Frank Wyne and Mike Shevlin are Port Engineers with AMHS. With less than two years of tenure, this team has achieved exceptional results while managing a demanding workload and overseeing multi-million-dollar projects. 

They have shown exceptional dedication and capability, and despite their relatively short tenure, Frank and Mike have managed multiple, highly complex projects, involving vessel overhauls, critical maintenance, inspections, and upgrades. They have successfully guided projects across multiple ship repair facilities, ensuring all work is completed on time, within budget, and to exacting quality standards. 

They excel not only in urgent repairs but also in managing large-scale projects spanning the entire fleet. Their strong collaboration and mutual support are key to their success. By working closely with each other—and with contractors, vessel engineers, technicians, regulatory inspectors, and surveyors—they ensure that all nine vessels remain safe, compliant, and ready to serve. 

The Port Engineers’ commitment often extends beyond regular working hours, reflecting their exceptional dedication to the mission. Their proactive approach, teamwork, and consistent willingness to go the extra mile have a lasting positive impact on AMHS. Their efforts set a standard for operational excellence, ensuring that AMHS continues to provide reliable and efficient service to the traveling public. 

Mary Dahl is a Chief Purser with AMHS.

Mary has passengers' best interest in mind when working as Chief Purser on the M/V LeConte. She works above and beyond to make sure that all passengers are aware of any potential schedule changes or other changes that passengers may not be aware of. This way, they can plan accordingly and not be caught unawares. Mary greets passengers by name and often knows their parents or even knew them when they were children. This is not necessarily crucial to customer service but it certainly makes passengers feel appreciated and known. Chief Purser Mary also goes out of her way to ensure that left items are returned to their proper owner whenever possible. Mary runs a tight ship, but does it with a smile!

Clark Posey is a Bosun with AMHS.

Clark is always extremely helpful and knowledgeable in his job. He is always willing to teach newcomers and veterans alike with incredible patience. He runs a team of deckhands like a well-oiled machine and everyone enjoys working for him.

Ian Clay is a Microcomputer/Network Technician 2 with AMHS.

Sitka had an internet outage that wasn't going to be able to be fixed for 2 weeks by the ISP. Ian stepped up and dropped everything to travel to Sitka and deploy Starlink kits to reestablish Sitka's ability to access network and internet services. The work bleed into his weekend and the emergency deployment was a huge success.

Darren Newman is an Oiler with AMHS.

Darren takes his job as oiler on the M/V LeConte seriously and with pride. He carries out regular maintenance with attention to detail, skill and patience. He also does this without being asked to. He knows the workings of the bowels of the ship well and shares this knowledge with licensed engineers out of the hall as well as with oilers new to the scene. In addition, Darren will take the time to get help from other departments, if needed, and provide clear and concise instructions as to what needs to be done. He is vital to the engine department and an outstanding employee overall.

Mahear Abou Eid is a Quality Assurance Engineer with Central Region. He has demonstrated remarkable dedication, expertise, and leadership in implementing and managing the AASHTOWare Program (AWP) across Central Region projects. His significant contributions and unwavering commitment have had a profound impact on the department. 

As a construction project manager, Mahear successfully took on the challenging task of implementing AWP across all Central Region projects in 2024. He developed a small team, collaborated with Statewide, and played a key role in the program’s success. Over the winter of 2023/2024, he organized, developed, and conducted role-specific AWP training sessions. 

Mahear manages the AWP program alongside his demanding role as a Quality Assurance Engineer. His efficiency, attention to detail, and ability to handle an extensive workload are commendable—he effectively performs the work of three employees. He fosters coordination among regional stakeholders and statewide implementation teams, advocating for the needs of the region and project teams. His approach to questions with curiosity and a desire to understand processes from all perspectives showcases his collaborative mindset. 

Over the years, Mahear has proven his loyalty and commitment to the department, progressing from intern to construction inspector, construction PE, construction PM, and now Quality Assurance Engineer. His positive attitude and focus on shared success inspire trust and teamwork among colleagues. 

Kim Satterfield is a fantastic communicator. She has an incredible ability to digest a multitude of information from a multitude of sources and perspectives and articulate it in a way that promotes win-win solutions for DOT&PF as well as our project stakeholders. She has taken on large coordination efforts, including projects outside of central region, and always approaches them with grace, professionalism, a servant attitude, and an eagerness to succeed. She performs a fantastic service to our internal and external teams.

Talisa Rodrigues developed the vision for the PDG program, which includes structured study time with peers, mentoring from Department subject matter experts (SMEs), and study materials from School of PE. She advocated to create the program, negotiated a generous group discount from School of PE, organized study sessions, and recruited SMEs to lead them. Throughout the inaugural program, Talisa was available to aid participants and SMEs with continuous coaching and encouragement. Several participants have succeeded in passing exams this year, and others are prepared to take one in the near future, thanks to this brilliant program.

This is all in addition to her regular duties of being a great project manager and fantastic coworker.

Teo Odena’s vision goes beyond his immediate responsibilities, as he is committed to streamlining and unifying the recruitment process across all regions, not just within Central. His insight, guidance, and unwavering patience have been instrumental in navigating and refining our complex recruitment system, creating a process that benefits everyone. His contributions truly exemplify the values of teamwork and commitment that are central to our mission.

Teo is also remarkably adaptable, striving to work within established guidelines while accommodating the unique preferences of each hiring manager. His flexibility and willingness to tailor his approach have strengthened teamwork and significantly improved hiring outcomes across divisions. Approachable and readily available to staff navigating the complexities of hiring, Teo goes above and beyond by welcoming new hires with personalized goodie bags and a warm, welcoming attitude from day one.

Teo’s impact reaches every section in the region. He's had a greater influence on our ability to fill vacancies—a critical step toward enhancing our service to the state. He regularly collaborates with all parts of the region, consistently bringing positivity and professionalism to every interaction. He is an invaluable asset to our team and has made a tangible difference in the effectiveness of our hiring process.

Elliot Smith is an invaluable member of the Central Region Preconstruction staff and Hydrology and Hydraulics design group. He consistently provides excellent service to DOT&PF functional groups and leadership in support of the capital program, response to M&O emergencies, and assistance during project construction. His attention to detail, dedicated work ethic, and personable demeanor make him an excellent mentor for developing staff. Elliot's understanding of complex engineering issues and resolve to find cost-effective design solutions is unmatched. Staff like Elliot make Central Region DOT&PF a great place to work.

Aryan Azarsepandan is an AASHTOWare Module Administrator and key to the successful implementation of the construction module in Central Region. He has assisted in countless hours of staff training, setting up new projects in AASHTOWare and troubleshooting AASHTOWare issues from staff throughout the region while also working as an Office Engineer on a construction project. Aryan's ability to quickly analyze a problem, provide solutions clearly and concisely has been a fundamental reason Central Region has been able to transition into the AASHTOWare program suites. Without his ability to provide guidance, at a regional level, many projects would be entering data incorrectly and cost the department additional time and money to correct these issues at closeout. Aryan's ability to grasp many different concepts, vast knowledge of policies and procedures and ability to excel in many software programs makes him very deserving of being an instrumental Problem Solver for Central Region's construction program.

In her short time at DOT&PF, Sierra has provided great value. Sierra grew up on the Kenai Peninsula and has a wealth of local knowledge and perspective that she generously shares with the Sterling Safety Corridor Improvements project team. She enthusiastically participates in our public involvement efforts. In her first day on the project, she helped us identify the local social media groups and strategize ways to connect with them. While attending the public open houses, she displayed empathy, patience, and competence in all her interactions. Many of the attendees had in depth conversations with Sierra; she is confident and approachable enabling her to quickly gain the public’s trust as a local who knows firsthand the challenges of the corridor. Sierra took detailed notes from people that preferred to give their comments verbally and diligently followed up to ensure those comments were accounted for. Sierra personifies the values of public service, is consistently pleasant and professional to work with, and has an outstanding work ethic.

