The State of Missouri Award of Distinction for Leadership was awarded to Ashley Robinett, a Probation and Parole Officer with the Department of Corrections. This is awarded to a team member who exemplifies and promotes outstanding leadership qualities and behaviors. The team member “sets the standard” for others to follow, and consistently performs at a superior level in achieving significant and tangible benefits for his/her department/agency (as demonstrated by guiding, directing, or influencing fellow team members positively and productively).
The State of Missouri Award of Distinction for Heroism was awarded to Kenneth Cassway, a Motorist Assistance Operator with the Department of Transportation. This is awarded for demonstrating exceptional judgment or courage in a potentially serious situation outside the scope of the workplace, or a situation far above and beyond the duties and responsibilities of the team member’s position, and which reflects credit upon the State of Missouri, whether or not the act was performed during working hours (as demonstrated by voluntarily risking one’s own life, or exhibiting meritorious action to prevent injury, loss of life, or prevent damage to, or loss of property).
The State of Missouri Award of Distinction for Public Service was awarded to Travis Crews, a Deputy Warden with the Department of Corrections. This is awarded for outstanding dedication to the advancement of state service which enhances the quality of life to citizens that is far and above the team member’s normal job requirements, or who, through volunteering service and/or time, improved the quality of life for members of the community (as demonstrated by participation in, or implementation of community and public service projects, and/or volunteering with various non-profit organizations at the local, state, national, or international level).
The State of Missouri Award of Distinction for Human Relations was awarded to George Welling, an Enterprise Resource Recruiter with the Information Technology Services Division – Office of Administration. Awarded for outstanding contributions toward enhancing the quality and morale of the workplace, or creating a better public image of state government (as demonstrated by positive personal interaction with other team members; championing public awareness of the agency’s mission; working to improve relations internally within an agency; or collaboration between different agencies).
The State of Missouri Award of Distinction for Safety was awarded to Randall Ipock, Tommy Caudle, Michael Middleton, Gary McLarry and Evan Adrian with the Department of Transportation. This is presented to a team member or team of individuals who create and/or champion approaches to protect and/or ensure the health and safety of state workers or customers (examples include, but are not limited to: implementation of a safety program for the workplace, an active role in being a strong advocate of safety and health, demonstrated significant improvement over previous conditions, consistently maintained a good safety program, or made an extra effort to improve or correct a specific aspect of safety within the workplace).
The State of Missouri Award of Distinction for Innovation was awarded to Daniel Wohler, a Sergeant with the Missouri State Highway Patrol Gaming Division – Department of Public Safety. This is awarded to a team member for their contributions toward a more efficient or productive work process or procedure, including providing a service, improving service quality, or developing money-saving ideas.
“You’d be amazed how employees will take pride in their performance when given recognition and rewards. Going a little out of your way to show recognition can help shape the next level of leaders step up into more pivotal roles. The next time you are given the opportunity, go ahead and give a ‘thumbs up’ on a virtual platform or, if you prefer, give your team member a good, old fashioned, handwritten note showing appreciation. You won’t be sorry you did!”
“Recognition helps team members see that their department values them and their contributions to the success of their team and the department overall. This is particularly key when organizations grow or change. It helps employees build a sense of security in their value to the department, motivating them to continue great work and reinforces their sense of purpose.”
Kasia Wasescha, Environmental Engineer in the Public Drinking Water Unit of the St. Louis Regional Office, has been selected as the Division of Environmental Quality Team Member of the Month for August 2025. She was selected for her professionalism and leadership during a complex and time-sensitive construction approval process for the new American Foods Group (AFG) plant. Kasia conducted a final construction approval for the installation […]
Fletcher Bone, an environmental program specialist with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Missouri Geological Survey, has been selected as the department’s Team Member of the Month for August 2025. He was selected for his service to the department and his efforts to assist a Missouri community with potential issues related to the wastewater treatment facility. In November 2024, Bone was conducting a site visit at […]
Kristen Pattinson, Chief of the Drinking Water Section in the Southwest Regional Office, has been selected as the Division of Environmental Quality Team Member of the Month for July 2025. Kristen was selected for her work to bring back regular coordination meetings between our department, the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), and local health departments. “She assisted throughout the whole process, communicating with DHSS, […]
The flood recovery team consisting of staff from Montauk State Park, and members of the statewide and south construction units with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks has been selected as the department’s Team Members of the Month for July 2025. The group was selected for their service to the department and their effort with clean-up after flooding severely damaged portions of […]
Rebecca Keasey, a senior research/data analyst with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Environmental Quality, has been selected as the department’s Team Member of the Month for June 2025. She was selected for her service to the department and her efforts while developing a system to replace an aging Air Quality Monitoring database. As part of her usual duties, Keasey is half of a […]
Dwayne Bostick, a park superintendent with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks, has been selected as the department’s Team Member of the Month for May 2025. He was selected for his service to the department and his actions while responding to flash flooding in Meramec State Park. In the early morning hours of Nov. 3, 2024, excessive rain led to unexpected flash […]
Eric Medlock, Chief of the Monitoring Section in the Public Drinking Water Branch, has been selected as the Division of Environmental Quality Team Member of the Month for May 2025. Eric’s team is responsible for overseeing the monitoring of 2,800 public water systems for 91 regulated contaminants. He was selected for this award for his willingness to step in where needed to coordinate efforts in and […]
