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Honolulu Federal Executive Board Recognizes NRCS Employees

Photo of award recipients

Honolulu, June 24, 2008 – The Honolulu Federal Executive Board recognized employees from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) during their annual Excellence in Federal Government Awards Luncheon and Expo.   Pictured  (left to right) above is Director Lawrence Yamamoto, Sharon Sawdey, Dr. Gregory Koob, and Shirley Yamaguchi.  Also receiving awards but missing from the ceremony was Cynthia Ansotigue, Sherry Takai, and Eileen Winkle.

For the Category of "Federal Employee of the Year (Clerical and Assistant), Cynthia D. Ansotigue, our Accounting Technician was instrumental in completing all financial transactions for 110 employees.  She provided essential financial support and processed timesheets, vouchers, authorizations, relocations, and payments.  With limited guidance, Cynthia met all the deadlines, researched, and obtained reports for analysis.  She continues to be professional and courteous when providing guidance on fiscal policy on timekeeping and travel regulations.  Cynthia strives to be the best in our financial department and keeps us functioning even when things are difficult.

For the Category of "Federal Employee of the Year (Professional), Dr. Gregory Koob, our State Biologist was instrumental in certifying sites for native flora and fauna.  He has extensive knowledge of native vegetation and threatened and endangered species.  He gives recommendations for projects for wildlife habitat.  Gregory is also a photography master who demonstrates his passion for conservation and protecting our natural resources. He makes sure that our projects meet national compliance.

For the Category of "Team Excellence," Sherry Takai and Eileen Winkle continued to keep a positive attitude and used healthy communication to accomplish Human Resources activity.  With the abundance of personnel actions from people leaving, retiring, applying, coming onboard, moving from out -of-state, requests for desk audits, investigations, health benefits, training, awards, audits, and performance reviews; they continued to keep our agency on course and were able to meet all national deadlines. 

For the Category of "Outstanding Mentor," our Civil Engineer, Sharon Sawdey worked with City, State, and Federal agencies to plan, survey and help implement projects.  The Manoa Watershed Flood Control Project is addressing the causes of flooding in Manoa that occurred in 2004. Sharon mentored with others to evaluate alternatives to reduce future flood damage. Some of the measures include reducing peak flood discharge, increasing the flood carrying capacity of the channels and bridges, reducing bridge and channel blockage by debris, and erecting floodwalls around buildings in the floodplain.

For the Category of "Exceptional Community Service," our Contract Specialist, Shirley Yamaguchi was not required to assist with outreach events, however she willingly volunteered in the community to assist the Public Affairs Specialist.  At the annual Farm Fair in Kapolei, Shirley drove the distance and endured extreme conditions at the event.  She never asked to be compensated for time or mileage, instead, she was more interested in sharing her passion for conservation and volunteerism.  She is always excited to help and raise awareness about our agency and protecting our natural resources.  She has also volunteered at numerous outreach events throughout the year.

These award recipients are being recognized for going above and beyond the normal call of duty.  Congratulations to the winners and thank you for demonstrating your passion with our agency.  For further details about this award ceremony, Jolene Lau can be reached in Honolulu at (808) 541-2600 ext. 135.

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"Conservation: Our Purpose. Our Passion."

USDA is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.

 

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