Central Region Survey Team: Matt Burkholder, Travis Test, Rebekah Dickfoss, Brian Laurencelle, Joshua Bannow, Padraic Donnelly, Laura Hildreth, Jeffery Johnston, Bill Koitzsch 

The Central Region Survey Team is an outstanding example of professionalism, expertise, and dedicated service. Their work lays the foundation for the successful planning, design, and construction of roadways, airports, and other critical infrastructure projects. Whether conducting surveys directly or managing consultant teams, they ensure the highest standards of quality and accuracy are met. 

Day in and day out, this team consistently delivers precise, reliable data that sets the stage for the success of federally funded programs. Their deep technical knowledge, combined with seamless collaboration and interactions with multiple sections, drives exceptional project outcomes. The Central Region Survey Team’s commitment to excellence not only supports the timely and efficient delivery of projects but also reflects positively on the entire organization. 

Their professionalism, reliability, and commitment to “getting it right” make the Central Region Survey Team truly deserving of this recognition. They exemplify the best qualities of teamwork and service, ensuring that every project starts on a solid foundation and moves forward with confidence. 

Zhenia Peterson is the DBE/ACDBE & OJT Program Manager in the Civil Rights Office. She exemplifies exceptional dedication, positivity, and leadership, making her a truly deserving recipient of the Employee of the Year Award. Her energy and “can-do” attitude brighten every room she enters, fostering an environment of collaboration, motivation, and success. 

She consistently exceeds expectations by proactively improving processes, solving challenges, and contributing to the organization’s growth. Her focus on innovation and efficiency drives progress in every task she undertakes. Zhenia leads by example, uniting her team with integrity and vision. Her encouragement and proactive problem-solving inspire others to reach their full potential. 

Zhenia’s tireless efforts and dedication make a profound impact on her colleagues and the organization as a whole. Her ability to inspire and support her team highlights her as a valued member of the department. Her efforts uplift and inspire us all, setting a standard of excellence that benefits the entire team. 

Robespierre Howard has an outstanding commitment to providing exceptional customer service. His ability to listen, problem-solve, and create a welcoming experience has not only impressed our stakeholders but also inspired his colleagues. We are grateful to Robes for embodying our values and making a difference every day. His hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed, and we are so grateful to have him as part of our team.

Through their unwavering commitment to fairness, inclusion, and excellence, the Civil Rights Office has made a meaningful impact on the DOT&PF organization and the communities we serve. Their efforts set a standard of integrity and innovation that inspires us all. Thank you to each member of the Civil Rights Department for your passion and teamwork. This recognition is a testament to the incredible work they do every day.

Natalia Fricke brings exceptional dedication, hard work, and positive impact to our organization. Her commitment to excellence, collaborative spirit, and ability to consistently go above and beyond have set a remarkable example for everyone. We're grateful for her invaluable contributions and for making a difference every day.

Sarah Starzec’s outstanding abilities include finding creative and effective solutions to even the most complex challenges. Her resourcefulness and innovative thinking have consistently helped overcome obstacles and drive success for our team. Her dedication and consistency in turning challenges into opportunities, and her problem-solving skills truly set her apart.

In such a short time, Frank Keirn has demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication, and a willingness to go above and beyond. Their ability to learn quickly, adapt seamlessly, and contribute meaningfully has exceeded all expectations. We are grateful for their hard work, enthusiasm, and commitment to excellence. Off to an incredible start, we are excited to see all the great things you will accomplish in the future.

DBE / OJT Team: Zhenia Peterson & Natalia Fricke

We are proud to recognize both Zhenia C. Peterson and Natalia Fricke as recipients of the Team Achievement Award for their outstanding contributions to the DBE/OJT Team. Through their unwavering dedication, collaborative spirit, and commitment to excellence, they have been instrumental in achieving remarkable results. Their ability to support, encourage, and inspire their colleagues has left a positive, lasting impact on both the team and the organization. 

Zhenia and Natalia exemplify the true meaning of teamwork—their willingness to share knowledge, tackle challenges, and strive for continuous improvement elevates everyone around them. They embody the core values of service, cooperation, and leadership, making them invaluable members of the DBE/OJT Team. 

Please join us in congratulating Zhenia C. Peterson and Natalia Fricke on this well-deserved recognition. Their hard work, integrity, and positive influence are a testament to the difference that committed individuals can make every day. 

Lisa always accomplishes what she sets out to do and does it with grace, hard work, and with confidence, much of time going unnoticed. Each year she is responsible for the Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) Submittal, a federally required dataset that is due each year on June 15th. She runs a team that ensures the annual report will include over 70 data fields from the GIS and other databases, and includes all the pieces and parts come together to ensure it's on time and meets all the fine detailed requirements. Lisa is generally the first to volunteer.

She maintains a professional poise even if the task is not something she agrees with. She is respected, and her co-workers know they can rely on her. She is the embodiment of OneDOT&PF. She brings people together in a positive and constructive manner to get a job done well.

Sean always goes above and beyond to get the job done. If someone needs something, he is the first to respond. In his 30 years at DOT&PF he has accumulated a wealth of knowledge that we rely on daily to accomplish our tasks. Sean is an outstanding employee and a fantastic team player.

During the STIP approval and amendment process, Sean created a workflow to geolocate all of the projects in the STIP and worked quickly to make updates as needed. Even when tasked with updates over holiday weekends, he still works hard into his time off to make sure those changes are made. He takes the time to train the rest of the team on his process to make sure he has backup and several extra pairs of hands.

Gomez joined DOT&PF in August 2023 as the ITS Coordinator. His primary duties are to keep the 511.alaska.gov and Road Weather Information Systems programs up and running. As a user of the systems prior to joining DOT&PF, he knew the value of reliable and timely information to users of the system. He inherited a group of off-grid RWIS sites that had suffered from age and less-than-ideal maintenance under a previous contract and worked diligently with the new contractor to restore power to sites like Turnagain Arm and the border crossing of the Klondike Highway.

On the 511 side, he has seen through the implementation of the pilot project to announce school bus proximity in 511 drive mode in the Fairbanks North Star Borough, bridge heights in freight mode and the ingestion of Northern Region M&O Pi-Lit sequential flares into 511 to ensure short duration work zones are noticed to the public. His work to ensure the Pi-Lit flares ingest into the system properly will be instrumental as Pi-Lit systems are provided through the HSIP program to first responders across the state. Gomez has a can-do attitude about everything we've asked of him. His response is often, "I'll figure it out!"

In her position as an Admin Officer 1, Anna Nowak exemplifies exceptional leadership, dedication, and problem-solving skills within the Facilities Services division. She consistently goes above and beyond her role to ensure the success of her team and the department as a whole. Anna prioritizes the growth and well-being of her team. She ensures employees have the necessary skills and training to excel in their roles, fostering a positive and productive work environment. Her willingness to collaborate with team members and other departments demonstrates her commitment to DOT&PF’s overall success. 

As DFS's go-to person for special projects, Anna expertly manages complex tasks, ensuring timely completion and exceptional results. Her strategic vision and ability to coordinate cross-functional teams have significantly contributed to the division’s achievements. 

In her additional role as Recruitment Coordinator, Anna has streamlined processes, attracting top talent to the department and enhancing hiring efficiency. Anna’s efforts in processing position description (PD) updates promptly and accurately have improved overall operational effectiveness. 

Anna’s positive attitude, tireless dedication, and ability to inspire her colleagues make her an invaluable asset to DFS and DOT&PF. Her exceptional contributions and leadership have a lasting impact on the department’s success. 

Don continually works to ensure building occupants, and the public are safe and comfortable in and around our facilities. He works to develop relationships with new employees within our department as well as new building tenants. Making people feel comfortable allows Don to gain information from them on minor issues within our buildings that may not currently be worthy of a phone call or email. This allows us to deal with these issues before they escalate and become problems. One day doing building rounds with Don you will see that he goes out of his way to provide professional service to everyone he encounters.  

Scott exemplifies positive leadership and the idea of "don't ask anyone to do anything I wouldn't do" He's on call a lot of the time to help his guys and fills in wherever needed on the weekends and evenings. I just can't say enough good things about his leadership qualities and work ethic. Most people in his position would delegate from their desk, but not Scott, and in that way, he commands the respect of those around him.

