Public Service Recognition Awards

As Amira’s supervisor, I have seen them excel in the many workstreams that they have taken part in. Beyond their everyday excellence, they have shown themselves to be deeply committed to equity in the implementation of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in Washington. In the past year, I have had the privilege of learning from Amira as they’ve led trust-building work to engage Tribal partners in building 988 in Washington and transforming the mental-health crisis care continuum. This work is no small feat considering the state’s historical challenges with properly supporting and engaging Indigenous communities.

Amira has supported intentional decision-making that has often led up within our cross-agency team in ways that drive us to make more meaningful engagement efforts. They have shown up with patience and strength and flexed their historical social worker muscles when confronting crucial conversations.

Amira has also become a subject matter expert in their legislative work, creating tools for our team to track the impact of legislation and decisions around 988 in all policy-making settings. They’ve worked to build tools that promote collaboration from partners and the public in rule-making efforts and tools that proactively support the 988 team to fill knowledge gaps on engagement work.

Amira recently began to mentor other members of the team around navigating legislative session, bill analyses, and hearings. They demonstrate that leadership at all levels is not only possible, but essential for success. On a project that aims to respond in times of crisis, with legislative mandates that move the work at the speed of light, Amira is a beacon of calm. They lead through their values, thoughtful inquiry and well-timed laughs that support our team to think strategically and not just quickly, despite external pressures.
Nominated by Elaina I Perry

Angela Berg exemplifies excellence through her leadership, commitment to inclusivity and educational expertise at the Department of Licensing. Her initiative—a unique driver knowledge testing system for neurodivergent individuals—not only revolutionized accessibility within the DOL, but also embodies the department’s purpose statement, “Helping every Washington resident live, work, drive, and thrive.”

Recognizing the limitations of traditional testing for neurodivergent individuals, Angela developed an alternative knowledge assessment system. This system incorporates diverse learning styles and sensory perceptions, ensuring fair and accurate evaluations without compromising testing standards. Her system recognizes the limitations of traditional methods and paves the way for inclusive testing practices across diverse populations.

Beyond individual accessibility, Angela’s visionary leadership fostered empathy and innovation. Championing neurodivergent needs, she inspired her team through a collaborative approach, fueling the project from inception to implementation. Rooted in equity, Angela’s tireless advocacy seeks to dismantle systemic biases, ensuring equal access to driving privileges through an innovative testing system. By dismantling barriers, individuals are empowered to participate fully in their communities, upholding the core values of diversity and inclusion. Her commitment also extends beyond accessibility, creating a welcoming and supportive environment with tailored solutions for a positive and dignified testing experience for every participant.

In conclusion, Angela Berg’s impact extends beyond driver knowledge testing. She is a leader, an innovator and a champion for inclusivity. Her work embodies the highest ideals of public service, transforming lives and paving the way for a more equitable and accessible future. Her nomination for this award is a testament to her extraordinary contributions and her unwavering commitment to serving the entire Washington community.

Nominated by Daniel Cooke

The 2023–24 Leadership for the Disability Inclusion Network (DIN) Business Resource Group has a passion for evolving an inclusive and accessible workplace for people with disabilities throughout the state enterprise.

As volunteers to the work of DIN, the DIN leadership team of Linda, Stuart, Maggie and Sarah have been responsive and informative, leading conversations, action and concrete guidance in braiding inclusive practices around ASL, neuro-divergence, mental health, digital accessibility, recruitment and reasonable accommodations into the fabric of state agencies. They partner with peer BRG groups, agencies and individuals to support the DIN mission.

They reformatted the DIN general meetings to allow more time for members to engage in committee work and advocated strongly for ASL and CART usage in all BRG general meetings as a way to also welcome Deaf and Deaf Blind state employees into the broad work of the BRGs.

The DIN leadership understand the intersectionality inherent in disability—people with disabilities exist within all communities and identities—and the leadership group forges alliances and collaborations to ensure the belonging of people with disabilities of all backgrounds in the state enterprise. The DIN leadership is passionate, caring, creative, motivated and seemingly tireless in forwarding the mission of the Disability Inclusion Network.

Nominated by Michael MacKillop

The overdose crisis in Washington state has reached unprecedented levels and has taken a terrible toll on our communities. Although it is easy to overlook or ignore a public health crisis that may occur behind closed doors or in marginalized and stigmatized populations, the Drug User Health Team in the Office of Infectious Disease has been working tirelessly in response. Their support of tribes, local health jurisdictions, community-based organizations and other partners has saved the lives of countless Washingtonians and strengthened public health systems across the state.

