any given day, Brittney plays the role of triage nurse, grief counselor, gatekeeper, educator, and so many more. Brittney is a great teammate, and the shelter team knows that they can rely on her. Brittney is one of the unsung heroes of the organization that makes a huge difference every day for both citizens and her coworkers. 

Leader of the Year: Tammy Miller, Animal Services Manager

Animal services is an emotionally charged field, and careers in the industry are notoriously short (averaging about 3 years). It is a testament to Tammy's leadership that the shelter team has many long-tenured members. Tammy leads by example and is never afraid to get her hands dirty. When Animal Control is short an officer, she suits up to provide coverage. Many have seen her personally care for all kinds of animals in her office, respond to a call for barking dogs, and literally herd goats.   She will do whatever it takes to support her team and to serve the Tri-City community. 

Crew of the Year: Parks and Recreation

The City of Cedar Hill’s Parks and Recreation Department is second to none. With over 32 parks and trails and countless events, programs and activities offered to all ages all throughout the year, there is not a shortage of things to do around the city.  None of these events, venues, resources, or opportunities would be possible if it wasn’t for each member of this Department. They plan an integral part, and you can see their hand in almost everything done within the City. From providing support and resources for community initiatives, to hosting family events like music in the park and the kid fish tournament, as well as supporting our 55+ community and everything in between, this department does it all. 

Ellie Jeanotte Customer Service Award: Jessica Cabello, Court Clerk

Jessica has worked in Municipal Court for 7 years starting out as a temp and quickly getting promoted to full time. Jessica absolutely makes you feel like you are the only person in the room when you are talking to her. She can empathize, listen, and communicate in a way that makes her perfect for working with the defendants at the window. She is kind and has the most infectious laugh that makes you want to laugh, or smile, right along with her. Jessica strives to be better every day and works hard to be the best court clerk she can be for the court team and for the people that she serves daily.

Director of the Year: Bobbie Spence, Court Administrator

Bobbie consistently leads by example and with a positive attitude that is contagious and uplifting for both her peers and her team. Under her leadership, the professionalism of the municipal court team has reached new heights. Her high standards are what keep court striving to reach goals and with her incredible influence over the team, they work together to get the job done through creative ideas and teamwork. Bobbie’s customer service in-person and over the phone is something everyone should strive to mirror. Her upbeat and bubbly personality speaks volumes about her, and her contagious smile is hard to resist. The very best part about her is that she is the walking definition of fun. She brings so much energy to the office and her outgoing spirit is so full of life that she cannot help but share it with the world. Congratulations to the award recipients and all the nominees! 

Original source can be found here.