The RSA Desk is a difficult position to fill. Not only does this individual have to maintain constant communication and relationships with internal leadership but maintains that same level of professionalism working with many different departments on a daily basis. This position is critical for the success of projects and internal relations to ensure the Division of Facilities Services is doing their part to serve the Department. Thankfully, this unique and intricate position attracted a valuable team member, Ed Deal. Ed has invaluable experience working with project control and outside Departments in the accounting field and without his knowledge, experience and expertise in his field, the RSA desk would have been a very difficult seat to fill. Ed seamlessly transitioned into this difficult position by being efficient, effective, likeable, communicative and innovative with updates to the RSA process. While Ed has been with DOT before, you would never guess he has only been in this rigorous position for a few months. We are incredibly fortunate to have such an experienced and hard-working individual filling this position. Ed is a force and a vital asset to the DFS team.

Ted Craig, a plumber for the Northern Region's Facilities Services, has dedicated his career to ensuring the successful operation of Alaska's state facilities. This year alone, Ted has installed at least three boiler systems at remote locations, providing significant cost savings for the state. His commitment to the job is evident in his willingness to travel to these remote areas, where he works on essential heating and waste systems, keeping them operational. Ted's dedication goes beyond his regular hours, as he has repeatedly stepped in during his off time, always with a positive attitude, to resolve critical issues at remote work sites. Ted Craig is an irreplaceable asset to the State of Alaska’s workforce.

The Division of Facility Services created a new added position designed to support all three DFS hubs with a specific focus on maintaining, revamping and restructuring the process of maintaining all statewide utilities.  In April of 2024, we struck gold when Tim Barnes accepted the position of our newest statewide Accounting Technician III.

Daniel Smyth just started with the Department in June as an Engineering Assistant III with Statewide Public Facilities.  He’s grasped his new role in stride, taking the initiative to learn our processes, study construction manuals and familiarize himself with projects to become a valuable member of the team in just a few months.  I continue to see Daniel excel at a rapid rate and he’ll continually go above and beyond, leveraging available resources, to ensure he fully understands something.

After another Project Engineer, based at the Anchorage International Airport, left their position in August, Daniel stepped up to absorb the workload with ease to ensure projects continued to move forward without a hitch.  He manages a number of projects concurrently through the Job Order Construction Contract, from scoping projects with Airport stakeholders, through design and construction.  The JOCC has been a key tool for executing smaller-scale projects expediently within the Airport’s dynamic environmental.

Fairbanks Regional Office Building Team: Lauren Staft, Bennie Chambers, Brian Rice, Corey Steele, Marty Schatz, Sheila Deal, Ryan Loud, Ed Deal, Garrett Carter, Eric Slay, Sharon Smith, John Perreault

Earlier in 2024 the FROB heating system failed due to failed underground utility steam lines. Brian Rice and Corey Steele, part of the DFS Fairbanks M&O Team, responded at once onsite and put in place temporary heating measures.   Sharon Smith, as Chief of Central Region Contracts, rapidly helped with the procurement of a design team to address solutions to the system failures.  Garrett Carter of Northern Region Utilities helped to craft a utility agreement which could be utilized with the Utility to perform the corrections as soon as possible.  Lauren Staft of DFS Statewide Public Facilities managed the process and project, which has resulted in the restoration of heat to the FROB in rapid timeframe.  We are grateful for this team!  Without this team and their collective team efforts, it would not have been possible to address the immediate needs onsite associated with the heat system failures or restore the FROB back to functionality as soon as it was. 

Jim McCure is an Electrician with Fairbanks International Airport. Jim is always one to help when it is needed. Not only helping during the work day but filling in for foreman over the weekends. If you need to know anything about the airport, you ask Jim. He is a wonderful and caring person.

Yi Wang has an unparalleled commitment to public service and an exceptional ability to foster collaboration across a wide spectrum of partners, including airlines, airport tenants, and other state agencies. Yi’s dedication to creating meaningful connections and impactful solutions consistently benefits both our team and the larger community of stakeholders. She embodies the highest ideals of service in every interaction.

Yi’s commitment to collaboration is evident in her work with colleagues, agencies, and public partners alike. She approaches each challenge with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset, consistently delivering innovative, win-win outcomes that advance our shared goals. Her dedication to finding mutually beneficial solutions is instrumental in building a cohesive and forward-thinking service culture.

Beyond her technical acumen, Yi forges relationships built on respect, transparency, and integrity. Her reputation for empathy, reliability, and dedication has strengthened our team’s internal dynamics and elevated our external partnership to ensure accounts receivables stay on target. Yi’s actions are a testament to her commitment to work, setting a high standard for her colleagues and reinforcing the positive impact of genuine customer service on both internal and external customers.

Through her exemplary service and positive influence, Yi embodies the essence of public service, inspiring those around her.

When Phil Adams joined FAI in 2023, he arrived to an under-staffed department of mostly new employees and in short-time revealed himself to be the kind of trusted, respected, and passionate leader that every organization and employee hopes to be fortunate enough to have.

Phil consistently presents his staff with opportunities to grow by giving them the information, support, and time needed to be able to participate in job-related training. Regardless of how much is on his plate, he always makes time to listen and engage in conversation with his employees. He celebrates their achievements and fosters a healthy, positive team dynamic in which employees encourage, support, and motivate one another. Phil recognizes that each employee has unique and valuable knowledge, ideas, and experience that will help fulfill the mission of the team, and thus regularly seeks their input.

Due to Phil's knowledge of the industry, admirable work ethic, and both compassion and appreciation for his employees, his team and FAI as a whole, are able to confidently count on him to be a strong and effective leader.

Denise Hendrickson's extraordinary performance and dedication to maintaining the cleanliness and is excellent for FAI. Denise’s exceptional service to her team, colleagues, and the traveling public exemplifies the highest standards of excellence.

As the Maintenance Generalist Lead - Terminal Services Supervisor, Denise consistently goes above and beyond her responsibilities, becoming an invaluable asset to Fairbanks International Airport and advancing the goals of the DOT&PF. She approaches every task with an unmatched level of precision and excellence, often stepping in to cover shifts for those who call out while maintaining a positive attitude. This commitment not only showcases her reliability but also her leadership in ensuring seamless operations.

Denise also embodies the spirit of teamwork. Her willingness to support colleagues, mentor new team members, and share her valuable insights has cultivated an environment of trust, respect, and collaboration within her team and those she works with. Her service-oriented mindset and strong work ethic have earned her the respect and admiration of her coworkers. The impact Denise has made on our team and the broader Airport community is profound and enduring.

Dean Baxter was hired as an Airport Operations Officer in 2023 and immediately became known around the airport as an outstanding and driven employee. When the new Airport Operations Specialist supervisory position was created, Dean was the top candidate despite being in his position for less than a year and was promoted in June of 2024. Dean is always cheerful and willing to help anyone with anything. He has overseen a wildly successful hiring process for new Airport Operations Officers and started orientation and onboarding for new employees.

October 2024 Storm Incident (Snow Response Team): Jason Jacobs, Chief of Maintenance / Phil Adams, Chief of Operations / Daniel Pratt, Deputy Chief of Police and Fire / Joe Brady, Airport Police & Fire Officer 2 / Mike Koneczny, Maintenance Foreman (Acting) / Matthew Ellingson, Maintenance Foreman 

In October 2024, Fairbanks International Airport faced an unusually early and severe snowstorm—well before the typical snow season. The storm delivered 15.4 inches of snow and nearly an inch of rain (in liquid equivalent) in a single day, making it the third wettest day in Fairbanks’ recorded history. This sudden weather event caught the entire community off guard. 

With many airport field maintenance operators unavailable, Chief of Maintenance Jason Jacobs led a dedicated, cross-departmental team to meet the challenge. Team members from Maintenance, Operations, and Airport Police & Fire swiftly joined forces, stepping into roles beyond their standard duties. They cleared snow and ice from runways, taxiways, and other critical areas, ensuring that airport operations continued safely and without interruption. 

