Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Yassmin Gramian recognized 29 PennDOT employees for their outstanding performance with the Star of Excellence Award, PennDOT’s highest recognition.
Two employees from PennDOT’s District 6, which represents Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties, were among the honorees.
Gramian and other department executives honored District 6 winners Tia Martin and Steven Bartkovich during an event for all winners held at the Governor’s Residence.
“Tia and Steve are true examples of what makes PennDOT a great place to work,” said District 6 Executive Lou Belmonte. “Their hard work and dedication have been a tremendous asset to District 6 and their respective units as they continue to strive for excellence each day.”
Tia Martin is acknowledged for her work ethic and positive influence in the Montgomery County Maintenance office as a Roadway Programs Technician 2. “Tia has shown the ability to think quickly, respond to stakeholders in a courteous and timely manner, resolve issues, welcome and train new employees, and take on new roles to further her knowledge to enhance PennDOT’s work environment,” according to the award.
Martin also helped save the department an estimated $15,000 for her willingness to increase her workload while training new employees for the front office.
Steve Bartkovich’s commitment each day as District 6’s Bridge Unit Civil Engineer Manager helps ensure that the 2,760 state bridges in the Philadelphia region remain safe for the traveling public.
“His dedication for thorough data gathering, as well as sound judgment on bridge conditions, closings, and re-openings, is recognized as a critical resource for the safety and integrity of District 6’s infrastructure,” the award said.
In addition, Bartkovich saves PennDOT on average $25,000 per year due to his willingness to serve as a back-up to assess urgent bridge conditions following storms, crashes, and other emergency situations.
The Boy Scouts of America, Minsi Trails Council will honor Tony Iannelli, president and CEO of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Don Cunningham Jr., president and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, with the 2022 Distinguished Citizen Award during the Lehigh Valley Leadership Dinner on Sept. 13.
Iannelli and Cunningham will be recognized by area Scouts as well as business and community leaders for their significant achievements and service to the Lehigh Valley community.
Chairpersons for the event are Nacho Abia, CEO Olympus Corp. of the Americas; Anne Baum, president Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital; Jean-Claude Dubacher, chairman and CEO B. Braun of America Inc.; and John Eureyecko, president and CEO, Belhaven Capital Group, Inc.
Minsi Trails Council provides character development and leadership skills to local youth in a fun and interactive environment. Scouting leads to positive outcomes, including success in school, higher graduation rates, increased participation in sports and extracurricular activities and higher self-confidence. Contributions from individuals and organizations make up over half of the annual operating dollars necessary to run a quality program for local youth.
The public is invited to support local Scouting by making a gift at minsitrails.org/LVDinner.
The Lehigh Valley Leadership Dinner take place 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13 at Wind Creek Event Center, 77 Wind Creek Blvd., Bethlehem.
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