(File Photo of the PennDOT Logo)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Harrisburg, PA) PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll recognized 30 PennDOT employees at a ceremony yesterday for their outstanding performance with PennDOT’s highest recognition, the Star of Excellence Award.
Local winners Nicole Haney, Ashley Parello, and Michael Zimmerman were honored that afternoon at an awards luncheon at the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg.
Those employees were from PennDOT District 11, which represents Allegheny, Beaver, and Lawrence counties and they were among the rest of the honorees.
Haney was nominated by Harrisburg’s Communications Office and Parello and Zimmerman were recognized by PennDOT District 11.
According to a release from PennDOT District 11, here is more information about the PennDOT District 11 employees that earned the Star of Excellence Award:
Nicole Haney, Press Officer
Nicole has a unique position where she develops and coordinates special community involvement programs, specifically where significant community impacts are likely to occur, and she works with District staff to evaluate the effects of proposed projects on the local community. She has served as the primary contact for legislators in the District and has coordinated District Right-to-Know requests. Along with this, Nicole assists the District Press Office by building solid relationships with media outlets and for internal communications. She has also assisted neighboring districts in an acting capacity, performing those duties with the highest level of professionalism and capability. She is recognized for her calm and professional demeaner in any situation, always ready to assist the department’s various business areas.
Ashley Parello, P.E., Bridge Inspection Supervisor
Ashley’s role as the Bridge Inspection Supervisor has proven to be exemplary and vital to the district. Although newer to her position, her quick acclimation to the duties, mixed with her attention to detail and leadership skills have contributed to her earned respect among her peers. Through the process of learning various procedures for her role, Ashley has taken current standards and enhanced the tracking systems to increase efficiency and work production. Had it not been for Ashley’s thorough work behavior, emergency repairs needed on a major bridge structure would not have been recognized. Due to her immediate thinking, a larger issue was revealed early enough to allow the district to assemble a solution that would impact the public minimally, while keeping the region safe. In addition to this, her ability to foster and maintain positive working relationships with the department’s industry partners is extremely impressive. Ashley has done a fantastic job managing field inspections and has taken the position to a new level.
Michael Zimmerman, P.E., Beaver County Maintenance Manager
Mikes performance as the Beaver County Maintenance Manager has been instrumental in the success of what was once a failing county maintenance organization. Under Mikes leadership, the county management team began working toward a common goal of completing cycle maintenance activities, county crews have expressed a complete change in atmosphere, staff are showing more pride and ambition to complete new tasks, suppliers who previously were reluctant to bid work with PennDOT are now working with the county, and previous vacancies are now filled. His hands-on approach to customer service and excellent communication skills have allowed him to develop successful and positive relationships county-wide. Mike brought his geotechnical skills to the county and started an in-house geotechnical crew to perform slide repairs with department forces. This not only brought monetary savings to the county but also led to higher morale with the crews. Mike is widely recognized for turning around Beaver County.