Pittsburgh, PA –At a ceremony in Harrisburg today, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll today recognized 31 PennDOT employees for their outstanding performance with the Star of Excellence Award, PennDOT's highest recognition. Two employees from PennDOT's District 11, which represents Allegheny, Beaver, and Lawrence counties were among the honorees.
"I'm continually impressed by the hard work and dedication of the PennDOT team," Secretary Carroll said. "These folks work tirelessly each day to provide safe and efficient transportation for Pennsylvania's residents."
Carroll and other department executives honored winners Michael Szurley and Andrea Nash during an event held at the State Museum of Pennsylvania.
"Andrea and Mike are fantastic examples of the commitment department employees have to advancing innovative and sustainable transportation projects effectively," said Acting District 11 Executive, Lori Musto. "I am proud to work with them and applaud their well-earned honor."
Michael "Mike" Szurley
Mike is known for his professionalism and is well respected throughout the region's transportation industry. As a Civil Engineer Manager (Bridge), he consistently looks for ways to improve processes, applies practical solutions and ensures projects are on schedule. He is a mentor and valued resource to newer engineers districtwide. Mike is an effective communicator and mentor, always willing to share ideas and build team unity, whether with internal staff or external partners. He always goes the extra mile and very patient and passionate about his job.
Over the last year, Mike took the lead in the awarding winning Fern Hollow Bridge replacement project. His involvement in replacing the collapsed bridge was crucial in keeping this project on track and coordinating efforts between the consultants, contractors and City of Pittsburgh. Under Mike's leadership, the Department was able to deliver a quality bridge that all the parties could be proud of in less than one year.
Andrea Nash
Andrea Nash is widely recognized by her peers for doing what it takes to get sustainable projects successfully designed in a cost-efficient manner. As a Senior Civil Engineer Supervisor, she routinely manages separate maintenance contracts while simultaneously leading her squad in designing group projects for the district. This past year, Andrea's expertise and management techniques allowed her team to put out seven projects that required aggressive design schedules for the district. This led to savings in both time and money with an increased level of service to the public.
Over the past few years, Andrea has taken on the normal workload of three project managers while maintaining long-lasting and trustful relationships with our communities and business partners. Andrea's overall pleasant personality and professionalism have been a true testament to the work she has completed, proving to be an incredible mentor to not only Department staff but our consultant design teams as well.
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 from highway maintenance and driver and vehicle services workers, to traffic control specialists, communications staff and design and engineering specialists.
For more information on PennDOT activities in Allegheny, Beaver, and Lawrence counties at www.penndot.gov/District11.
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