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DOT&PF Employee Recognition Awards

2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020

Alaska DOT&PF Employee of the Year Bennie ChambersThe DOT&PF Employee Recognition Awards occur each year. These awards are a chance for our employees to nominate co-workers with the formal recognition they deserve.

Over the last two years, this year’s winner has grown into a leader in his role. His subordinates respect him as an individual and follow him as a leader. His presence boosts moral and motivates everyone. He keeps a great attitude while managing one the hardest workloads for his region.

I’m pleased to announce Alaska DOT&PF's Employee of the Year is BENNIE CHAMBERS, Maintenance Specialist Foreman with the Division of Facilities Services in Fairbanks!

Thank you for your extraordinary work and dedication!

Commissioner Anderson, Alaska DOT&PF

2023 WINNERS

Commissioner’s Office / Administrative Services Division (ASD)


Shelly Saviers
ADMIN SERVICES EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Shelly Saviers is a Human Resource Consultant 1 with Admin Services, Human Resources in Juneau.

Lillian Cooks
OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE

Lillian Cooks is an Accounting Technician 3 with the Admin Services Division in Anchorage.

Mike Rader
LEADERSHIP AWARD

Mike Rader is a Human Resource Consultant 5 with Admin Services, Human Resources in Juneau.

Jennifer McLaughlin
INNOVATION AWARD

Jennifer McLaughlin is a Human Resource Consultant 2 with Admin Services, Human Resources in Anchorage.

Procurement Team: Josiah Churchill, Suzanna Lessard, Adam Tolles Admin Services
TEAM ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Procurement Team in Admin Services:

  • Josiah Churchill
  • Suzanna Lessard
  • Adam Tolles

Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS)


Pam Bushnell 
OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE and
AMHS EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Pam Bushnell is Chief Steward, MV Matanuska / MV Kennicott, for the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) in Ketchikan.

Andrea Stevens
LEADERSHIP AWARD

Andrea Stevens is an A/B Bosn with the Alaska Marine Highway System in Ketchikan.

Tony Karvelas, Kerri Traudt, Susan Cloudy, Amy Wilson
TEAM ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
  • Tony Karvelas
  • Kerri Traudt
  • Susan Cloudy
  • Amy Wilson

Central Region


Jenelle Brinkman  
CENTRAL REGION EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
click for larger view: Jenelle Brinkman

Jenelle Brinkman is Group Chief with Central Region Aviation Design in Anchorage.

  • “Jenelle Brinkman is the epitome of a dedicated state employee and supervisor and embodies exemplary leadership over her team. In the past year she has led the Aviation Design team with unwavering support for professional development, fostering an environment of growth and learning, while also coordinating with her team to design and advertise millions of dollars of federally funded airport projects for the rural and international airport systems.”

  • “She is detailed and holistic, able to articulate needs of stakeholders, functional groups, and funding agencies in ways that everyone else can understand and alter workflows to accommodate.”

  • “Her remarkable ability to empower all parties involved allows her staff to take ownership of achievements and accomplishments, which has led to a collaborative and innovative work culture.”

  • “Jenelle is the first one there to lift us up, to offer words of support, encouragement, and to jump down in the trenches with us to get jobs done when we need it. She always pushes us to do better while allowing us to succeed and is first in line to celebrate that success with us. Importantly, when we bring concerns to her, she not only listens, but takes concrete actions to address them.”

Charlie Bentti 
OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE
click for larger view: Charlie Bentti

Charlie Bentti is an Engineering Assistant 2 with Central Region Construction in Anchorage.

  • “Charlie Bentti has spent the last six years improving one of the worst sections of the highway between Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula - Seward Highway MP 75-90 - Portage Curve. Through two construction contracts near the Portage Curve, Charlie has helped oversee roughly $160 million worth of construction; including replacing eight of the most decrepit highway bridges in the state.”

  • “He performs daily activities with precision and accuracy, above and beyond the average engineer, to seek excellence on State and Federal construction projects.”

  • “He is a leader by example who is always willing to work abnormal hours and in stressful environments to see the project succeed.”

Dave Heyano  
LEADERSHIP AWARD
click for larger view: Dave Heyano

Dave Heyano is an Equipment Operator Journey 2 with Central Region, Anchorage District.

  • The nomination for this award highlighted Dave’s commitment to leading by example in pushing his team to do the best job possible, and the unassuming way in which he shares his knowledge and experience with the members of his team.

  • “Dave Heyano is a humble man, yet his leadership skills are astronomical.”

  • “He pushes his crew to go above and beyond. I learned a lot about painting highways and maintaining the equipment that lays the paint down.”

