HARRISBURG – PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch recognized 31 PennDOT employees for their outstanding performance with the Star of Excellence Award, PennDOT’s highest recognition. Two employees from PennDOT’s District 2, which represents Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Juniata, McKean, Mifflin and Potter counties, were among the honorees.
“The people we’re recognizing show an intense dedication to their jobs and serve as examples for their co-workers,” Schoch said. “They continually rise to the challenge of making our large organization more efficient, all while maintaining our transportation system and often putting their jobs before personal needs. I’m humbled to be part of an organization with such stellar team members.”
Local winners Jeff Collins and Nick Minarchik were honored this afternoon at an awards luncheon at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg.
District 2 Executive Kevin Kline noted, “Nick and Jeff represent the best of the best. We have entrusted them in the past with complex and challenging work situations and each time, they have excelled. Each day, they bring passion and enthusiasm to their assignments and we are extremely proud to see them recognized as Stars of Excellence”.
Jeff Collins is a 21-year PennDOT employee from Curwensville. Jeff is currently an Assistant County Maintenance Manager in Centre County. Jeff is always available to respond to the Department’s needs. In 2011, Jeff spent two weeks of September in District 3 and worked endless hours to assist with their flood recovery work. Jeff also served as Inspector-in-Charge on wetland and stream mitigation projects during construction of I-99 and on the Jonathan Run Acid Rock Drainage Remediation Facility to correct acid rock discharges from the original construction of I-80. In February 2012, Jeff was promoted to Assistant County Maintenance Manager in Centre County.
Nick Minarchick has been with PennDOT full-time since January of 2006 and previously worked as a summer student intern. Nick lives in West Decatur and serves as a Transportation Construction Inspector Supervisor. Nick was instrumental in the success of the first Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Preventative Maintenance combined contract for Districts 2 and 9. He coordinated the maintenance and repairs of existing ITS equipment and effectively minimized the mobilization costs, while maximizing productivity. This resulted in a cost savings to the Department of more than $20,000. Nick’s hard work and dedication to educate fellow employees and provide resources to conduct more efficient and effective maintenance and repairs demonstrates his level of commitment to the commonwealth.
In District 10, Daniel L. Reader, Transportation Construction Manager, held positions in District 10 for 11 years and has recently moved on to continue his career in District 2 in Clearfield. Dan developed process improvements and technical innovations to increase the number of construction projects closed out. Dan’s attention to detail, and technical assistance resulted in the close out of 15 projects freeing up funds to be allocated to other projects. Dan resides in Houtzdale in Clearfield County.
The Star of Excellence Awards are presented annually to employees who represent the department’s values of service, performance and integrity. The recipients represent a variety of organizational positions, spanning the areas of highway maintenance, driver and vehicle services, programming, communications, design, and engineering.