Uniontown, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) recognized PennDOT employees with Innovation Awards for creating efficiencies and implementing best practices at a ceremony this month. Several team members from PennDOT’s District 12, which represents Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland counties were among the honorees.
“Coming from a variety of different perspectives and backgrounds, PennDOT’s workforce of nearly 12,000 is uniquely equipped to meet the needs of an industry that changes every day,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “These awards honor PennDOT’s most creative thinkers, who go out every day and find innovative ways to meet the challenge head-on.”
The annual Innovation Awards Ceremony recognizes some of the best and most innovative ideas cultivated and implemented by PennDOT employees across the Department. The ceremony honors employees who looked at the work they were doing, the processes, systems and tools they were using, and found ways to improve the quality, safety and value of the products and services PennDOT provides. Each employee receives a custom award that represents PennDOT's appreciation for their dedication and commitment to efficient and effective operations at all levels of the organization.
Carroll and other department executives honored winners Adam J. Smith, and Katey Andaloro. Smith and Andaloro were recognized for establishing a dedicated Construction Utility Coordinator Position and process in District 12 to improve communication, monitor utility company performance, ensure compliance, and minimize project delays during construction.
In addition, PennDOT District 12 received the George W. McAuley Jr., P.E. Innovation Award, which recognizes employee-driven teams that promote continuous improvement by advancing innovative solutions and solving operational challenges.
District 12 team members Jeremy Hughes, ADE-Design, Mike Miskanin, District Bridge Engineer, Chris Bridge, Bridge Inspection Squad Leader, Stacy Lloyd, Project Manager, Christina Chuboy, Project Manager, Ryan Thorn, Assistant DBE-Design, Angela Baker, Transportation Planning Manager, Chad Kezmarsky, Bridge Design Squad Leader, Adam Smith, Construction Services Engineer, Michael Ciserano, Construction Inspection, Amy Costabile, Construction Inspection, Ron Harris, Construction Inspection, were honored for creating the Local Bridge Preservation Program, an initiative designed to help municipalities preserve aging local bridges through proactive maintenance and preservation work.
The program focuses on smaller communities with limited funding and staffing resources, with PennDOT managing projects from start to finish to help extend bridge service life and reduce the need for costly replacements or closures. The first round of projects has been completed, and additional bridge preservation projects are now underway.
“Both recognitions reflect the dedication, innovation, and teamwork our employees bring to serving the communities of District 12 every day,” said PennDOT District 12 Executive Rachel Duda. “I am extremely proud of our team for being recognized for both the Local Bridge Preservation Program and the Construction Utility Coordinator Position. These awards highlight our employees’ commitment to finding innovative solutions, improving project delivery, supporting local communities, and providing better service to the traveling public.”
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MEDIA CONTACT: Melissa Maczko, mmaczko@pa.gov or 724-415-3748
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