Uniontown, PA – At a ceremony today, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll recognized 30 PennDOT employees for their outstanding performance with the Star of Excellence Award, PennDOT’s highest recognition. Two employees from PennDOT’s District 12, which represents Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties, were among the honorees.
“Every day, I am reminded of our employees’ dedication, their excellent customer service, and in many cases, their sacrifices,” said Carroll. “The accomplishments of our Stars of Excellence exemplify PennDOT’s mission to provide the very best transportation services to Pennsylvanians every day.
Local winners Adam Smith and Eric Buckingham were honored this afternoon at an awards luncheon at the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg.
“I’m incredibly proud to see Adam and Eric honored with this award,” said District Executive Rachel Duda. “Their dedication and professionalism shine through in everything they do, and this recognition reflects the positive impact they have on PennDOT and the communities we serve.”
Adam Smith, P.E., Construction Services Engineer, has led multiple organizational improvements across District 12 to enhance efficiency, reliability, and customer service. He collaborated with Human Resources to restructure the Geotechnical, Finals, and Constructability Units. In Geotechnical, he recruited an Assistant Geotechnical Engineer, clarified roles, and implemented a reporting structure with succession planning. The Finals Unit was reorganized to establish clear reporting lines and create employee career paths.
Adam also rewrote the District’s ISO process for After Action Reviews, adding a graphical interface for data analysis and establishing annual cross-unit meetings to address recurring issues. Following a severe April 2024 storm that caused five landslides and road closures, Adam led emergency response teams to design and construct repairs, reopening all roads within the construction season. He also helped create a Utility Coordinator role to streamline utility relocations, developing an ISO process and desk manual that could serve as a model for other districts facing similar delays.
Eric Buckingham, Assistant Highway Maintenance Manager in Washington County, has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication in Washington County. He has mentored staff, resolved complex issues, and supported both the County Manager and fellow employees. His quick response during a winter truck crash helped ease traffic disruptions, and his leadership ensured the success of last season’s seal coat program despite material and equipment challenges. Eric has assisted other crews, offering support on critical, time-sensitive projects.
Eric’s guidance has helped reduce vehicle crashes and improve safety outcomes. He is a trusted mentor to new Assistant County Maintenance Managers and Foremen, known for sharing his knowledge and experience. Eric actively monitors job costs with the county Roadway Programs Coordinator, always seeking savings and efficiencies. He has led various in-house crews, ensuring timely materials, efficient scheduling, and quality results. A true team player, Eric works with humility and integrity, consistently delivering excellence without seeking recognition. His performance sets a high standard for all.
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, engineers and more.
For more information, visit www.penndot.pa.gov/District12 or call 724-415-3748.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Melissa Maczko, mmaczko@pa.gov or 724-415-3748
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