Harrisburg – Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll today recognized 30 PennDOT employees for their outstanding performance with the Star of Excellence Award, PennDOT’s highest recognition. Two employees from PennDOT’s District 8, which represents Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, and York counties, plus eight employees from PennDOT’s Central Office in Harrisburg, 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 Sandi Boozel and Kenana Zejcirovic were honored this afternoon at an awards luncheon at the AACA Museum in Hershey.
“Sandi and Kenana are dedicated, resourceful employees who strive for excellence in all aspects of their work with the department.” said District 8 Executive Kevin Keefe. “They have provided top notch customer service to the people who live and work in Pennsylvania. I’m proud to have them on my team.”
Perry County Roadway Programs Coordinator Sandi Boozel
While with PennDOT, Sandi has worked as an equipment operator, garage clerk, chief clerk, roadway programs technician, and in her current role as roadway programs coordinator. Sandi is dedicated to ensuring those who live and work in Perry County have the best transportation network possible. She takes pride in providing outstanding customer service.
She encourages professional development, cross training, and opportunities for promotion for her staff. Due to her wide range of experience, Sandi is the go-to person for answers or advice on issues related to county maintenance. She leads by example. While continuing her RPC duties, she voluntarily assumed the role of the vacant Clerk 3 position. This was a demanding undertaking, but Sandi's willingness to step up and take on the additional duties improved and expedited the hiring process in Perry County.
Through these selfless actions, Sandi helped ensure staffing levels at the county were well maintained.
Sandi is a resident of Mifflintown.
Transportation Planning Specialist Supervisor Kenana Zejcirovic
Kenana has only been with PennDOT since 2022 but exhibits the knowledge and savviness of a seasoned veteran. She manages District 8's PennDOT Connects initiatives, serves as bike/ped coordinator, manages the scoring, outreach, and processing grants, and is liaison with the district’s six Metropolitan Planning Organizations.
She has a strong work ethic, is extremely well organized and focused on learning and developing best practices. She is a skilled problem solver and a team player. She openly communicates with municipalities and project sponsors and puts in extra time so tight deadlines are met. She provides excellent customer service to all project stake holders. Due to her expert communication skills, she is adept at responding to questions and concerns from the general public in a way that it is easy for them to understand. Her professionalism and strong work ethic is a valuable asset to the department.
Kenana is a resident of Shippensburg.
The following Central Office employees were also recognized:
Chief of Engineering, Automation and Services Kelly M. Barber
Kelly M. Barber, P.E., Chief of Engineering Automation and Services, integrates new technology like routine drone mapping into major bridge projects, providing aerial imagery for project tracking. She collaborates with designers, executives, and stakeholders to advance bridge design. Barber adapts flexibly to diverse project delivery strategies and directions from customers and management, fostering innovation.
During the last 2 years, Kelly has been leading the design for the major Bridge P3 project and continues to support her duties within the Bureau of Construction and Materials – essentially performing the work of 1.5+ jobs.
She routinely participated in after-hours community engagement events even when it meant traveling across the state. She always makes herself available and frequently addresses the concerns of local elected officials and stakeholders.
She is held in high regards by her peers and routinely praised by outside stakeholders due to her unwavering willingness to step up and help team members.
Kelly is a resident of Mechanicsburg.
Mass Transit Program Manager JoEllen Clapsadl
JoEllen Clapsadl leads the Performance, Compliance, and Safety Division for the Bureau of Public Transportation. As chief, JoEllen reviews and evaluates transit systems for state and federal compliance through regularly recurring performance reviews.
JoEllen analyzes proposed federal legislation, regulation and policy related to public transportation funding and programs. Her excellent program management policy maximizes the benefits of federal and state funding, and she leads the development of the statewide plan for the management of federal programs. Her work ensures all Pennsylvanians benefit from a safe, affordable, convenient and accessible public transportation system.
JoEllen is committed to both transportation and her team. She ensures her staff have appropriate training to succeed in their day-to-day activities, and she develops all employees to their highest potential. Her initiatives have resulted in improved job satisfaction, employee retention and customer service. JoEllen is invaluable in building up the department’s most valuable assets—its people.
JoEllen is a resident of Boiling Springs.
Civil Engineer Consultant Nina Ertel
Project Development Engineer Nina Ertel is knowledgeable in all aspects of development and highway design. Her input is crucial to complex and high-profile projects, which can have construction costs of over $100 million, and she is known for her innovative design work. Nina’s skills help develop projects with unique geometric aspects and innovative intersections.
