(File Photo of the PennDOT logo)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) A ceremony was held yesterday in Harrisburg to honor two PennDOT District 11 employees for their outstanding performance with the highest recognition from PennDOT, the Star of Excellence Award. PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll recognized Nicole Perry and Brian Rampulla in Harrisburg yesterday at the National Civil War Museum at an awards luncheon that day. PennDOT District 11 employees represent Beaver, Allegheny and Lawrence Counties. According to a release from PennDOT District 11, here is some more information about both the 2025 PennDOT Star of Excellence employees and the Star of Excellnce Award from PennDOT:

Nicole Perry, Consultant Agreement Supervisor

• Nicole oversees all construction inspection and management agreements within District 11.  Known for her reliability and communication skills, Nicole has been able to use her expertise in her current role as well as previous positions to support and assist other staff members. She has held various roles in both the District’s Construction and Design Services Units. Her experience in the Construction Unit includes time as the District’s Finals Unit Manager, providing her with in-depth expertise in the Department’s Engineering Construction Management System (ECMS). Recently, the District 11 Construction Unit has welcomed a group of new Assistant Construction Engineers (ACEs). Nicole has been an invaluable mentor, guiding these ACEs in budgeting and planning their construction inspection teams for the first time. Additionally, Nicole serves as Inspector-in-Charge for several high-profile construction projects including the Pittsburgh Safe Routes to School and the Pittsburgh Pedestrian Wayfinding projects. Nicole is recognized for her skills in delivering outstanding customer service both internally and externally and also her ability to apply her extensive construction inspection and management knowledge in emergency situations.

Brian Rampulla, P.E., Structure Control Engineer

• Brian improves the department’s efficiency, service quality, and workforce strength. He elevates every project he touches, contributing to measurable cost savings, safer work environments, stronger partnerships, and enhanced public trust. Brian consistently delivers an exceptional performance that exceeds expectations. His ongoing support for employee development, especially new engineers and inspectors, strengthens the department’s internal capabilities and success for the future. His clear communication, respectful demeanor, and willingness to teach make him a trusted figure across all stakeholder groups. His mentorship has helped close the knowledge gaps, reinforce professional standards, and instill a culture of continuous learning. He’s known for being present, engaged, and incredibly effective under pressure, often leading field coordination in real time during structural emergencies. Brian simply exemplifies PennDOT’s core values through his unwavering dedication to customer service, mentorship, innovation, and collaborative problem solving and most importantly safety at all levels. He is a great asset to District 11.

More Information on The Star of Excellence Awards from PennDOT

• The Star of Excellence Awards are presented annually to employees who represent the department’s values of service, performance and integrity. The recipients represent a variety of organizational positions, spanning from highway maintenance and driver and vehicle services workers, to traffic control specialists, engineers and more.