Their quick adaptation, proactive problem-solving, and seamless collaboration exemplified the very essence of teamwork. Thanks to their efforts, Fairbanks International Airport remained fully operational during this unexpected and intense storm, safeguarding not only airport operations but also the greater Fairbanks community by keeping this vital transportation hub open. 
This team’s dedication, agility, and resilience embody the spirit of the Team Award. Their remarkable effort stands as a proud example of what can be achieved when committed individuals work together with a shared purpose. 

Katy Hogan is a Grants Administrator 3 with MSCVC. As a highly skilled and dedicated Grants Administrator, her exceptional contributions have had a significant and lasting impact on the MSCVC Division and the State of Alaska. She plays a critical role in managing the division’s most important grants, including the MCSAP and High Priority grants, ensuring maximum benefit for the state. Her expertise in budgeting and financial management consistently delivers efficient and effective results. 

Katy’s ability to produce complex documents and reports, coupled with her prompt and thoughtful responses to inquiries, is a cornerstone of the division’s success. She approaches each funding request with care, timeliness, and well-reasoned decisions. She is always ready to assist colleagues with inquiries and provides invaluable support in planning events and conferences. Her efforts ensure the success of training events and other key activities within the division. 

Katy’s level-headed and reasonable demeanor allows her to handle complex and high-stakes tasks with poise. She consistently operates at a high level of excellence, ensuring her work is precise and impactful. 

Katy’s contributions extend beyond her technical skills. Her potential and value to the State of Alaska are boundless, and her work has been instrumental in advancing the division’s goals. Her commitment to excellence and profound impact make her a vital asset to DOT&PF. 

Ramiro Lamas's ability to being available for questions when MSCVC transitioned to the new SafeSpect program was crucial to making users comfortable with the new system. He was also available to provide detailed information in order to enter IT tickets and did step-by-step walk-throughs so enough information could be provided to the SafeSpect IT team so they could resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Tom Leahy has shown exemplary leadership skills, especially in the past year. Other inspectors frequently look to Thomas for guidance and help with their work. Thomas is driven to learn new skills on the job, and then teach it to others. He leads by example. He is easy to get along with and is respected by his co-workers.

Jamie exemplifies the word "helper." Her knowledge and experience have made her a "go-to" person, no matter the need. Conversations or questions in the office often turn to "Ask Jamie." Much of Jamie's interaction with others relates to questions or operations that may go unrecognized against larger scale project achievements, but her presence is consistent and dependable. She is "on" all day, every day in acts of service to employees and the public.

Jamie strives for further knowledge, contributes to projects with ideas and implementation, manages a helpful, positive attitude in all things, and is overall a great asset to our division.

Virginia (Ginny) Watt diligently exemplifies her duties as a Commercial Vehicle Compliance Inspector 2. She has been with MSCVC since 2022. In the last year she conducted 680 commercial motor vehicle safety inspections. With her knowledge and vigilant skills of attention to detail, she identified and cited 778 violations and removed 67 drivers and/or vehicles from the roadways due to critical safety violations in efforts of contributing to the MSCVC’s goals and core mission of reducing crashes and fatalities on Alaska’s road system.

Her productivity was supported by volunteering for over 318 hours of overtime to meet the needs and goals of MSCVC. Her persistent efforts contributed to 16.25% of all inspections conducted in the Anchorage and Sterling areas. Additionally, she has volunteered and executed two of the 34 public education and outreach events that assist attendees with understanding the MSCVC's programs to include size, weight, and safety regulations and interpretations.

With proficiency, she has trained and observed two new hires and three outside agency personnel (Alaska State Troopers, Wasilla Police Department, and Anchorage Airport Fire and Police) that needed assistance with achieving their inspection certification requirements; observed 149 inspections total. Insp.

Ginny was selected as the top candidate to represent the State of Alaska and competed in the 2024 North American Inspectors Championship in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Cynthia Antigua is a Research Analyst 3, with exceptional diligence in troubleshooting the new SafeSpect program. She consistently takes the initiative to identify issues and reach out to the appropriate agencies to ensure problems are resolved efficiently. She excels at diagnosing both procedural and technical errors, and her clear communication helps drive solutions that serve the best interests of Alaska.

Additionally, Cynthia demonstrates a keen ability to pinpoint areas for improvement in our reporting practices, offering innovative ideas that enhance the overall effectiveness of the division. Her proactive approach and problem-solving skills truly stand out.

Ryan Nykamp has proven to be an exceptional asset to MSCVC as a Commercial Vehicle Compliance Inspector 1. During his probation period, with the knowledge skill set gained, he has conducted an exemplary 317 commercial motor vehicle safety inspections within a four-month time frame. With a keen eye, he has identified and cited 554 violations and removed 68 drivers and/or vehicles from roadways due to critical safety violations in efforts of contributing to MSCVC's goals and core mission of reducing crashes and fatalities on Alaska’s road system.

Additionally, Ryan has volunteered for, and delivered two of the 34 public education and outreach events that assist attendees with understanding MSCVC's programs to include size, weight, and safety regulations and interpretations.

With courtesy and respect, he continuously demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and trust amongst his peers, the motoring public, and industry stakeholders.

MSCVC Permit Team: Stephanie King, Jennifer Gray, Inga Johnson, Jeremy Arnold, Katy Hogan 

The SWOOP permitting project, once shrouded in uncertainty, has been transformed into a resounding success through this team's unwavering dedication, positive attitude, and outstanding teamwork. 

Implementing a new permitting system at the MSCVC was no small undertaking. From the earliest stages of writing the grant application to navigating the complex installation and final launch, every member of this team displayed remarkable resilience, perseverance, and enthusiasm. Their commitment to working together and supporting one another ensured that each challenge was met head-on and swiftly resolved. 

The culmination of their efforts has led to a significant milestone for our organization. By creating a streamlined, efficient permitting system, they have set a new standard for innovation and excellence. Their extraordinary dedication and collaborative spirit make them truly deserving of this recognition. It is an honor to acknowledge their remarkable achievements with the Team Achievement Award. 

Samantha Haller is an Engineering Assistant II with Northern Region.

Samantha has demonstrated remarkable growth, leadership, and dedication in her role as an Engineering Assistant II. Despite joining the department in August 2022 as a newcomer to Alaska, she has quickly become an invaluable asset to the Northern Region Construction community. She has shown outstanding leadership qualities, taking on roles such as Lead Grade Inspector and Office Engineer on her first project and excelling as the Assistant Project Engineer on the large-scale Rich 359 Overpass project. She created onboarding guides to streamline team workflows, mentored technicians and inspectors, and effectively delegated daily inspections for a team of 6-8 people. 

With her civil engineering background, Samantha quickly mastered complex construction processes, including bridge and MSE wall construction, and has proactively addressed potential project issues. Her attention to detail and ability to catch potential problems early have minimized risks and enhanced project outcomes. 

Samantha’s mentorship has been instrumental in fostering skill development and confidence among new hires and technicians. Her tough yet constructive guidance has empowered her colleagues to excel in their roles. She exemplifies a strong work ethic and a positive attitude, consistently working long hours alongside her team during demanding tasks like paving and concrete pours. Her compassion, willingness to assist, and team-oriented mindset create a supportive and collaborative work environment. 

Samantha inspires her peers through her knowledge, reliability, and exemplary attitude. Her contributions have not only advanced project success but also fostered a culture of teamwork and mutual respect. 

For her outstanding contributions, leadership, and dedication, Samantha Haller is a highly deserving candidate for the Employee of the Year Award. Her rapid growth, technical expertise, and mentorship set her apart as a truly invaluable member of DOT&PF. 

Karen is an Accounting Tech 1 with Northern Region Highways & Aviation.
More info coming soon!

Kenny is an Equipment Operator Foreman 2 with Northern Region, Fairbanks District.
More info coming soon!

Heni is an Engineering Assistant 3 with Northern Region, Western District Construction.
More info coming soon!

Bill is an Equipment Operator, Lead/Journey 3 with Northern Region, Dalton District.
More info coming soon!

Larissa is an Engineering Assistant 3 with Northern Region, Western District Construction.
More info coming soon!