Senora Cressman, Environmental Analyst in the Asbestos Unit of the Air Pollution Control Program, has been selected as the Division of Environmental Quality Team Member of the Month for March 2025. Senora was selected for her work in building strong relationships with stakeholders and the public. Her colleague, Chris Dudenhoeffer, commended her for this, “Senora is constantly communicating with stakeholders regarding notifications and general asbestos questions. […]
Corporal Jason Walker, a park ranger with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks, has been selected as the department’s Team Member of the Month for April 2025. He was selected for his service to the department and his actions while responding to a report about an individual who used a firearm in public. After receiving the report, and with the knowledge that […]
Angie Garcia, Associate Engineer in the Clean Water Section of the Financial Assistance Center, has been selected as the Division of Environmental Quality Team Member of the Month for April 2025. Angie was selected for her work as the lead and primary contact for tribal consultations under the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program. Angie took on the role when her supervisor left in 2023. She […]
Missouri Department of Natural Resources celebrated Public Service Recognition Week May 5 – 9, 2025. Shown here are team members sharing their “I serve because..”. Pictured above: Missouri Department of Natural Resources – Missouri Geological Survey located in Rolla, MO Pictured above: Missouri Department of Natural Resources – Division of Environmental Quality located in Springfield, MO Pictured Above: Missouri Department of Natural Resources – Division of […]
“Recognition differentiates functional teams from fantastic teams. In a fantastic team, the members let each other know what they are doing well. Making the recognition public helps the whole team improve and find best practices. Appreciation is an important source of motivation for the entire team. It also helps build relationships in the team. Recognition says, ‘You matter. Your work matters. You make a difference to […]
Becky McCarthy was named Employee of the 2nd Quarter for the MO HealthNet Division (MHD). In the words of Becky’s nominator, “I am pleased to nominate Becky McCarthy for Employee of the Quarter, as she consistently exemplifies the highest standard of excellence in every aspect of her work. With a rare combination of intelligence, dedication, and qualifications, she approaches every task with a level of professionalism […]
The Missouri Department of Agriculture recently celebrated Amy Luecke, who retired after more than 20 years with the State Milk Board. As a State Milk Board team member, Amy helped make a major impact on our state by ensuring the state’s milk supply is safe and readily available.
The department would like to recognize Scott McDowell and Jennifer Bunselmeyer as recipients of the Carol Cares award. The Carol Cares award recognizes team members that go above and beyond to help their communities, other team members and random acts of kindness. We would like to recognize Scott and Jennifer for assisting a team member having an active medical event in the office. Scott took swift […]
Noah Cadwell, a hydrologist with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Missouri Geological Survey, has been selected as the department’s Team Member of the Month for March 2025. Cadwell works on watershed scale projects like the Lower Osage River Feasibility Study and the Gasconade River Planning Assistance to States Study, which require him to integrate concepts of ecosystem restoration with his background in geoscience. “As part […]
Team Member of the Month for February 2025. He was selected for his service to the department and his efforts while collaborating with a public water system in Taney County. The water system identified high turbidity at a newly drilled well, indicating that surface water may be directly influencing the well water. Turbidity is a measure of water clarity. The system was in the final steps […]
After 36 years of service with Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of State Parks, Darrin Brown retired. During his 36 years, Darrin worked as a maintenance worker for Knob Noster State Park and Katy Trail State Park, and then ending his career as the first Assistant Superintendent of Rock Island Trail State Park. A new shelter at High Point, just west of Green Ridge, was […]
Brooke Kramer, Assistant Engineer in the Permits Section of the Air Pollution Control Program, has been selected as the Division of Environmental Quality Team Member of the Month for January 2025. Brooke was selected for her ability to navigate complex permitting projects with proficiency and attention to detail. “Brooke is a very efficient permit writer who does thorough reviews of each of her projects without getting […]
Montauk State Park Team Member received the Department of Natural Resources Director’s Award for their time and work in response to the historic flooding at Montauk State Park in November 2024. The team worked nonstop on cleanup of the park in hope of having the park ready to open to the public by March 1, 2025. The destructive flood deposited debris throughout the park and damaged […]
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JAN. 31, 2025 – Kelsey Jett, a professional engineer with the Missouri Geological Survey, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, has been selected as the department’s Team Member of the Month for January 2025. She was selected for her service to the department and her efforts to assist the city of Hannibal. Jett, who works within the division’s Dam and […]
MoDNR is proud to recognize Martin Hyman as winner of the Division of Energy’s January 2025 Energy Star Award! As a Senior Energy Advisor with the Division of Energy, Martin works on programs using recent federal funding, including the just-launched $13 mil Grid Resilience Formula Funding program and Missouri’s $151 million share of Inflation Reduction Act Home Energy Rebates. These programs will help communities and individuals […]
Crosley Welch, an environmental specialist with the department’s Division of Environmental Quality has been recognized with a MoDNR Director’s Award for his time and effort in response to the Critical Mineral Recovery facility fire in October. The fire at the facility resulted in a large smoke plume and fire runoff, which caused both environmental and public concern. Welch provided excellent coordination and outstanding leadership as an […]
Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Southeast Regional Office, recognized several team members for their years of service. Together, these six team members total 85+ years of service. Left to Right: Brad Ledbetter (30 years), Toby Gilham (10 years), Deric Calvert (10 years) Tony Kerley (25 years), Jesse Evans (5 years), Bobbie Clark (5 years).
