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 2, which represents Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Juniata, McKean, Mifflin, and Potter 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 Jason Belsole and Robert Stenerson were honored this afternoon at an awards luncheon at the AACA Museum in Hershey.
Belsole, a St. Marys resident, is the Highway Equipment Manager for District 2. He expanded training for many positions in the district including the creation of an Annual Vendor Training day to promote safe operation practices for operators and mechanics. He also planned a wing plow training course for winter maintenance education, as well as created The District Equipment Training Manual to ensure all guidelines are followed.
Stenerson, who resides in State College, is the Chief of Surveys in District 2. He is a licensed FAA and PennDOT sUAS drone pilot, a drone which can be used to produce a 3D digital terrain model or to aid in bridge inspections. He also makes sure his crews are utilizing technology to the fullest potential, stressing the importance and benefit of utilizing every tool available.
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.