Leona is an Engineering Assistant 2 with Northern Region Right-of-Way and Utilities.
More info coming soon!

Northern Region M&O, Nome and Kotzebue Area Storm Response: Alvin Werneke, Calvin Schaeffer, Tyler Johnson, John Lane, Andrew Greene, Jackson Snyder, Nic Ferguson, David McConnell, David Hotchkiss, Henry Cole

More info coming soon!

Jeremy Arnold is an IT Architect and Systems Programmer 4 with Program Management & Administration.

Jeremy exemplifies exceptional dedication, expertise, and leadership in his roles, significantly contributing to the success of the department and its initiatives. He is always available to assist his team, going above and beyond to ensure success. His proactive approach has boosted team morale, efficiency, and overall cohesion. 

Jeremy’s willingness to mentor junior team members has accelerated their professional growth, fostering a stronger and more capable team. He played a pivotal role in the development and successful implementation of the "SWOOP Permitting System" for MSCVC and two major software upgrades for Commercial Vehicle Permitting and Weights & Measures. His extensive IT expertise and tireless efforts ensured these critical projects were launched successfully, even under tight timelines and high-pressure conditions. 

Jeremy’s ability to manage multiple tasks effectively while maintaining a lighthearted and professional demeanor has been invaluable. His collaboration has positively impacted not only his team but also commercial vehicle carriers and business owners statewide. His unwavering commitment, resourcefulness, and ability to inspire his team have been instrumental in driving project success and organizational improvement. His contributions have not gone unnoticed and continue to elevate the department’s standards of excellence. 

Ryan is patient, friendly, and quick to respond. He consistently carries the largest volume of customer help desk tickets in the department, and even with a heavy workload is recognized by many for providing exceptional customer service. He goes to extra efforts to ensure computer orders are configured for a multitude of different users and prioritized in order of importance. He sends written instructions for each location the computers are being delivered to, and all computers are packed and ready to be shipped within two days of him receiving them.

Providing IT services can be tough – people contact problems that need fixing, which can sometimes involve frustration. Having a friendly and helpful person like Ryan on the other end of the phone is not just important, but refreshing.

Shanna has provided HR support to AMHS for well over 20 years. A little less than two years ago she took on an elevated role to not only oversee the HR Employee Relations team that supports AMHS, but taking on the establishment and oversight of a new Payroll team to support vessel employees. Creating this new 9-person unit was no small task. It was highly visible, political in some respects, and failure was not an option. Shanna built a brand new team and created a work environment where employees want to stay and give their best. Their success in getting vessel employees paid on time and correctly has been nothing short of incredible, and where we are today vs. almost two years ago when we first drafted the payroll transition plan is due in large part to Shanna’s leadership and commitment to AMHS.

Shanna demonstrates genuine and caring leadership in all aspects of her role. She is consistently available whenever she's needed, making it a priority to stop what she’s doing to offer support and guidance. Her unwavering commitment to her team's success and well-being is evident through her proactive assistance and support. With her expertise in all things HR, she provides invaluable insights and solutions, ensuring challenges are navigated with confidence. Her dedication to her team and extensive knowledge make her an exceptional leader.

Chris is selfless, patient, humble, and one of the most outstanding employees DOT&PF has encountered. Chris leads by example, never asking staff to do something he isn’t willing or able to do himself. He often sacrifices much of himself to ensure that his staff are supported and have what they need. He is quick to impart his knowledge and experience to help others expand their proficiency and consistently encourages everyone to be the best employee they can be. As a high producer of formal procurements and professional contracts, Chris is equally committed to high quality work and models that standard for his team by not sacrificing quality for quantity.

Chris interacts with people across the board in a manner that leaves most with a sense of admiration for him, which truly embodies the spirit of OneDOT&PF.

Chryssa initially joined DOT&PF as a Research Analyst in ISS and was promoted to Data Processing Manager in 2024. In a fairly short amount of time, Chryssa has made remarkable contributions to the development of the infrastructure and processes that have transformed how we systematically manage and prioritize critical technology projects. She has been instrumental in shaping the foundation of the new Project Management Office. Her role involves close coordination with the ISS team, managers and team leaders across the department, and external contractors to ensure that projects are efficiently managed at every step.

Her leadership has been key to ensuring milestones are met and deadlines are consistently maintained. One of Chryssa’s standout accomplishments is her contribution to migrating JIRA projects from an on-premises environment to the cloud-based JIRA platform, streamlining project tracking and enhanced data accessibility. She was also able to extract vital project data from JIRA Cloud into reporting dashboards, improving transparency and real-time decision making. Chryssa’s innovative approach to problem solving with today’s advanced technology has made her an extremely valuable member of our DOT&PF team.

Afton is thoughtful, intuitive, optimistic and forward-thinking. He consistently looks for new ways to ease the flow of operations and has put forward a number of innovative solutions to streamline the payroll process for AMHS by launching a number of calculators, instruction manuals, and workbooks that have optimized time efficiency and accuracy. One high profile contribution is a detailed and somewhat complex digital timesheet for vessel employees to minimize discrepancies between an original timesheet submittal and what ends up as the final timesheet after being audited. After many months of work, that effort has begun rolling out.

Mary joined DOT&PF as a long-term non-perm Planner in 2023. She quickly became familiar with the world of federal discretionary grants and the partners and processes for developing and submitting grant applications. She was instrumental in establishing a Grants Sharepoint site and enhancing the tracking of grant applications and awards statewide. She has helped improve the department’s collaboration with internal staff and external partners on grant applications and post-award actions.

In 2024 Mary was hired as a permanent Planner and team lead. One month into her new position she played a critical role in helping the Fed Aid section successfully close out the 2024 FFY. Mary has had an exceptionally positive impact on the team she works with by modeling integrity and earning the trust of her co-workers through her professionalism and high quality work products.

Recruitment (HR) - Michelle Glen, Corbin Backhaus, Austin Eastham, Bert Bennett, Logan Holst

This team is recognized for their exceptional contributions and teamwork. This group has collectively brought down the turnaround time from about 15 days to between 24 and 48 hours for hire approvals. In the last year they implemented an automatic email response to let hiring managers know what response timeframe they can expect and the majority of time they’re providing responses even quicker than the timeframe given. They have set and met high standards of service. Each member of the team brings unique strengths and perspectives that has created a very dynamic and cohesive team.

Holly McKinney is a Cultural Resource Program Manager with Project Delivery.

Holly has demonstrated exceptional commitment and adaptability within the Statewide Environmental Office (SEO) and across regions, ensuring critical project delivery despite significant staffing challenges. For nearly two years, Holly has stepped beyond her regular duties to serve as a PQI for regions experiencing critical staffing shortages, all while maintaining exemplary performance in her SEO responsibilities. 

She has fostered strong, cooperative relationships with the Office of History and Archaeology, serving as the point of contact for complex negotiations. Her ability to navigate challenging situations with professionalism and efficiency has been invaluable. 

Holly’s willingness to step in and ensure projects remain on track highlights her dedication to the success of DOT&PF’s mission. Her proactive approach and reliability make her an essential asset to the team. 

Her exceptional contributions, leadership, and collaborative spirit make her a deserving candidate for recognition. Her ability to balance multiple responsibilities while driving project success exemplifies her commitment to excellence. 

Deborah has impressed her co-workers with a level of professionalism and attention to detail that she is willing and able to deliver. Debbie volunteers to take on new tasks as she sees gaps in service due to vacancies, outages or backlogs.Everyone that crosses paths with Debbie is impressed by her positive attitude and ability to complete tasks, while keeping everyone involved in the line of communication.

Leslie goes above and beyond to keep Alaska's state bridges safe for the public. She devotes a lot of time outside of work to keep Alaska moving. She is a true example of what a good leader is. Always taking in input from her peers and listening to their wants and needs despite what she needs from other areas of the department.

Leslie is an exceptional leader, mentor, and important role to keeping the state moving forward.

Deborah a very positive and competent person. She is knowledgeable, friendly and has a high level of confidence, making everyone around her comfortable. Deborah has successfully assisted multiple divisions over the last year during all of the organizational changes.Her "can do" attitude is infectious and she embodies what it is to be a part of OneDOT&PF.