Nina also assists the Standards & Criteria Unit with updating standards, and she filled in as chief of the unit for a year. During that time, Nina performed exceptionally well. In addition to her project development duties, she frequently volunteers for special assignments and is on the PennStart Team designing a test track to develop the next generation of vehicles.
Nina is a high energy, self-motivated team player who works well with coworkers, district staff and others. She is a dedicated employee with exceptional knowledge, and her efforts continuously advance the department's values and goals.
Nina is a resident of Dauphin.
Transportation Planning Manager Laura Hannon
Transportation Planning Manager Laura Hannon plays a vital role in the funding of PennDOT’s federally funded highway and bridge projects. She and her team of professional and technical personnel maintain, track and obligate federal funds to keep our projects running.
Laura is critical to minimizing state funding cash flow issues. Her work allows PennDOT to manage an $84 billion 12-year program, including a $45 billion highway and bridge allocation, that supports quality of life, safety and economic enhancements.
Last summer, Laura played a key role in PennDOT receiving an unprecedented $500 million from the Federal Highway Administration’s annual funding redistribution process. Her efforts helped free up additional capacity in our transportation program and allowed critical projects to be delivered sooner than expected.
Laura’s contributions to PennDOT are invaluable. She is regularly recognized for exemplary work, and her peers champion her excellent leadership and management skills.
Laura is a resident of Lewisberry.
OJT Program Section Supervisor Perrise Saluhdin
As the manager of PennDOT’s On-The-Job Training (OJT) Program, Perrise has expanded the program this year and brought on two new team members to provide regional support for the OJT program. While building out the OJT Program, Perrise also played a crucial role in the development of the Commonwealth Workforce Transformation Program (CWTP), a new program created through Executive Order 2023-17.
Perrise was promoted to an Equal Opportunity Specialist 3 to supervise the program. She was a tireless advocate in expanding our workforce programs, while ensuring that the OJT Program was not negatively impacted.
Her efforts have contributed to the hundreds of transportation workforce development opportunities for women, minorities and disadvantaged populations. Perrise has done exceptional work above and beyond her job description in supporting and expanding workforce development initiatives.
Perrise is a resident of Harrisburg.
Training and Development Division Manager Debra Sheaffer
Debra Sheaffer leads the DVS Training and Development Division, which helps with the initial onboarding of employees as well as the continued education of DVS employees. Sheaffer’s unit was tasked with regularly updating trainings as new policies and/or working rules were implemented. In addition, Debra helps lead the DVS Mentorship program, which partners mentees and mentors to help employees lead a successful career. The feedback received from participants included glowing reviews, and many graduates have had career advancement since their participation in the program.
Debra was also instrumental in the transition of the DVS Call Center from a third-party provider to an in-house operation. She assisted with the hiring, onboarding and training of employees, which allowed for an easier transition.
In 2023, her team conducted over 75 multi-week training sessions for DVS Customer Care Center Representatives, prioritizing safety and top-notch customer service throughout.
Debra is a resident of Dauphin.
Legislative Specialist II Sadie Trout
As the senior legislative specialist for PennDOT's Office of Legislative Affairs, Sadie Trout is known for successfully managing legislative projects with poise, professionalism and a can-do attitude. Sadie is always mindful of the ultimate goal: the safety and experience of the motoring public.
Sadie regularly collaborates with transportation leaders to comprehensively analyze legislative proposals, and she continuously monitors any legislative pitches and bills and provides critical, real-time intel. Her focused and professional commitment to enhancing public safety has resulted in legislative goals, including automated speed enforcement systems and handheld bans, turning from ideas into reality. She also developed strategic subject matter expert teams to carefully analyze and re-craft more than 150 relevant legislative proposals and bills.
Sadie’s investigative mind and desire to learn is a testament to her professional character. Through thoughtful and deliberate recommendations, Sadie remains dedicated to achieving great things in the most effective and efficient way.
Sadie is a resident of Lemoyne.
Administrative Officer 2 Edna Weaver
Edna Weaver’s been the backbone of the executive office for more than 20 years. She’s created procedures for the entire body of administrative professionals within the department and facilitated the use of the Administrative Resource Center.
Edna is the epitome of good customer service, always answering the phone with an empathetic and friendly voice. She oversees all correspondence that flows to the Secretary's office and maintains an electronic tracking system which is used constantly to reference correspondence received and responded to.
Edna oversees the executive office's Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and effortlessly navigates the system and required communications. She understands the importance of COOP and takes the job seriously.
In 2023, Edna organized the Star of Excellence program for a new administration and at a new site. This was quite the feat to find a new place and formulate a new plan after hosting the program at the same location for over 20 years.
Edna is a resident of Liverpool.
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, visit PennDOT District 8, or call 717-787-6653.
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