Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro recognized Commonwealth employees from nine state agencies with Governor’s Awards for Excellence for their public service contributions, including responding to major events in 2024.
"The Governor’s Awards for Excellence are one of the highest honors a Commonwealth employee can earn, and this year’s winners remind us why. Their actions have delivered real results for our communities, improved how government works, and made life better for the people of Pennsylvania – their accomplishments embody what public service is all about,” said Governor Shapiro. “My Administration is honored to recognize these individuals, just a small portion of the incredible state employees who work hard and serve with integrity every day.
“The extraordinary efforts of these individuals and teams of Commonwealth employees strengthen Pennsylvania every day. We are grateful for their dedication, professionalism, and the difference they make in the lives of our residents,” said Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver. “On behalf of our entire Commonwealth, thank you, and congratulations."
The annual Governor’s Awards for Excellence recognize exemplary Commonwealth employees or groups of employees for initiative, leadership, innovation, and increased efficiency. Commonwealth employees from 23 state agencies submitted 125 nominations, with two individuals and nine groups selected for this year’s awards.
Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority Team — Department of Community and Economic Development
Gregory Alliger, Timothy Arthun, Julia Brinjac, Pamela Frontino, Mary Markle, Brittany Muniz, Charles Napier, Stephanie Perry, and Kalie Snyder
For securing and working to distribute $1.16 billion in federal funding to expand broadband access statewide. The team is administering multiple competitive grant programs to build and deploy high-speed internet to unserved and underserved communities; provide free public Internet access in libraries, health centers, and other facilities; and provide laptops for lending programs to residents.
Justin Waid — Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
While off duty from his position as Park Manager at Tobyhanna State Park, Justin joined the effort to deliver emergency care to a swimmer following a near-drowning incident, contributing to the individual’s full recovery. Following the incident, Justin has further enhanced public safety for park visitors by building relationships with local first responders.
Roaring Brook Sedimentation Team — Department of Environmental Protection
Amy Bellanca, Ann Conserette, Timothy Daley, Kevin Dougherty, Michael Gombeda, Walter Holtsmaster, Pamela Kania, Peter Kawash, Kirk Kreider, Brian Mackowski, Sierra Rider, Donald Rood, Karen Shedlock, and Eric Supey
For their coordinated response to a massive release of sediment into the Roaring Brook and Lackawanna River by a private company making repairs to a dam upstream that affected aquatic wildlife and recreation. The team coordinated inspections and mitigation efforts to restore the waterways and prevent additional damage as the dam work continued.
Toby Creek Mine Sedimentation Team — Department of Environmental Protection
Noah Anderson, Daniel Brady, Paul Steidinger, and Louis Wagner
For their swift action to save homes and businesses following the collapse of an underground mine that swallowed nearly 80 feet of streambank and much of the water flow. The team worked nearly non-stop to stabilize the site and restore the creek to prevent further damage and protect the community.
Bradley Rohrbaugh and K-9 Rex — Department of General Services
For demonstrating extraordinary bravery during an armed confrontation with a suspect in downtown Harrisburg. Despite being shot, Rex returned to duty following a challenging recovery. Their heroism protected public safety and saved lives.
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) Internship Team — Department of Labor & Industry and Office of Administration
Stephen Coperich, Cassandra Hane, Dana McKinney, and Janet Wisloski
For leading and continuously innovating this program to provide summer internships at Commonwealth agencies to college students with disabilities. Since 2018, the team has transformed the internship into a model of inclusion and empowerment for college students with disabilities.
Tropical Storm Debby Response Team — Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency
Philip Barker, Gregory Davis Jr., Richard Deal, Molly Dougherty, Larry Dove, Thomas Hughes, Matthew McGeary, Robert Meinert, Gregory Pijar, Jonathan Skripka, Michael Stalnecker, Robert Then, and Lawrence West
For leading the Commonwealth’s response and recovery efforts to support communities impacted by Tropical Storm Debby’s flooding in August 2024, helping hundreds of Pennsylvanians rebuild their homes and businesses.
2024 Thanksgiving Snowstorm Team — Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
David Donikowski, Kurt Dowler, Aaron Fox, Easton Ray, Todd Saltsman, Timothy Scott, James Shaut, Lindsay Sipes, Monica Wesner, Daniel Whetzel, and Jesse Williams
For coordinating the state and local response to a record-breaking snowstorm in Erie County, which required clearing thousands of miles of road and up to seven feet of snow in some areas. This team’s efforts ensured essential travel and emergency response during extreme winter conditions.
Monroe County Fire Rescue Team — Pennsylvania State Police
Michael Besten, Patrick Regan, Kenneth Snerr, Jesse Strausberger, Raymond Suda, Nicholas Sully, and Michael Zaleskas
For risking their lives to rescue a woman trapped inside a burning home, suffering burn and smoke inhalation injuries in the process. Their swift actions saved a life and underscored their commitment to community safety.
Matthew Bonin — Pennsylvania State Police
For pioneering the Commonwealth’s first Cellular Analysis Technician Unit and being the first PSP member to be certified in cellular data analysis and mapping. Since its inception, Lieutenant Bonin and the unit have worked on hundreds of violent crimes, homicides, missing persons cases, and large-scale property-related crimes resulting in numerous arrests.
Presidential Rally Incident Team — Pennsylvania State Police
Ryan Boughter, Travis Buckshire, Vincent Buonpane, Gesuele Burello, Christopher Callaghan, James Copeland Jr., Joseph Daransky, James David Jr., Andrew Dindinger, Joshua Fachet, Matthew Falcone, Richard Giustini, Kurtis Glasgow, Michael Graham, John Herold, Jeffrey Johns Jr., Donald Kotuby Jr., Martin Mihelic, Michael Miller, Timothy Morando, Daniel Mosura Jr., Mark Neugebauer, Joseph Olayer, Clinton Painter, Joseph Pokorny, Amelia Russin, Eric Stadterman, John Stutz, Brian Tanner, Michael Taylor, David Thompson, Sharon Weigle, and Eric Young
For their heroic actions to protect the public and aid victims following the assassination attempt on Donald Trump in Butler County, that killed one person and critically injuring two others. These PSP members also worked tirelessly on the monthslong investigation into the incident.
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