Sarah entered her position as a community planner with some experience running the Alaska Harbor Facilities grants program. She was able to draw upon her experience and connection with Southcoast Region contacts to develop her position into a significant role for developing projects and discretionary funding streams that were previously untapped by DOT&PF.

Exploring potential grant opportunities through the HUB, the Alaska Office of Infrastructure, the Maritime Administration and others, Sarah has been both a helpful resource and coach for communities exploring marine transportation projects, but also a reliable guide for which programs are a good fit for a project and which ones are not.

She has sought out forums to further opportunities for community outreach, including Southeast Conference and the Alaska Harbormasters' Conference. As a result of her efforts, Marine Transportation (other than the Alaska Marine Highway System) is now fast becoming a recognized area of expertise in Alaska DOT&PF's Multimodal Transportation Planning toolkit.

H often shoulders the burden of several positions that should be in place to support her and the ROW functions. She has dealt with outdated position descriptions, unrealistic position recruitments and the challenging public ROW issues.

H tackles all of this with confidence and competence while constantly working on procedures to keep DOT&PF moving. She is comfortable with legislators, lawyers, engineers and people who are unfamiliar with ROW issues, all of whom have varying views on carrying out ROW situations.

Kristina is a Planner 3 with SWP Regional Planning.
More info coming soon!

MPO Team: Ben White (Urban Planning Chief), Coordinators: James Starzek, Adam Bradway, Randi Bailey

The MPO team has weathered a challenging year of changes in DOT&PF and MPO coordination, work, and relationships. The team has conducted itself exceptionally, and has maintained high ethical and professional standards while continuing to work with the various MPOs cooperatively and collaboratively.

The team collaborated with MPOs to create the 3-C agreement in response to FHWA STIP findings, and met several times with MPOs to iron out language in the agreement. The team presented STIP status, asset management, project status, and other information to MPOs at various meetings throughout the year, dealing with many difficult questions. The team researched changes in operating agreements and MPA boundaries. They've communicated changing fiscal practices and requests, while much in their workload has been new and challenging over the past year.

The MPO Team has approached the work professionally and with an attitude of wanting to help working relationships heal and prosper, so that important transportation work can be done successfully. The DOT&PF has benefited from the integrity of the MPO Team, and is well represented by their knowledge and cooperative attitude.

Mitch McDonald is a Regional Engineering Geologist with Southcoast Region. His 25-year career with the Southcoast Region Materials Section exemplifies professionalism, dedication, and expertise. His invaluable contributions, leadership, and commitment to DOT&PF’s mission make him an indispensable asset to the department. 

Mitch’s technical proficiency in engineering geology and his deep institutional knowledge of Southcoast’s communities and infrastructure are unparalleled, enabling him to address complex challenges with confidence and precision. 

Mitch was instrumental in the region's response to two major disasters in 2024. He initiated the incident command system, developed a response plan for DOT&PF infrastructure impacts, and established a debris tracking system, supporting the City and Borough of Juneau throughout the recovery process. He worked on-site for 10 consecutive days as part of the SR Geohazards Team, performing critical site assessments to ensure safety and providing technical support to Ketchikan Public Works. 

Recognizing recruitment and retention challenges, Mitch restructured positions within the Materials Section to attract entry-level workers and provide clearer career progression opportunities. His mentorship and willingness to advise colleagues have strengthened team morale and productivity. 

He's spearheaded efforts to streamline workflows, improve project delivery, and develop GIS-based applications for better asset management and work tracking. His collaborative work with GIS staff, M&O, and engineers has enhanced efficiency across the region. 

Mitch’s leadership, dedication to fostering teamwork, and commitment to improving Alaska’s infrastructure for future generations embody the department’s mission of "Keeping Alaska moving."

SR Support Administrative Support Team: Sara Brown, Kristin Smallwood, Emily Haskett, Trudy Champagne, Samantha Rhodes, Brittany Holland, Dionna Jackson, Lavina Jennings, Jenny Hieber, Jeanet Massey, Joey Lumba, Shannon Guillory, Tinamarie Canete

This team consistently goes above and beyond in providing exceptional service to over 200 regional employees. Despite a high and often demanding workload, the team maintains a positive, "can-do" attitude that has become a cornerstone of their work ethic.

Whether it's managing day-to-day administrative tasks, coordinating travel, or handling urgent requests after hours for emergency situations, the region knows they can always rely on this dedicated team. Their unwavering support ensures that operations run smoothly, allowing others to focus on their core responsibilities.

The administrative team’s commitment to excellence, professionalism, and responsiveness makes them invaluable to the region. They not only meet expectations but frequently exceed them, setting a high standard for customer service and embodying the true spirit of teamwork and dependability.

For their dedication, positive attitude, and tireless efforts, this deserves recognition for their outstanding customer service.

Misty recognizes and acknowledges the achievements of others. She praises and is appreciative of the good work others do.

She is committed to improving the shore facilities of the Alaska Marine Highway. When there is some problem or failure, she readily goes to the site and offers assistance.

She is a role model to her staff. She is organized, thorough and detail-oriented, and expects the same of those who work for her.

Misty has excellent social skills that allow others to communicate, interact and build relationships with other team members

Jessica works closely with many different groups on contracting for the whole Region to ensure that we are able to have consultant support. We put out many contracts for environmental and she is always quick to process documents and answer questions. If we run into something we are unclear about in the PSA manual or from consultants, she is able to guide us to the right answer. I imagine the same is true for all the other groups she works with and she helps us meet tight deadlines and complete amendments quickly as well. This really helps keep projects on track. Her assistance with so many people and with a critical piece of project delivery is instrumental!

Sara provides outstanding service to supervisors and employees at the Region by sharing her exceptional knowledge whenever we need help. Any time I ask a question, she has the answer, responds quickly, and helps us navigate through administrative questions or guides us to where the answers are. She does this with a helpful and friendly attitude and always makes time for others. Sara is a wonderful example of an Outstanding employee that is always a joy to work with and demonstrates superior service!

During the response to the Mendenhall River flooding, we needed to find a way to track and present information on how much debris was removed, from where, and where it ended up. Ellie Hakari created a map in ArcGIS that had points for every address in the affected area, which enabled us to populate each address with all the details by address, such as cubic yardage and what kind of waste was picked up. This made it incredibly easy to report to CBJ and FEMA all the information they wanted. Once the data was entered into the map, it could be exported in a spreadsheet and shared. It also created a heat map showing where the flooding created the most debris, which wasn’t requested information but is great information for mitigation efforts for future floods.

This process is a vast improvement over manually inputting the data into a spreadsheet. Multiple people entered data at the same time, so it wasn’t limited to one person entering all the debris slips in one spreadsheet. It simultaneously created a visual representation of the damage caused by flooding.

This is just one of the innovative efforts she’s leading for us. Ellie’s skills and abilities are tremendously useful for finding new and better ways to gather, correlate, and report data, which is a valuable resource for improving how we deliver on our mission for the people of Southcoast and Alaska.

Since joining the department at a pivotal time, Andrew Dyke has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, particularly in the areas of GIS, rapid imagery processing, and emergency response, which have become essential for Southeast Alaska. His contributions have been instrumental in advancing the department’s capabilities in these fields.

Andrew's expertise in GIS has been a game-changer in the world of remote sensing and emergency operations. One of his most significant accomplishments includes setting up the first Drone Dock station in the nation to monitor landslide activity. Not only did Andrew establish this innovative monitoring system, but he also single-handedly processed and compared over 65 scans, providing critical data that showed minimal surface movement. This level of precision and efficiency has been invaluable in ensuring the safety and preparedness of the region.

Andrew’s data workflows have set a new standard for Alaska and beyond. His work has garnered international attention, with partners like ESRI showcasing his rapid data collection and processing techniques, which deliver exceptional results in high-pressure environments. These workflows are now being shared worldwide, demonstrating Andrew’s ability to influence and lead on a global scale.

