NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC – A total of 11 New Hanover County employees were recognized with the organization’s highest distinction as Hall of Honor awardees during the county’s Stellar Awards Banquet on Wednesday night.
Each of the team members who earned this accolade have previously received Stellar Awards based on nominations from their colleagues or community members in all six of the county’s shared values – professionalism, equity, integrity, innovation, stewardship and accountability.
“The six shared values shape every decision for our county, from the policies we enact as Commissioners to the services staff provides across more than 30 departments,” said Board of Commissioners Chair Bill Rivenbark. “As a Commissioner, I’m proud to honor these individuals who have gone above and beyond in serving our community in alignment with these values.”
The county’s employee recognition program, known as Reach for the Stars, was established in 2014 to celebrate employees and their commitment to service. As part of the program, Stellar Awards can be earned in one or more of the county’s shared values, or as a Community Service Award. Citizens and colleagues are encouraged to nominate county employees for their outstanding work on the county’s website here.
In addition to the 11 Hall of Honor recipients, 259 employees were also recognized with Stellar Awards over the course of the past year, bringing the total number of Stellar Award honorees since 2014 to 2,329.
“One of the things I always tell our Commissioners is we hire the best and brightest to carry out the mission of service here in New Hanover County and these recognitions are a direct reminder of that,” said County Manager Chris Coudriet. “These Stellar Awards and Hall of Honor selections are something that must be truly earned as nominations must come from others who notice the work that is being done. It speaks to the impact these individuals have made and how they represent our organization.”
Learn more about the county’s recognition program and how to submit a nomination by clicking here. Photos from the event are available on the county’s Flickr page.
Employees honored with the Hall of Honor distinction for 2023 were:
- Teresa Bishop, Public Library
- Joshua Chambless, Fire Rescue
- Daniel Checovich, Sheriff’s Office
- Bo Dean, Human Resources
- Sean Dwyer, Health and Human Services
- Kayleigh Green, 911 Communications Center
- Roscoe Harris, 911 Communications
- Steve Konieczny, Information Technology
- Angela McGovern, Sheriff’s Office
- Panza McNeill, Health and Human Services
- Carla Turner, Health and Human Services