DECEMBER 24, 2013
Youth mentor wins top honors at Scottsdale employee awards program
SCOTTSDALE – Senior Assistant City Attorney Kelly Ward (l) was recently honored for his commitment to the betterment of youth. Ward received the 2013 Herbert R. Drinkwater Award at the city’s annual awards ceremony.
The Drinkwater Award is named in honor of the former mayor who served four terms and became one of the most popular elected officials in the state. Drinkwater retired in 1996 and passed away a year later. The award, now in its 16th year, goes to an employee or group of employees who set an outstanding example through their volunteerism and dedication to serving others.
Ward organizes wilderness excursions for youth groups, mentors at-risk kids and supports a variety of community and neighborhood service organizations. He embodies tireless devotion to his job, his family and the community. He sets the example for his motto – “The best way to show gratitude is to help others.”
The city also recognized Business Services Director Dennis Enriquez (r) with the Donaldson Award. Named after a former city manager, the award is granted to an employee or group of employees who show great vision and innovation, help others through humanitarian efforts and work as team-builders.
Enriquez found a creative way to use volunteers to reduce staff workload by 20 hours per week – saving about $25,000 annually. Enriquez enlisted the assistance of Scottsdale’s mentally disabled community to help open the thousands of envelopes received daily by the remittance processing team. His approach became a win-win for these volunteers who are provided long-term entry level, on-the-job training and staff who gain a consistent, reliable work force.
More city employees who exhibit traits embodied in the eight Employee Values also were recognized:
“Show Caring and Compassion for Others” – Yarnell Fire Support Team: Laura Berfield, Michelle Cunningham, Colleen Gaba, Barbara Holman, Kevin Kilday, Thomas Melton, Kim Huong Nguyen, Steven Parry, Ronald Strayer, Karen Sutherland and Terri Terlazzo
“Listen, Communicate, Take Action” – Kim McLane, Paiute Neighborhood Center
“Be Accountable and Act with Integrity” – Matt Ruckle, Public Works
“Collaborate as a Team” – Public Safety Plan Ordinance Team: Jim Ford, John Miller, Luis Santaella and Jeffrey Walther
“Focus on Quality Customer Service” – Water Distribution Field Crew: Jeffrey Colburn, Fred Dominquez, Ian Ennis, Armando Estavillo, Brian Flinn, Alfredo Macedo and Raymond Padilla, Jr.
“Respect the Individual” – Cynthia Salk, Granite Reef Senior Center
“Plan and Innovate for the Future” – Water Resources Optimization Group: Scott Anderson, George Bean, Jr., Michael Helton, Gregory Kempton, Joseph Kevane, Daniel Lamm, Justin Mitchell, Brian Paulson, Stephen Rot, Brian Smith, Brian Stidham, Omogbemiga Talabi, Damacus Tate, Maurice Tatlow and Carie Wilson
Learn and Grow Continuously” – Parks Maintenance Training Team: Michael Akins, Joseph Alvarado, Matthew Clark, Ronald Dolack, David Gray, Sandra Hlebaen, Eric Ibsen, Mitchell Jordan, Thomas Lazear, Kira Peters, Nocola Petrov, Jody Pierce, David Pratt, Mike Riggs, Francisco Romero, Robert Salin, Jr., Ronald Steffen, William Sturgill, Cindy Tonderum, James Valier, Chris Walsh, Cari West and Travis Williams
Two new awards were added this year – the People’s Choice Award which acknowledges a nominee selected by employee votes; and the Thanks to You Award which recognizes employees who have received accolades or thanks from a Scottsdale resident.
Police Officer David Steel was awarded the People’s Choice for coordinating a special day of fun – including a ride in a police car – for a 4-year-old with a serious medical condition.
The Thanks to You Award went to a team of employees for removing a fallen tree from a senior’s yard that had become a safety hazard. The team includes David Diaz, David Pino, Jose Rodriquez, Jr. and Cari West.
