(HEATH, TX – Dec. 19, 2018) The City of Heath honored employees for their outstanding performance in 2018 at the Annual Awards and Holiday Celebration Luncheon on December 12 at Hidden Creek Events Center in Heath.
Kevin Martin was named 2018 Citywide Employee of the Year in recognition of his exemplary work as Code Enforcement Officer. Additionally, he took on the added role of assisting as a Planning Technician in 2018.
Departmental Employees of the Year were also recognized and include Katie Poteet, Administrative Services; Steven Parker, Public Works; Leisa Price, Community Development; and Officer Keven Rowan, Department of Public Safety.
“We are pleased to honor these employees today for their excellent work ethic and commitment to serving our customers, the citizens of Heath,” said Interim City Manager Bill Shipp as he assisted in presenting the awards. “I am already impressed by the entire staff team here, and I want each of you to know how much you are valued by your Department Directors, the Mayor and the Council. Thank you for all that you do.”
Kevin Martin, 2018 Citywide Employee of the Year
Martin was hired by the City of Heath in 2016 with previous experience in the Cities of Farmers Branch, Wylie and Dallas. His expertise and care and concern for both the citizens he serves and his fellow colleagues were immediately noticed by his supervisor and colleagues.
“Kevin possesses a unique set of interpersonal skills that are the foundation of his strong customer service orientation,” said Community Development Director Kevin Lasher. “He listens and responds with empathy; speaks with a gentle voice; shows kindness to all citizens and staff he encounters; and ensures all code issues are addressed fairly and consistently with all property owners.“
Mr. Martin exhibits all these qualities and more that make him worthy of being the Employee of the Year for 2018,” added Lasher.
2018 Department Employees of the Year
These are the same characteristics highlighted by other Department Directors as they announced their Department Employees of the Year.
“We have a lot of great guys in our department who work hard at a job that’s not always glamorous, but critical,” said David Herbert, director of the Public Works Department. “That makes it hard to single out one person, but this year we applaud Steven Parker. When I drive up to a work site, he’s always deep in the ditch with a shovel, and a smile. He’s improved our department’s skill set with his knowledge, and he’s not afraid of a back hoe!”
Chief Terry Garrett also noted that it gets harder each year to select an Employee of the Year. “We have a good group of staff citywide and in the Department of Public Safety,” he said. “Our officers know what is expected of them, and they do it with commitment. This year, we specifically honor Officer Keven Rowan. He deals with all of his responsibilities extremely well, and always with a sense of humor.”
Humor also helps when working in the Administrative Department, where Accounting Assistants like Katie Poteet assist citizens with their utility bills. “Katie is that kind of person who can handle a call with an unhappy caller and have them laughing by the end of the conversation,” said Finance Director Laurie Mays. “I am very grateful for Katie’s level of skill and excited to honor her as our Employee of the Year.”
As the 2018 Community Development Employee, Leisa Price also has the unique ability to take a potentially heated situation to a happy conclusion. “When you are talking about code violations and such, it’s not always pleasant,” said Lasher. “But, Leisa always treats every person with kindness, patience and a smile. A past Citywide Employee of the Year in 2016, she continues to impress us all with her performance.”
Additionally, the following City staff members were honored at the luncheon for their tenure in Heath:
5 Years of Service
Greg Givens, DPS Officer
David Herbert, Public Works Director
Leisa Price, Building Inspector
Chase Scarbrough, DPS Officer
Billy Termin, Fire Marshall
10 Years of Service
Debbie Crider, Court/Accounts Payable Clerk
15 Years of Service
Brian Burton, DPS Detective Sergeant
20 Years of Service
Renee Kelly, DPS Administrative Assistant
Scott Trammel, DPS Detective
Submitted press release by Suzanne Brooke, Community Relations, City of Heath, for publication in Blue Ribbon News.
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