One of their main programs, the Overdose Education & Naloxone Distribution (OEND) Program, has provided nearly 400,000 naloxone kits since April 2019 to organizations serving people most likely to experience or witness opioid overdose. They also provide support to syringe service programs (SSPs) in Washington, which are frontline public health programs that provide critical services to people who use drugs.

The core of these efforts is to support the health of people who use drugs in a non-judgmental and client-centered atmosphere. In 2023, SSPs supported by the Drug User Health Team provided nearly 90,000 encounters, 25,000 referrals to services and 60,000 naloxone kits to people who use drugs.

In the past year, the Team has:

Developed a data system to improve engagement with the OEND program.
Developed a naloxone distribution program to support tribes and Urban Indian organizations.
Partnered with a community organization to implement the state’s mail-order naloxone program.
Supported a new funding process to resource 20 SSPs, including incorporating harm reduction service navigation and clinical services.
Designed multimedia materials and trainings to educate partners about topics such as how to respond to an overdose and how to use fentanyl test strips.
Provided expertise in support of HCA’s Health Engagement Hubs and Substance Use Recovery Services Advisory Committee

Nominated by Emalie Huriaux
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The ESD Mentorship Program is quickly becoming the most well-known staff development project in ESD history, but has been managed and grown by a little-known group of staff behind the scenes. The ESD Mentorship Planning Team, made up of a rag-tag group of ESD staff from various divisions across the agency, has taken an idea in its infancy and turned it into a fully viable, substantial and successful employee development program with high praise from all who have participated.

The Team, led primarily by Nadine Nabass (Leave & Care, but recently promoted into a position in our EDI office), met bi-weekly, planning, marketing, and promoting the program; finding efficiencies in how the program was to be implemented; offering presentations to most divisions across ESD; and selling the positives with participation as mentors and mentees.

Their collective efforts have been very successful, growing the program this past year from about 90 in the first cohort, to 156 in the second cohort, to 198 in the third cohort, and finally, a grand total of 292 going into our fourth cohort. In short, this team has driven this important development program that benefits all ESD employees by an incredible three-fold, or 320%!

The “big win” this past year was the Team’s push to get more leaders involved as mentors. The combination of concentrated discussions directly with executives and division leaders was extremely effective—so much so that one division, Employment Connections, strongly encouraged every manager and above to participate by adding it to performance expectations. That’s impact. That’s teamwork. That’s going the extra mile! Congratulations to the ESD Mentorship Planning Team for making a significant difference for our ESD family!

Nominated by Gregory Chilson

I am pleased to nominate the ESD NS EDI team for their outstanding work in developing the EDI SMART Goal Tool, a transformative initiative aimed at fostering cultural competence and advancing equity and inclusion within our organization. This innovative tool not only reflects the team’s dedication to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, but also aligns seamlessly with our organization’s Pro-Equity and Anti-Racism Plan.

The EDI Smart Goal Tool represents a significant milestone in our journey towards creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace. By providing employees with culturally competent expectations, the tool empowers individuals to navigate diverse interactions with sensitivity and respect. Through its user-friendly interface and comprehensive resources, the tool equips supervisors to work with their employees, building knowledge and skills needed to cultivate an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued.

Moreover, the tool directly supports our organization’s commitment to meeting the expectations outlined in the PEAR directive signed by the governor. By incorporating principles of equity and anti-racism into everyday practices and decision-making processes, the tool helps us advance towards the goal of dismantling systemic barriers and promoting fairness and justice for all.

Not only does the tool enhance our organizational culture, but it also positions us to better serve our diverse communities and stakeholders. By fostering cultural competence and understanding, we can more effectively engage with individuals from different backgrounds and perspectives, ultimately strengthening our relationships and impact as an organization.

In summary, the NS EDI team’s creation of the EDI Smart Goal Tool exemplifies their commitment to driving meaningful change and promoting equity and inclusion within our organization. Their dedication to this initiative deserves recognition and appreciation, as it not only aligns with our organizational values but also contributes to the realization of our broader EDI and PEAR goals.

Nominated by Ric Farinas

Truly outstanding leaders place their team’s safety as their highest priority. WSDOT Highway Maintenance Worker Haydan Francis showed true leadership when his team was faced with danger and adversity on Tuesday, September 19, 2023.

That day, Haydan Francis was preparing his team to leave the Washtucna maintenance shed when an individual came onto the property and climbed into a WSDOT truck. Haydan approached and asked what he was doing, to which the individual responded, “I’m taking your truck.” Unknown to Haydan at the time, this individual was on a violent crime spree that started in Yakima and had left others injured.

