Georgetown County Public Services recognized three of its most outstanding employees on November 17 during a luncheon to honor staff. Lynn Sullivan received the Customer Service Award, Maureen Mulligan received the Professional Achievement Award, and Roban Mears was named Public Services Employee of the Year.
Customer Service Award
The Customer Service Award is given annually to a Public Services Employee who goes above and beyond in the name of service and professionalism in dealing with county residents. Lynn Sullivan, who joined the department approximately 18 months ago, was selected as this year’s winner due to the fact that she is always kind to all she meets as she works her way through the buildings she cleans, said Tracy Jones, a member of the selection committee who announced the award winners. She said Sullivan “has a great personality, is very friendly, yet very thorough and conscious of her work.
“Sometimes you may even catch her singing a bright and cheery tune which always brightens anyone’s day” she said. Sullivan “doesn’t have the prettiest job, but always has a smile on her face. She is always working hard to keep the buildings she cleans fresh” Jones said.
“On a personal note, she even took time out of her day to help me with a ‘window’ issue to make it safer for me in my office,” Jones said.
Professional Achievement Award
Maureen Mulligan was recognized with the professional achievement award for several reasons. First, she took it upon herself to organize and store safety training videos for all Public Services staff. Then, she created methods for all staff – both those with access to technology, and those without – to be able to access those resources. When needed, she has even physically visited other offices both to show staff how to access these videos, as well as to provide direct assistance.
“Additionally,” Jones said, “Maureen has taken on supporting roles for grant administration while we’ve had staffing gaps, and applied for additional grants to bring new resources into our department.” Mulligan has explored all avenues for this endeavor, utilizing traditional sources while also thinking outside the box to find new sources for grant funding. “She works with outside consultants to write the best grants possible, improving our chances at success.”
Employee of the Year
The Public Services Employee of the Year award was created to recognize a team-oriented individual who embodies professionalism, customer focus and work quality. Robert “Roban” Mears was selected because he “consistently upholds the values of Georgetown County while assisting the public in a compassionate manner,” Jones said.
Mears has worked across two divisions in the Public Services department – Stormwater and Mosquito Control. “Roban has assumed duties beyond his position in supporting both divisions,” Jones said.
“Roban has established an environmentally friendly way of eradicating the number one problem facing Georgetown County; mosquitoes,” Jones said. “He took the time to research an impactful product that has been successful in our county.” Additionally, Mears has bridged the gap between encroachment permits and single-home builders, not only improving communications with the contractors, but improving communications in the field.
“His hard work and understanding for both divisions’ responsibilities has been so extraordinary this past year, and I am personally grateful for his dedication to the success of our team,” Jones said.