In the spirit of recognizing state employees that consistently excel above expectations, each year we call for nominations for the Extra Mile Award, and the Excellence in Washington State Government Leadership Award. Here are the recipients of those awards announced during Public Service Recognition Week, the first week of May, 2023. You can read the nominations for each recipient in the 2023 Awards Booklet [PDF].

The Extra Mile Award

The Extra Mile Award is given to individuals or groups of state employees who surpass expectations for exemplary public service by demonstrating innovative techniques and methods, outstanding leadership, visionary thinking, commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion , and outstanding customer service.

2023 Extra Mile Award recipients

• Brian Maule, Department of Licensing
• Bryant Karras, Department of Health
• Catherine Pederson, Department of Labor & Industries
• Civil Rights Program, Department of Labor & Industries
• DSHS Afghan Arrivals Support Team, Department of Social and Health Services
• Eric Shields, Department of Licensing
• Helen Berry, Department of Natural Resources
• Jason Gambill, Washington State Department of Agriculture
• Lian Roberts, Washington State Department of Transportation
• Piper Petit, Washington State Department of Transportation
• Policy, Operations and Escalations (POE) Team, Department of Social and Health Services
• Respectful Workplace Initiative curriculum developers, Department of Labor & Industries
• Spokane License Servicing Office, Department of Licensing
• Transportation Network Company Implementation, Department of Labor & Industries
• Virtual Services Team, Employment Security Department

Excellence in Washington State Government Leadership Award

The Leadership Award is given to individuals at all levels of management who show exemplary leadership by demonstrating vision, dedication to public service, a significant contribution to the advancement of state government, personal integrity, and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

2023 Leadership Award recipients

• Antone (Tony) Bierward, Department of Labor & Industries
• Ayanna Colman, Employment Security Department
• Gary Urbas, Washington Military Department
• Jessica Barr, Employment Security Department
• Joanne Lee, Department of Enterprise Services
• Karen  Peterson, Department of Labor & Industries
• Karen Jost, Department of Labor & Industries
• Phillip White, Employment Security Department
• Ricky Bhalla, Washington State Department of Transportation
• Stacey McClain, Washington Military Department
• Tammy Fellin, Department of Labor & Industries
• Elyssa Tappero, Washington Military Department
• Tennille Johnson, Employment Security Department
• Tracy Wynder, Department of Labor & Industries