2024 Don Smith Awards
Congratulations!
Don Smith Award Finalist Christopher King is the Natural Resources Manager at Huntley Meadows Park. He has been fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among staff members. During his breaks, he demonstrated initiative in setting up daily walks and jogs, matching staff needs for exercise with stress reduction and promotion of connection beyond the perimeters of Huntley Meadows. In his words, co-workers participate in “Walktober” and “Go Gold” challenges that are team-based fitness events which encourage employees to stay active and engage with one another.
Honorable mentions were awarded to 2 nominees.
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Christine Mahoney works in the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness in the Department of Housing and Community Development. Her presence enlivens office staff and Fairfax Continuum of Care partners. She is known for helping the helpers, those who provide services to individuals at risk or experiencing homelessness. She connects with everybody in her orbit, including those experiencing homelessness. She has volunteered for the hypothermia prevention program, and boosts morale through attention to details shared by coworkers about their professional and personal lives. Word has it that her “Top Banana” trophies awarded to those going above and beyond to support team-wide Continuum of Care trainings are among the most coveted in the heart of Fairfax County.
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Second Lieutenant David Montgomery has led the McLean District Station Days A patrol squad from the front for more than five years. Lt. Montgomery has a reputation for being approachable on a personal level, in ways that support open public and private dialogue with officers with varying levels of experience. What stand out with this nomination is a consistently positive approach, that sometimes turns a moment of confusion into a teaching opportunity.
Other Nominees:
Jessica Bailey Public Safety Communications
“PSC Bailey is a shining example of what it means to lead with a heart of gold. In a profession inundated with the weight of others’ worst days, she helps us celebrate the silver linings, opportunities for connection, and the small moments that remind us why we
serve.”
Meena Bhatia Wastewater Management
“Meena pursues helping her colleagues with every aspect of their work, down to the last detail. She makes sure no one is forgotten. She goes out of her way to understand and teach the county’s benefits through healthcare plans and Livewell.”
Karlee Copeland Stormwater Management
“Karlee is super cooperative and helpful above and beyond her regular job duties when it comes to better working relationships, employees’ morale, and well-being of staff and their families.”
Monica Foote Community Services Board
“Monica surpasses the ethics codes of Fairfax County, and fulfills the Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Empathy Values of the CAST team”
Shirley Haas Correctional Health Services Sheriff
“She has taken the initiative to assist in training her colleagues, ensuring they are equipped with essential knowledge and skills. Her generous spirit extended beyond training; she regularly prepared meals to promote team building and strengthen connections among staff.”
Christine Jones Fairfax County Public Library
“She worked tirelessly to address staffing shortages, helping to recruit new team members and ensure that existing staff were supported through a demanding workload.”
Dr. Arda Kasaci Community Services Board
“Each week, he discusses challenging cases, explores alternative treatment options, and fosters a supportive work environment. His commitment to our professional growth is evident in his willingness to mentor nurses and seek out educational opportunities for the entire team.”
Brenda Reigelsperger Human Resources
“Brenda established the PACE Cohort Networking Circle to provide ongoing support and networking opportunities for administrative personnel. This initiative offers avenues for career development, including a book club and social events, fostering professional growth and camaraderie.”
Andrew Ridgeway Facilities Management
“Andrew takes on tasks that enhance our daily experience, all with a smile on his face”
Komal Romail Correctional Health Services Sheriff
“Komal embodies the values of our organization, exhibiting integrity, respect, being very innovate with limited resources, and aiding in building team morale.”
Jose Salgado Marquez Information Technology
“His dedication to fostering a supportive work environment has made a significant difference in team dynamics, inspiring those around him to collaborate more effectively”
Elfatih Salim Stormwater Management
“He is the one to inform colleagues in the Division about upcoming seminars, conferences, and training programs that are useful for employees in improving their skills and work capabilities and subsequently help getting promotions.”