Once Haydan noticed the individual was irrational, covered in blood and possessed a pistol, he had a decision to make. It was an easy decision for him: Protect his team. Haydan stepped away from the man while keeping a watchful eye as he initiated his plan to protect the team. Hayden directed a team member to call 911 while also directing his team to move into the maintenance building for shelter. Haydan continued to be in protection mode as the truck departed the WSDOT property.

Haydan instructed his team to leave the building and get into their trucks to travel to a safe location in case this individual returned. After a few minutes, the individual did return, potentially looking for a different vehicle to take, but due to Haydan’s directions, there were no WSDOT vehicles left. The individual began traveling towards Ritzville and led WSP on a high-speed chase, ultimately destroying the vehicle.

Haydan demonstrated himself to be an outstanding leader that day, making the safety of his team the focus of his decisions. He did not run or act irrationally, and instead made decisions based on the most important leadership principle, keeping his team safe.

Nominated by Kurt Kaufman

The Market Planners in the Auctions & Market Section for the Cap-and-Invest Program have demonstrated a commitment to DEI by confronting workplace bigotry head-on, despite being junior staff who naturally feel vulnerable in their first positions in state government.

The Cap-and-Invest Program was stood up on an extremely accelerated timeline. As only the second state in the nation to implement such a program, they have been essential in accomplishing in months what California’s much larger staff took years to do. Faced with being the first point of contact for most participants in the program, they’ve developed innovative solutions to registering over a hundred entities in the Cap-and-Invest Program’s first year.

Matt, Katie and Alex have demonstrated visionary thinking as self-starters that identify problems in user and entity registrations and have demonstrated leadership through their collaboration on “shovel-ready” solutions which they present to their colleagues and superiors. They consistently identify potential problems before they become realized problems—and then develop solutions and preventative measures.

The three of them are active participants in a multinational, multijurisdictional working group shaping the design and implementation of the platforms Washington and other states will use to tackle the climate crisis. Matt is the expert on the tracking system and a key product tester. Alex has risen to be the office expert on public records requests and requests related to litigation in a highly contentious program. Katie was the natural choice to step into a senior role while a colleague is out on extended leave, conducting auctions that have raised hundreds of millions of dollars.

The three of them have offered outstanding customer service by fielding thousands of time-sensitive emails and phone calls from parties navigating a new and complex program, often enduring hostility. Matt, Katie, and Alex demonstrate excellent leadership and followership.

Nominated by Scott Hancock

Nominated by Terry Ponton

Nominated by Babs Roberts

Nominated by Savanna Navarro Kresse

Nominated by Rebekah Wilke

Nominated by Gauri Shrotriya Locker

Nominated by Seth Maier

Andrea has shown visionary leadership in many ways over the past year. Following several retirements in her “small but mighty” statewide recreation program, she rebuilt and expanded the team, while ensuring that the employees who remained had the resources they needed to succeed. Her plan to hire an additional four talented professionals onto a team that dwindled to only four was done so thoughtfully and strategically. Seeing opportunities for promotions, much needed reclassifications, and team restructuring, Andrea’s vision resulted in a high-functioning team of enabled leaders.

The projects Andrea and her team have endeavored upon in the last year are nothing short of remarkable. She is the Project Manager for DNR’s first ever Outdoor Access and Responsible Recreation (OARR) Strategic Plan. This planning effort is visionary by definition. With over 20 million visitor days on DNR’s 5.6 million acres, Andrea is realizing the need for the agency’s statewide vision for recreation and access management. This plan’s unique outreach strategy has resulted in meaningful input from trust beneficiaries, sister agencies, statewide partners, community-based organizations, the public and tribes. The agency is committed to codeveloping this plan with tribes, and the process has been applauded by many involved.

Andrea has also been leading the agency’s involvement in the Tribes-State Recreation Impacts Committee, an incredibly complex project aimed at studying and addressing the impacts of recreation on state-managed lands. Being involved in both projects, She has integrated both processes so that the work could be done efficiently and in earnest.

Andrea has also championed House Bill 2165 on behalf of DNR, a statutory change that the agency has been pursuing for decades. This bill has been remarkably successful in the legislature and is backed by a very diverse set of stakeholders—a testament to their trust in Andrea’s leadership and commitment to equitable access.
Nominated by Brodrick Coval

Cezanne regularly goes above and beyond her job responsibilities to encourage, mentor and provide recognition to employees throughout our division, most notably those employees who are marginalized or underrepresented. She keeps both those employees and also external customers who face hardships in mind when proposing projects, solutions and designs for interfaces with which our internal staff and external customers interact.