 

John Farr  
INNOVATION AWARD
click for larger view: John Farr

John Farr is an Engineering Assistant 3 with Central Region Design, MatSu District.

  • “He is always ready and willing to enthusiastically assist anyone who needs help”

  • “John Farr is constantly exploring new ways to make designers’ lives easier and expedite project delivery using things like scripts, obscure AutoCAD features, and GIS-to-CAD functionality. In addition, he uses his powers to drag the Department kicking and screaming into the 21st century by pushing our capabilities toward digital delivery.”

  • "John spends his own time outside of work improving his knowledge and skills, and it shows!”

Central Region Environmental Impact Analysts
TEAM ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
click for larger view: from CR EIA Team - Isaac Kelsey, Mark Rollins, Maureen Orr, Roy Dahlstrom, Bob Effinger

Brian Elliott, Roy Dahlstrom, Jenna Difolco, Bob Effinger, Erik Hilsinger, Isaac Kelsey, Maureen Orr, Ryan Riddle, Mark Rollins, Drew Vonlindern, Heidi Zimmer

  • “The Central Region Environmental Section staff serves as integral members of our design teams, contributing to every project undertaken within our region. Their dedication plays a pivotal role in the department's overall success.”

  • “Their exceptional reputation extends beyond our Central Region team, as our consultant partners also rely on their knowledge and expertise.”

  • “This team communicates well, sets realistic timelines, effectively prioritizes tasks, and expedites work when necessary, frequently adapting to shifting project deadlines.”

  • “Furthermore, the staff maintains open lines of communication with design managers, providing regular updates on work status and offering assistance as needed. They are fully engaged members of our teams, contributing their expertise from project inception to completion.”

Fairbanks International Airport (FAI)


Christel Burgess
LEADERSHIP AWARD and
FAI EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Christel Burgess is Chief of Leasing with Fairbanks International Airport.

Katherine Lujan
OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE

Katherine Lujan is an Administratiave Office 1 with Fairbanks International Airport.

Measurement Standards & Commercial Vehicle Compliance (MSCVC)


Travis Garding
MSCVC EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
click for larger view: Travis Garding

Travis Garding is a State Metrologist 2 with Measurement Standards & Commercial Vehicle Compliance in Anchorage.

 

 

 

 

 

Inga Johnson
LEADERSHIP AWARD
click for larger view: Inga Johnson

Inga Johnson is an Administrative Officer 2 with Measurement Standards & Commercial Vehicle Compliance in Anchorage.

 

 

 

 

 

Cynthia Antigua
OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE
click for larger view: Cynthia Antigua

Cynthia Antigua is a Reseach Analyst 2 with Measurement Standards & Commercial Vehicle Compliance in Anchorage.

 

 

 

 

 

Northern Region


Scott Leigh
NORTHERN REGION EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Scott Leigh is Construction Project Engineer with Northern Region, Western District in Nome.

Pamela Lord
OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE

Pamela Lord is a Procurement Specialist 3 with Northern Region Right-of-Way Utilities in Fairbanks.

Richard "Rick" Lee
LEADERSHIP AWARD

Rick Lee is an Equipment Operator Foreman 1 with Northern Region, Denali District in Fairbanks.

Paul Eckman
INNOVATION AWARD

Paul Eckman is an Engineer/Architect 2 with Northern Region Right-of-Way Utilities in Fairbanks.

Administrative Team
TEAM ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The Northern Region Administrative Team:

  • Liz Miller-Chapman
  • Randi Bloom
  • Laurel Sliney
  • Lyn Bunch
  • Liz Reyna
  • Sara Lords
  • Emily Hottel
  • Victoria Santiago

Program Development


Sara Lucey
OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE and
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Sara Lucey is a Transportation Planner 2 with Program Development in Fairbanks.

Liz Balstad
LEADERSHIP AWARD

Liz Balstad is a Transportation Planner 2 with Program Development in Juneau.

AOP Culverts Team
TEAM ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The AOP CulvertsTeam with Program Development:

  • Mark Eisenman
  • Sarah Lucey
  • Marie Heidemann
  • Adam Moser
  • Mike Chambers
  • Doug Kolwaite
  • Bill Kulash
  • Mike Knapp
  • Jake Ciufo
  • Jeff Stutzke
  • Joel Osburn

Southcoast Region

Joe Peterson
SOUTHCOAST REGION EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Joe Peterson is an Administrative Assistant 3, Perssonnel Team Supervisor with Southcoast Region Support Services in Juneau.

Rick Eubank
OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE

Rick Eubank is an Engineering Assistant 3 with Southcoast Region Materials in Juneau.