In addition to his technical expertise, Andrew has become a champion for leveraging cutting-edge survey and uncrewed aircraft technologies. He continues to push the Southcoast region into the future, ensuring that the department remains at the forefront of innovation. Despite the challenges and chaos often present in emergency situations, Andrew has thrived, becoming a reliable resource and a key collaborator with stakeholders across the state.His contributions have not only benefited the department but have also made a lasting impact on public safety and infrastructure resilience.

Geohazards Response Team: Travis Eckhoff, Travis Watkins, Mitchell McDonald, PatDryer, David Oliver, Ellie Hakari, Andrew Dyke, Kyle Walker, Troy Bowthorpe.

The Geohazards Response Team, originally formed by Travis Eckhoff, Travis Watkins, and Mitchell McDonald, stands at the forefront of handling real-world hazards that directly affect the people of Alaska. These skilled professionals are often deployed to respond to natural disasters—entering high-risk zones, assessing unstable conditions, and developing actionable mitigation strategies. Their unwavering professionalism, informed judgment, and hands-on approach consistently prove invaluable to the Department of Transportation and the communities they serve. 

Each member of this team brings unique strengths to the table. Working together like “special operators,” they confront and manage challenges that few others can. A remarkable example of their impact occurred during a recent landslide in Ketchikan. While assessing the debris field, Travis Watkins noticed an unusual noise. Instead of dismissing the sound, the team supported his observation and quickly alerted incident command. Additional resources were brought in, leading to the rescue of two pets trapped under debris for an entire week. Although the rescue was carried out by recovery teams, it was the Geohazards Group’s keen awareness, teamwork, and expertise that paved the way for that successful outcome. 

These dedicated individuals provide critical situational awareness, guide management decisions, and help ensure the safety of field workers and the public. Their exceptional performance and unyielding commitment to service reflect the very best of what our organization strives to achieve. It is a privilege to acknowledge their extraordinary efforts and to celebrate their well-deserved recognition. 

Rebecca Douglass is Statewide Aviation Planning Chief. She exemplifies innovation, dedication, and a relentless drive to improve processes and systems. Her contributions have transformed how critical information is accessed and utilized, making a lasting impact on the department and its stakeholders. 

She is always identifying opportunities to fix issues, streamline workflows, and make information more accessible. Her proactive approach ensures that challenges are addressed quickly and effectively, often before they escalate. When problems arise, Becca fixes them. When opportunities for improvement are identified, she takes initiative. When additional expertise is needed, she goes the extra mile to acquire the necessary resources. Her tireless dedication ensures that the department operates at its best. 

Under Becca’s leadership, the Alaska Aviation System Plan has become a central hub for accessing vital information. From planning studies to airport data, financial plans, and links to external systems like eDocs and the FAA NOTAM system, she has made what was once a time-consuming and error-prone process into an efficient, user-friendly resource. 

Her work reflects not just her individual efforts but also the collaboration and success of her team. Her leadership fosters an environment of innovation and continuous improvement. For her outstanding contributions to process improvement, system optimization, and team success, Becca is a deserving candidate for the Employee of the Year Award. Her unwavering commitment to excellence continues to elevate the department and its mission. 

Ryan is the UAS Program Coordinator with Statewide Aviation.
More info coming soon!

Carmine is a Statewide Airport Safety and Security Officer with Statewide Aviation.
More info coming soon!

Paula is and Admin Assistant 2 with Statewide Aviaiton.
More info coming soon!

Samantha is a Planner 2 with Statewide Aviation.
More info coming soon!

Susan Morrow is an Administrative Assistant 3 with Statewide Equipment Fleet / Data Modernization & Innovation Office (DMIO).

Susan is an invaluable asset to SEF and DMIO. Her dedication, positivity, and willingness to go above and beyond make her an integral part of the team. Susan consistently provides courteous and empathetic support, guiding colleagues and clients through processes with a calm and soothing demeanor, even in challenging situations. 

Susan contributes to a positive workplace culture by organizing building luncheons, sharing delicious treats, and fostering camaraderie among colleagues. She demonstrates reliability and attention to detail by helping with paperwork corrections, sending materials to camps, and ensuring that office duties are supported effectively. 

Susan’s cheerful attitude and unwavering willingness to assist have earned her the respect and admiration of her peers. 

For her dedication, resourcefulness, and ability to create a supportive and welcoming environment, Susan Morrow is a highly deserving candidate for the Employee of the Year Award. Her contributions consistently enhance both operations and workplace morale. 

Tom Moore has led the State Equipment Fleet in an impressive new direction. Prior to Tom becoming foreman, it was challenging to establish a consistent, progressive safety culture. However, Tom has embraced these changes and actively leads by example.

Tom has instilled the importance of addressing small, but important details, ensuring even minor safety steps are followed. This example reflects his commitment to making significant and lasting improvements.

Tom has made a broader impact with his crew, nurturing strong work ethic and a genuine customer service mindset in the shop.

Noah has been a much-needed addition to the fleet. He has taken pride in learning the fleet and takes on any task. He enjoys being here and fits nicely in with the SEF Team.

Noah has been working in the SEF shop in Anchorage for a year. In his time here he's gained knowledge and demonstrated how to perform routine maintenance and repairs. Noah always has a positive attitude and is willing to support the organization where needed. He has shown great integrity, and will see a task through to completion, no matter how small or large. He has earned the trust of all the staff within the SEF shop.

Noah is always eager to learn new things. In less than a year, Noah moved quickly into working on tires, brakes, check-ins and decomms. 

SEF Central Region Heavy Duty Mechanics Team: Jason Godwin, Peyton Wright, Jo Hames, Terry Schiesl, Mark Hildreth, Mark Laseter, Danny Johsnson, Darrin Lipps, Michael Kelly, Triston Glonek, David Hemphill, Cory Ducker, Rod McLay, Dave Roseveare, Corey Franklin, Paul Harrison, John Bannatyne, Matthias Garding, Paul Walsh, Keith Siekmeier, Allen Meuser, Luke Fore, Thad Anaruk, Rob Gadotti, Luis Hernandez, Manny Delpin, Cameron Bunch, Joseph Bravo, Damon Cartwright, Frank Siemion, Danny Smith, Rich Horton.

The Central Region Heavy Duty Mechanics Team has gone above and beyond in maintaining our fleet of graders, dump trucks, snow blowers, and other vital equipment—all while operating at nearly half their normal staffing levels for more than a year. Their tireless dedication ensures that our roadways are kept safe and operational, no matter the conditions. 

In addition to their heavy workload, these mechanics also support rural airports, ensuring that equipment in remote areas remains fully functional. In many cases, a single mechanic may spend a week or longer traveling between multiple small airports to keep everything running smoothly. 

Their resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to getting the job done make them the unsung heroes of our operations. The Central Region Heavy Duty Mechanics Team truly deserves this recognition and more, as their efforts directly contribute to the safety and efficiency of our transportation infrastructure. 

Phillip Petrie is an Equipment Maintenance Foreman with ANC, and is an exceptional leader whose contributions have had a profound and lasting impact on his team and the organization as a whole. 

Phillip’s management of the 800MHz radio upgrade project was a standout achievement. This complex initiative required extensive technical expertise and coordination, yet Phillip ensured a smooth transition with minimal disruption. His strategic foresight and proactive approach significantly enhanced communication capabilities and operational efficiency. 

Phillip goes beyond his role as a Foreman by fostering a learning environment for his relatively new and inexperienced crew. Through structured hands-on training and knowledge-sharing, he equips his team with the skills and confidence needed for success. His commitment to professional growth not only strengthens his team’s capabilities but also develops future leaders within the organization. 

His ability to find innovative solutions to challenges is remarkable. Whether dealing with logistical hurdles, technical issues, or urgent equipment needs, Phillip consistently delivers creative and effective answers, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in every situation. 

Phillip’s supportive and team-oriented attitude has cultivated a culture of excellence and camaraderie. His leadership motivates team members to strive for high standards, foster mutual support, and maintain a results-driven work ethic. His influence extends well beyond his specific duties. His leadership, resourcefulness, and mentorship touch every aspect of the operation, making him an indispensable asset to the organization. His ability to inspire, guide, and support his team exemplifies the values and mission of our organization. 