Cezanne has a varied background and leverages that when brainstorming and engaging in meetings with individuals inside and outside the division and agency. Her work impacts nearly all Washingtonians with her work on the Paid Leave and WA Cares programs.

Most recently, Cezanne worked on SSB 5586, which expanded data sharing between Paid Leave and employers when it comes to their employees’ benefit data. Cezanne took a thoughtful approach around not only what minimal functionality would be needed to meet the legislative mandate, but also what additional work could be completed as part of the project to improve our customers’ experiences. As part of this project, she took initiative in revamping a toolkit available to employers and was mindful on how future phases of the work related to this law would necessitate minor changes to language. She worked with other product managers, analysts and individuals throughout the division in an effort to be as mindful as possible and learn more about the pain points employees and employers are experiencing when it comes to benefits data and information.

Cezanne approaches things with an equity and growth mindset. She is never hesitant to encourage others to speak and regularly gives credit to other individuals who assisted, provided feedback or came up with ideas. Cezanne brings people alongside her with her passion and dedication to not only our division but our agency, state work and Washingtonians. We love working with her.

Nominated by Nav Singh

Christine Morris has proved to be an exemplary leader. Upon arrival, she spent time listening to her team, learning about their needs and preferences, and shared the excitement of new possibilities. Years later, I still remember those conversations. It was amazing how quickly she learned. I have always appreciated how hard she works, as well. She is an adept delegator but applies herself to any work that benefits from her knowledge, experience and unique vision. She is seemingly indefatigable!

Our office has flourished under her direction, and there is a sense of real comradery across our several teams. It is a pleasure working in such an environment. Our on- and off-boarding have improved immensely, and we have successfully completed a large assortment of Standard Operating Procedures that serve to retain institutional knowledge, guide new hires and improve efficiency. She was an early Certified Diversity Professional and encourages her team not only to learn more about EDIA, but to put those principles into practice.

Christine has contributed significantly to our Workforce Development initiatives and has driven innovations such as the introduction of navigators, GeoLocation data services and a high school program for potential caregivers. Her Training Development team applies the most rigorous accessibility standards and has greatly increased language access to caregiver training. She has helped improve the quality, availability, affordability, consistency and portability of caregiver training with the introduction of the CareLearn Washington Learning Management System. She worked closely with the training oversight and policy team as they navigated the emergency rules put in place during Covid.

I am not just recommending her based solely on her accomplishments. I am also nominating her because she cares deeply and leads well. I would love to see her honored for it.
Nominated by Michael Sheehan

The Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) is a small agency, with 29 staff serving two boards, that carries out complex education policy and program work in an environment of active stakeholders with divergent perspectives. Erica served as interim executive director November 2021–May 2023 and has been the executive director since May 2023, when PESB offered her the job as the result of a nationwide search.

As our leader, Erica has:

Proven her commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) by creating an organizational culture that is welcoming and inclusive for diverse staff. Consequently, people of color now make up 48% of PESB staff. Erica also promotes DEI in the agency’s external work. For example, she led PESB’s efforts in relationship building with the Squaxin Island Tribe and tribal liaison position creation.

Provided visionary leadership focused on collaboratively fulfilling PESB’s role in Washington’s educational policy ecosystem. Erica thinks in terms of what PESB can accomplish as part of a system rather than alone. For example, under her leadership PESB served as a Career Connect Washington sector intermediary last year and will work collaboratively this year with Educational Service District 105, Green River College and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction on a project for career-connected high school teacher academies. Both of these initiatives are firsts for PESB. Internally, she has shifted PESB’s organizational structure from hierarchy towards collaboration.

Modeled personal integrity by following fiscal rules carefully, actively involving staff in budgeting, and sharing financial information freely with staff. Her approach to agency finances is inclusive, and transparency has been her guiding star.

Led by example, showing her commitment to serving the public by putting the interests of the state’s educators and their students first in her decision-making. She models doing the right thing rather than the easy thing or business as usual.
Nominated by Mark Bergeson

At ESD, one name resonates with unwavering commitment and transformative impact: Jasper Marino. It is my honor to nominate Jasper for the prestigious Leadership Award. Their multifaceted leadership, innovative spirit and genuine care for our team have left an indelible mark.

A Communicator Extraordinaire: Jasper’s leadership begins with communication. They deftly navigate the intricate web of information flow. Interactions with Jasper reveal a compassionate ear, a willingness to listen and a knack for providing context. Jasper shares insights from diverse spaces they inhabit, ensuring transparency and alignment. No question goes unanswered; Jasper’s commitment to clarity is unwavering.