Christy Genteman
LEADERSHIP AWARD

Christy Genteman is an Environmental Impact Analyst 3 with Southcoast Region Design in Juneau

Miguel Paz
INNOVATION AWARD

Miguel Paz is an Engineering Technician Sub Journey 3 with Southcoast Region Materials in Juneau.

Southcoast Region Team
TEAM ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
  • Keri Williamson
  • Tina Bergman
  • Jake Estenson
  • Jeremy Brown
  • Ben Landes
  • Maggie Martin
  • Scott Baseden
  • Moriah Unzicker

Statewide Aviation


Caprice Larimer-Musty
OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE and
STATEWIDE AVIATION EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
click for larger view: Caprice Larimer-Musty

Caprice Larimer-Musty is Lab Technician 2 with Statewide Aviation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statewide Aviation Team
TEAM ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
  • Vickie Swain
  • Marianela Ayala
  • Kristy Despars
  • Britton Goldberg
  • Narciss Phillips
  • Thomas Hildreth
  • Jarod Urban
  • Maria Tate

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)


Veronica Owens
OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE and
ANC EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

Veronica Owens is an Emergency Services Dispatcher II with Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport Police and Fire.

Jennifer Pepin
LEADERSHIP AWARD

Jennifer Pepin is an Engineer/Architect 2 with Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport Administration.

Steven Heilman
INNOVATION AWARD

Steven Heilman is a Police & Fire Officer 2 with Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport Police and Fire.

ANC Ops Officers & Airport Terminal Ops Specialists
TEAM ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

ANC Ops Officers & Airport Terminal Ops Specialists:

  • John Stocker
  • Tim Lufkin
  • Bob Rieth
  • Harold Horni
  • Jason Duffy
  • Scott Harris
  • James Mahan
  • Dustin Madden
  • Brett Muller
  • Andy Dinsmore
  • Lindsey Orange
  • Aaron Hawk

Statewide Design & Engineering Services (DES) /
Information Systems & Services (ISSD)


Mary Ann Sweeney
DES EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
click for larger view: Mary Ann Sweeney

Mary Ann Sweeney is a Statewide Environmental Tribal Coordinator with Statewide Design & Engineering Services in Fairbanks.

 

 

 

 

 

Sarah Starzec
LEADERSHIP AWARD
click for larger view: Sarah Starzec

Sarah Starzec is a Civl Rights Programs & Compliance Specialist 2 with Equal Employement and Civil Rights in Anchorage.

 

 

 

 

 

Drew Pavey
OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE
click for larger view: Drew Pavey

Drew Pavey is an Engineering Associate with Design & Engineering Services in Anchorage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Erik Norberg
INNOVATION AWARD
click for larger view: Erik Norberg

Erik Norberg is an Environmental Impact Analysis Manager 1 with Design & Engineering Services in Juneau.

 

 

 

 

 

Statewide Equipment Fleet (SEF)


Charles Blood
OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEEand
SEF EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
click for larger view: Charles Blood

Charles Blood is a Stock and Parts Services 3 employee with Statewide Equipment Fleet in Anchorage.

 

 

 

 

 

Steven Alt
LEADERSHIP AWARD
Steven Alt is a Mechanic, Automotive, Foreman 2 with Statewide Equipment Fleet in Fairbanks.
SEF Team
TEAM ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
  • Frank Siemion
  • Chad Bradford
  • Mike Kelly
  • Cory Ducker
  • Tristin Glonek
  • Darren Lipps
  • Kevin Christian
  • Dave Roseveare
  • Rod McLay

Statewide Facilities Services


Bennie Chambers
ALASKA DOT&PF EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR WINNER!
click for larger view: Bennie Chambers

Bennie Chambers is a Maintenance Specialist BFC Foreman with Facilties Services in Fairbanks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Krystal Moulton
LEADERSHIP AWARD
click for larger view: Krystal Moulton

Krystal Moulton is an Administrative Officer 1 with Facilities Services in Anchorage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sheila Deal
OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE
click for larger view: Sheila Deal

Sheila Deal is an Administrative Assistant 1 with Facilities Services in Fairbanks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Levi Overbeck
INNOVATION AWARD
click for larger view: Levi Overbeck

Levi Overbeck is an Engineer/Architect 1 with Facilities Services in Anchorage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fox Springs Team
TEAM ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
  • Bennie Chambers
  • Lauren Staft
  • Zac Nelson
  • Ryan Loud
  • John Siegfried
  • Matt Herkstroeter
  • Marty Schatz
  • Robert Marks
  • Ted Craig
  • Ted Hertzler
  • Nick Beck