Since joining ANC in 2024, Naomi has made a remarkable impact through meticulous attention to detail, and despite being new to the department, her commitment to outstanding service has already garnered commendations from both peers and management for her exceptional efforts.

One of Naomi’s primary responsibilities involves collecting critical statistical data for the FBI's mandated crime reporting. This task requires her to manage records meticulously and perform accurate data entry for reporting through the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) and Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR). Her dedication to thoroughness ensures compliance standards are met and effective crime analysis is supported.

Naomi has developed a remarkable ability to connect with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring they feel heard and valued. Her empathetic approach leads to effective and tailored solutions for their needs. In her role as the department's administrative background investigator, her impressive efforts have led her to assume the lead in overall recruitment for APFO positions, demonstrating her exceptional leadership and organizational skills.

She doesn’t merely react to issues; she anticipates challenges and addresses them proactively, significantly improving our service delivery and overall satisfaction.Naomi fosters a collaborative work environment through her positive interactions with colleagues. Her willingness to assist others enhances team dynamics and contributes to a supportive culture.

For her unwavering commitment to exceptional service, meticulous data management, and positive impact in such a short time, Naomi is very deserving of the Customer Service Award.

Marlan Schoenleben in the Chaplain for the Airport Police and Fire. His contributions go far beyond the scope of the Airport Police and Fire section, extending to support employees from various sections at the airport, including many of the airlines. What makes Marlan's role particularly remarkable is that all this work is done through volunteerism, driven solely by a deep commitment to providing comfort and care to those in need.

Marlan has been a consistent source of strength and reassurance for employees during their most trying times. Whether offering a listening ear during personal challenges or providing emotional support after critical incidents, he embodies compassion and selflessness. In moments of crisis, his presence has been a beacon of comfort, helping employees process grief, stress, and emotional trauma.

Most recently, Marlan spent several days assisting a family coping with the unexpected loss of a recently retired officer. His presence during this difficult time provided essential emotional support, ensuring the family had someone to guide them through their grief and help them navigate the challenges of loss. This situation highlights Marlan's dedication and the trust the community places in him to be there during life’s most challenging moments.

Marlan also attends significant events such as retirements, promotions, and Fire Academy graduations, ensuring that these special moments are shared and honored. His efforts have touched the lives of so many and have made a lasting impact on the entire airport community.

Corporal Adam White served as the Training Officer for the ANC Police and Fire Department from 2023-2024. He was tasked with conducting an Active Shooter exercise for the ANC tri-annual to meet department, ANC, and FAA regulation requirements.

From concept to implementation, Cpl. White oversaw this momentous task. He coordinated with the Anchorage Fire Department (AFD) and Anchorage Police Department (APD), attended training with them, utilizing modern response techniques implementing the Rescue Task Force model. Cpl. White trained the department in these techniques and procured the necessary tools and equipment needed in preparation for the tri-annual. This took several months of planning and long hours. Cpl White coordinated with Federal, State, and local agencies, as well as stake holders at the ANC. These included the FBI, Dept. of Public Safety, Probation/Parole, AFD, APD, Homeland Security, FAA, multiple ANC sections, and the ANC Police and Fire Department.

Cpl. White instituted multiple training plans, briefs, operation plans and final coordination for the tri-annual. This involved coordination with approximately 350 personnel. It cannot be understated the planning involved or the stakes to ANC if the exercise was not successful. It actually surpassed expectations as a model for similar exercises in the future. It can be best said by one comptroller and observer from Homeland Security, (paraphrase); "There are people that train in ICS and planning with doctorates, that could not have planned and pulled off what you did today."

In addition to the tri-annual, Cpl. White attended a 2-week Instructor Course in Control Tactics in Sitka, AK, given by the AK State Troopers. After this course Cpl. White transitioned the department of 62 police and fire officers to this new program. This took over 4 months of classroom and hands on instruction.

Tom Rogers’s leadership and problem-solving abilities were integral to the unprecedented success of our recent airfield painting operations; one of the most logistically challenging and technically demanding tasks at Anchorage International Airport. Airfield painting requires an intricate understanding of regulatory requirements and the ability to coordinate an extensive operation that ensures the safety and efficiency of airport functions.

Completing this project successfully requires expert knowledge of paint application techniques, adherence to specific tolerances in both dimension and placement, and proficiency in operating specialized equipment—all of which Tom imparted to a team with no prior experience in these areas. He meticulously trained each team member, from handling the large, complex machinery to ensuring compliance with FAA standards down to the smallest detail. He anticipated and navigated challenges like equipment malfunctions, material shortages, and the need for swift adjustments to prevent interruptions in airport operations.

The team also had to work within tight windows dictated by air traffic schedules and unpredictable weather. Operating in a region where conditions change quickly, Tom expertly coordinated around every delay and disruption, adapting plans to keep the operation on track without sacrificing quality. When faced with an unexpected need for additional labor due to staffing issues, Tom displayed agility and resolve, often stepping up to fill gaps personally, setting an example that drove the team forward.

Tom’s dedication and problem-solving approach led to an outcome that exceeded expectations. We passed our annual inspection with zero discrepancies related to markings—a nearly unheard-of result—and completed the project with one of the highest levels of quality ever recorded. This achievement has established a new standard within our organization and marked a milestone, as we wrapped up one of the most successful paint seasons in the airport’s history.

The long-term impact of Tom’s work cannot be overstated. By effectively training our operators, he has not only enabled us to achieve immediate success but also created a foundation of knowledge and skill that will serve the airport for many years. This lasting contribution has fortified the team’s capabilities, ensuring they are better equipped for future seasons.

In less than a year, Erik has worked tirelessly to establish relationships with all airport employees, in the interest of helping lead the recruitment efforts for ANC, to represent the airport at all three Community Councils we attend, and to create partnerships within the different sections of the airport. He goes above and beyond in work ethic to achieve a project goal.

In addition, Erik secured a new position to advance ANC Passenger Development and immediately took initiative to make contact with all relevant airlines, to establish relationships with our signature passenger carrier network development teams and together with the ANC Passenger Consultant, work to create compelling narrative to present to potential air service carriers.

He has worked as supervisor for ANC’s lost and found department and its sole employee, creating a bond that has been a bright spot in this employee’s tenure at the airport.

Erik is an excellent team player, approaching every project with the best of attitudes, setting forth with great fortitude and can-do-ness. He’s a joy to be around and is always ready to jump in to support any of our team to accomplish projects. ANC is lucky to have him.

ANC Airfield Maintenance Snow Team: Equipment Operators, Electricians, Admin, Mechanics, and Others.

This team's outstanding dedication, resilience, and innovation during one of the most demanding winters in Anchorage’s history. Facing the second snowiest winter on record, this team of skilled and committed professionals not only maintained the safety and functionality of ANC but also solidified ANC’s reputation as a national leader in airfield operations. 

Working through grueling conditions and relentless snowfall, these team members tackled continuous snow and ice removal operations that demanded meticulous coordination, unwavering focus, and a steadfast commitment to safety. One remarkable example of their dedication occurred during a series of back-to-back snow events, when team members routinely pulled double or even triple shifts to ensure that runways, taxiways, and other critical areas remained operational. Their efforts minimized closures, reduced disruptions, and helped keep air travel moving smoothly and safely. 

Beyond their technical expertise in operating heavy equipment and employing innovative de-icing methods, what truly sets this team apart is their unparalleled teamwork and support for one another. Under exceptionally stressful and demanding conditions, they fostered an environment where professionalism, morale, and a shared purpose thrived. Their collective determination, guided by strong leadership, produced results that brought ANC national recognition from the American Association of Airport Executives for an unprecedented third consecutive year—an achievement no other airport has accomplished. 

The ANC Airfield Maintenance Snow Team has set a benchmark for snow and ice management in the aviation industry. Their unwavering commitment to operational excellence, even in the face of extreme adversity, exemplifies the very spirit of the Team Achievement Award. Their exceptional performance stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a group of dedicated professionals unite with a common goal, delivering outstanding results that benefit both the airport and the traveling public.