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City of Heath Honors Employees

Heath, TX, January 4, 2010… A strong work ethic and the drive to go beyond the boundaries of their own duties were common traits displayed by the City of Heath staff members honored for their outstanding performance in 2009 at the Annual Employee Awards Luncheon in December.

In opening remarks, Mayor John Ratcliffe acknowledged that a critical part of what makes Heath a premiere hometown is the quality and caliber of the employees dedicated to serving the community.

“It is a tremendous honor to serve our citizens with you,” said Mayor Ratcliffe. “To be associated with each of you provides no small measure of pride and joy throughout the year.”

The employees chosen for the 2009 awards displayed excellence in numerous areas including on-the-job performance, customer service, cooperation, integrity, dependability, judgment, initiative and workplace knowledge as well as noteworthy achievements within the year.

2009 Award Recipients
Yana McGowen of the Finance Department was named the City of Heath Employee of the Year for 2009. Yana is a Customer Service Representative and has been with the City since 2007.

“Many people on staff urged us to recognize Yana as our Employee of the Year,” said City Manager Ed Thatcher. “She is a dedicated professional who has exemplified amazing resolve and defined the meaning of a strong work ethic for all of us. Her quiet determination has been an inspiration to her coworkers this year and we value her as an important part of our team.”

Also recognized during the awards program was the Department of Public Safety’s 2009 Employee of the Year, Officer Brian Burton.

“Brian has made a big contribution to our department and the City through his service and expertise,” said Chief Terry Garrett, director of the Department of Public Safety. “He started the Citizens’ Public Safety Academy and has been instrumental in helping us investigate and solve numerous crimes including recent identity theft cases.”

Officer Burton has been with the City for six years and was also named the 2009 Rockwall Rotary Club Officer of the Year.

Recognized as the 2009 Public Works Employee of the Year was Francisco Gonzalez. Mr. Gonzalez has been with the City since 2007. While his primary responsibilities are to maintain the parks and right-of-way located within City limits, Francisco frequently assists the department with water, sewer, drainage and street issues.

“Francisco is known for his steady and reliable demeanor and commitment to excellent service,” said Director of Public Works and City Engineer Pedram Farahnak. “When his team became unusually short-handed earlier this year, Francisco worked tirelessly from early morning, through his breaks into the evening without ever complaining about the heat of the day or lack of help to make sure we kept up with the work. He has a strong work ethic and has earned this recognition.”

The Administrative Employee of the Year for 2009 was Accounts Payable Clerk Debby Crider, who came to the City in 2008.

“One of the things that sets Debby apart is that she not only covers her assigned job duties, she also frequently offers excellent suggestions and ideas for making improvements,” said Assistant City Manager Kim Dobbs as she presented the award.

“Debby is motivated to do her best every day and has a wonderful positive attitude,” added Finance Director Laurie Mays, who is Debby’s departmental director.

In addition to the employee of the year awards, three employees were recognized for their tenure with the City of Heath. City Secretary Stephanie Galanides was honored for 10 years of service, and DPS Officer John Taylor and Parks Maintenance Worker BJ White were honored for five years.

City of Heath Press Release
Assistant City Manager Kim Dobbs
972-771-6228 | kdobbs@heathtx.com