News Releases for September 2008
September 8, 2008
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Hoeven Recognizes State Employees For Excellence In Public Service
BISMARCK, N.D. –Gov. John Hoeven today presented the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service to five state employees who were recognized for their dedication and contributions to the people of North Dakota. The awards were presented during a luncheon at the Capitol in Bismarck, kicking off State Employee Recognition Week.
Sara Otte Coleman is director of the North Dakota Department of Commerce Tourism Division and is credited with taking the North Dakota Legendary brand to more media, more countries, more partners and more travel and trade shows than before. In 2007, under her leadership, Tourism had a profitable advertising campaign, visitation to the state grew, as did visitor spending, and a successful new e-marketing program was launched.
Les Strege is a senior field auditor with the Office of the State Tax Commissioner, based in Minot, and has been employed with the department for more than 39 years. He has performed field audits across the state, employing his experience and knowledge of auditing and tax law.
Pat Patch has been employed for the past 26 years with the Department of Human Services Medicaid Policy Unit and has held a variety of responsibilities, including the administration of federally-required interfaces with the Social Security Administration and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Policy.
Becky Rosenkranz is an administrative assistant with the Protection and Advocacy Project, and works to protect and promote the rights of individuals with disabilities. She is considered by her colleagues to be an effective and enthusiastic “cheerleader” for the state of North Dakota.
Gary Calheim has been employed for 34 years as a rotary drill operator with the State Water Commission. He has developed methodologies to enhance the efficiency of the Commission’s drilling processes, and mentors geology students in the field as part of the Student Voluntary Drill Rig Internship Program.
The award recipients were nominated by their peers and selected by a committee of judges who reviewed and scored the nominations. Nominees were rated on their overall job performance, contributions to their department, commitment to customer service, working relationship with fellow workers and involvement in their community.
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