Lesa Kinney retired on February 1, 2025, as a Correspondence and Information Specialist (CIS) with the Family Support Division (FSD) after dedicating 20 years to State service. In addition to her CIS role, Lesa was a member of the Internal DSS MO Appreciation Team, serving as an internal ambassador for FSD. Lesa has been an essential asset in serving the people of Missouri, and we wish […]
The Missouri Department of Agriculture is pleased to celebrate Kevin Upschulte, who celebrated 40 years with MDA in 2024. MDA Weights, Measures and Consumer Protection Division Director Jimmy Williams and Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn presented Kevin with his award in December.
Justin Bensley, an archeologist with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ division of Missouri State Parks, has been selected as the department’s Team Member of the Month for December 2024. He was selected for his service to the department and his efforts while reviewing cultural resource impacts related to projects funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. In January 2024, Bensley’s section learned of 20 […]
In October 2024, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Quality – Southeast Regional Office in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, collected items for the Hurricane Helene families. Team members Stacie McElhaney and Bobbie Clark are pictured with several items.
September 26, 2024, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Human Resources team members celebrated HR Professionals Day. “You Can’t Spell Hero Without HR”
The Award of Distinction (AOD) recognizes outstanding team members who go above and beyond their normal job responsibilities and whose actions serve as a model of excellence for others to follow.
The Award of Distinction (AOD) recognizes outstanding team members who go above and beyond their normal job responsibilities and whose actions serve as a model of excellence for others to follow.
The Award of Distinction (AOD) recognizes outstanding team members who go above and beyond their normal job responsibilities and whose actions serve as a model of excellence for others to follow.
The Award of Distinction (AOD) recognizes outstanding team members who go above and beyond their normal job responsibilities and whose actions serve as a model of excellence for others to follow.
The Award of Distinction (AOD) recognizes outstanding team members who go above and beyond their normal job responsibilities and whose actions serve as a model of excellence for others to follow.
The Award of Distinction (AOD) recognizes outstanding team members who go above and beyond their normal job responsibilities and whose actions serve as a model of excellence for others to follow.
Being nominated for State Team Member of the Month is a remarkable achievement. Thank you to these individuals whose hard work and commitment to the State of Missouri rose to this level of recognition. RECIPIENT NOMINEES
MoDNR is proud to recognize Kaden Zimmerman as winner of the Division of Energy’s September Energy Star Award! Kaden evaluates energy savings and health & safety measures implemented through our Weatherization Assistance Program, which provides qualifying low-income homes with energy efficiency improvements that reduce energy bill burden on these homes by an average of $372/year and provide lasting health and safety benefits.
Kimberly Westcott – Division of Administrative Support Dalton Young – Central Field Operations Jeff Pinson – Water Protection Program
DYS Central Office team members enjoyed their annual Christmas party. The team enjoyed fun games, great food, a white elephant gift exchange, and a ton of laughs. Thank you to our Employee Relations Committee for all you do! It was the best party yet!
“A big congratulations to John Donnici, FCB Administrative Manager from our Kansas City field office, and Jennifer Klick, Nexus and Discovery Customer Service Manager from our Central office, on their recent graduation from the Department of Revenue’s Leadership Essentials and Applications Program (LEAP)! LEAP is a transformative leadership program that brings together experienced leaders across the Department to sharpen their skills and elevate their impact. This […]
Missouri Department of Agriculture employees participated in the October National Crunch Off to celebrate Farm to School Month. USDA hosted a competition of Midwestern states to see which state garnered the most crunches. More than 213,000 Missourians enjoyed a local product throughout the month.
Two treatment programs at Fulton State Hospital were identified as finalists for an award through Rutgers Institute for Inpatient Psychiatric Rehabilitation. The mission of the Institute is to identify, create, and disseminate best practice inpatient psychiatric rehabilitation interventions and to connect them to community practice. The Social Learning Program provides comprehensive psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery-oriented services for adults with severe and persistent mental illness such as […]
Being nominated for State Team Member of the Month is a remarkable achievement. Thank you to these nominees whose hard work and commitment to the State of Missouri rose to this level of recognition. DESE DHSS DMH DNR DOC DOLIR DOR DPS DSS MODOT OA
