RALEIGH, N.C.–In a special ceremony hosted by the Office of State Human Resources and sponsored by the member-funded SECU Foundation, 12 individuals were honored for their outstanding accomplishments and dedicated service to the state and citizens of North Carolina.
The distinguished recipients were presented with the highest privilege that can be bestowed upon a state employee – the Governor’s Awards for Excellence. Officials from State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) and the Foundation were on hand for the ceremony, including SECU Foundation Board Chair Cynthia Jolly who welcomed guests to the event held at the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh.
“North Carolina’s State Government employees are invaluable. In their roles as public servants, they display passion and outstanding commitment to others – true examples of the ‘People Helping People philosophy of the Credit Union and the SECU Foundation,” said Jolly. “SECU members are proud to sponsor the awards and convey their genuine support and recognition for the contributions made to the people and communities of our state.”
“These state employees put the wellbeing of others first, created solutions to lingering problems, and improved the experiences of those around them,” Gov. Roy Cooper said. “Today’s honorees have made a positive and lasting difference for our state and we’re grateful for their service.”
Recipients of the 2017 Governor’s Awards for Excellence were presented Awards in one of the following categories: Customer Service, Efficiency & Innovation, Human Relations, Outstanding State Government Service, Public Service, and Safety and Heroism. Honorees included:
At right: Noelle Ocon (Department of Natural and Cultural Resources/North Carolina Museum of Art); Efficiency & Innovation – John Woodlock (Department of Public Safety); Human Relations – Joe Bright (Department of Public Safety); Outstanding State Government Service – Allan Buchanan (Department of Insurance); Public Service – Dr. Michelle Skipper (East Carolina University), Larry Williams, (Office of Administrative Hearings); Safety & Heroism – Patrick Browne (Wildlife Resources Commission), Bradley Garman (Department of Public Safety), Cindi Hamilton (Department of Environmental Quality), Charles Daniel Roper (Department of Public Safety, NC National Guard), Dean Roscoe (Department of Transportation), Robert Shook (Department of Public Safety, NC National Guard).