Innovator and Catalyst: Jasper’s ideas are the heartbeat of our office. The quarterly EDI newsletter? Jasper’s brainchild. The EDI office inbox? Their creation. But it doesn’t stop there. Jasper leads conversations on anti-racism, challenging norms, and driving change. Their proactive outreach to agency partners fosters collaboration and shared success. Jasper’s mantra: feedback fuels growth, and inclusivity is our compass.

Coaching and Mentorship: Jasper’s mentorship transcends mere guidance. They invest in our agency, sharing wisdom generously. As co-chair of the PRIDE ERG and RAIN BRG, Jasper champions LGBTQ+ voices. Their journey in EDI work becomes a beacon, illuminating intersectionality and centering anti-racism.

Virtual Leadership, Real Impact: In the virtual realm, Jasper thrives. Teams, platforms and tools—they utilize them all. Our remote team stays engaged, thanks to Jasper’s tireless efforts. They adapt, innovate, and prioritize accessibility. Group preferences matter; adjustments are made. Jasper’s commitment to virtual excellence ensures our agency’s resilience.

In summary, Jasper embodies leadership that transcends titles. Their legacy is etched in every conversation, every initiative and every heart touched. As we honor their contributions, let us celebrate Jasper—the architect of change, the empathetic mentor and the virtual trailblazer. A true leader, deserving of the PSRW Leadership Award.
Nominated by Ayanna Colman

Lea Anne is the Tribal Affairs Manager and a member of the Equity and Environmental Justice Team under the Executive Director’s office of the Puget Sound Partnership (Partnership). Lea Anne’s leadership and guidance is strengthening the agency’s relationships with the tribes in Puget Sound and setting a precedent for how government-to-government consultation is conducted at a state level.

Other agencies look to Lea Anne for guidance and input on Tribal Affairs, environmental justice and other topics. Her collaborative work, active listening, thoughtful input and wonderful sense of humor make her approachable and a great thought partner. She makes herself available and gives her time freely to staff. She develops strategic approaches to collaborative processes that leave people feeling heard and empowered.

Lea Anne eloquently and humbly leads discussions in our agency and beyond to help us think beyond the systems of white supremacy and broaden the horizon for better ways to work with our partners across Puget Sound to achieve ecosystem and salmon recovery. She treats everyone with respect and kindness, meaningfully engaging them at the level of understanding they bring to the conversation. Her approach welcomes people in and builds a coalition of support for Tribal Treaty Rights, environmental justice and equity. She is open-minded and yet firm when it comes to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, which has been instrumental to advancing work both inside our agency and broader state government.

Lea Anne has guided the Partnership’s implementation of the HEAL Act, which included our agency’s first environmental justice assessment, Tribal Consultation and public outreach. She is a trailblazer with consistent leadership that grounds our work. Lea Anne’s work makes us all better and it is an honor to work with her.
Nominated by Melissa Spee

Ever wondered how Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) shake things up in a tech-heavy state agency like Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech)? Enter Tavares Terry, WaTech’s DEI Director since 2022. He’s not just in the role, he’s helping to rewrite the playbook.

In a world where technology evolves at lightning speed, Tavares Terry is working to ensure these innovations serve all Washingtonians. Tavares doesn’t just ponder the future impact on underserved communities, he’s actively engaging with those often left in technology’s shadows, ensuring their voices become integral to shaping the IT landscape from the start. Tavares exemplifies leadership ideals.

Proven Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Driven by a desire to foster a more inclusive work environment, Tavares became involved in DEI efforts starting in 2015. He’s certified by the Institute of Diversity Certification and has been instrumental in certifying personnel who have emerged as DEI leaders at other agencies.

Visionary Leadership: Tavares integrated DEI principles into WaTech by recognizing the pervasive impact of technology in society and applying a DEI lens to IT decisions and policies. For example, he developed the “Learning about ourselves” DEI series and led statewide roundtables for agencies.

Commitment to Service: Tavares has fostered a more inclusive and understanding workplace by raising awareness. His efforts to collaborate with other agencies and underrepresented communities highlight a commitment to equity across the state.

Significant Contribution to the Advancement of State Government: By advocating for broadband accessibility and digital equity, Tavares has played a crucial role in ensuring state services are accessible and equitable. For example, he’s played a leadership role in applying DEI principles to recruiting, decision packages, legislation, IT projects and programs.

Personal Integrity: Tavares has exemplified personal integrity, approaching complex and emotional DEI topics with empathy and a genuine desire to foster connection and mutual respect.
Nominated by Vickie Sheehan