Employee of the Year Eric Barton, community development analyst in Community Services. 2023 Employee of the Year Eric Barton. City Manager Bryan Woods and 2023 Employee of the Year Eric Barton. City Impact Award winner Daniel Tice, forest crew leader in Parks and Recreation. Tice was also an Employee of the Year nominee. City Leadership Award winner Jennifer Cain (director of capital projects and facility management) 2023 Employee of the Year nominees. 2023 Employee of the Year nominee Daniel Gonzales of Information Technology. 2023 Employee of the Year nominee Raquel Gonzales of Capital Projects. 2023 Employee of the Year nominee Kristen Henjy of Planning and Development Services. 2023 Employee of the Year nominee Neal Lowry of CSU-Electric. 2023 Employee of the Year nominee Ronnie Loper of Public Works. 2023 Employee of the Year nominee Lisa McCracken of Economic Development & Tourism. 2023 Employee of the Year nominee JoAnn Narro of Water Services. 2023 Employee of the Year nominee Capt. Jason Neuendorf of the Fire Department. 2023 Employee of the Year nominee Joelene Tomecek of Public Communications. Mayor John Nichols.
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Director
Community Development Analyst Eric Barton was named the City of College Station’s 2023 Employee of the Year in a ceremony before Thursday’s city council meeting. The Executive Leadership Team selected him from 11 employees nominated by their peers.
Barton has worked in his field for almost 30 years, including two stints with the City of College Station.
“Eric is the ultimate gentleman with a true servant’s heart, ensuring that Community Development clients receive assistance for their most pressing needs, often volunteering his time,” Director of Community Services Debbie Eller said. “For example, Eric helped cut down an invasive oak tree for a housing assistance client battling cancer. He also coordinated volunteers to clear underbrush and repair the homeowner’s fence and gates. Eric is an expert in his field, and his co-workers and residents benefit tremendously from his presence.”
“Eric is an integral part of our team, with extensive knowledge of construction, federal regulations, and project and program management,” fellow Community Development Analyst David Brower added. “He has developed critical relationships and respect with agency partners and contractors, and we rely on him to accomplish projects that benefit low- and moderate-income residents. Eric excels in administering the city’s Minor Home Repair program, regularly going above and beyond to serve residents in need.”
Other nominees for the award were Daniel Gonzales (Information Technology), Raquel Gonzales (Capital Projects), Kristen Henjy (Planning & Development), Neal Lowry (Electric Utility), Ronnie Loper (Public Works), Lisa McCracken (Economic Development & Tourism), JoAnn Narro (Water Services), Jason Neuendorf (Fire), Daniel Tice (Parks & Recreation), and Joelene Tomecek (Public Communications).
The City Manager’s Office also presented city impact and leadership awards.
Forestry Crew Leader Daniel Tice of Parks and Recreation received the City Impact Award for his meaningful and long-lasting impact on the community. His team is responsible for the assessment, care, and health of the trees in the city park system, which extreme weather conditions have highly stressed over the last two years.
In 2023, Tice’s crew assessed and removed almost 200 failed trees, planted more than 100, and pruned over 500 more. Tice also became a certified arborist through the International Society of Arborists.
The forestry crew is also the heart and the muscle behind the magical Christmas in the Park light displays at Central Park. Each September, they begin installing over one million lights so residents and guests can enjoy one of College Station’s most cherished traditions from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.
“Not many people see or appreciate the effort behind that vast array of sparkling Christmas lights, but our entire community marvels at the gorgeous outcome,” Director of Parks and Recreation Kelsey Heiden said. “Daniel is an outstanding in-house resource, and staff from various departments rely on his expertise to save the city time and money. His attention to detail, ability to manage multiple projects, and commitment to professional growth have earned him the lasting respect of his peers.”
Director of Capital Projects and Facility Management Jennifer Cain received the City Leadership Award, presented annually to a department director or assistant director who demonstrated outstanding leadership. Recipients are nominated by their peers on the Executive Leadership Team.
Since joining the city in 2022, Cain has become a trusted resource to city leaders and is a significant asset to the organization. She actively promotes collaboration with other departments and is highly respected by her staff and peers on the Executive Leadership Team.
Under Cain’s leadership, the city successfully began progressing on the many bond projects approved by voters in 2022. In October, the city completed the largest single capital project in its history – the Lick Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion. Cain led her team through many challenging projects with the highest degree of professionalism and effective project management, proactively identifying issues and exploring project opportunities on behalf of our citizens.
Other significant accomplishments included process and procedure improvements, including developing new Facility Design Guidelines, updating CIP project standards and the Project Delivery Manual, and working through professional service and construction contracts. In addition, Jennifer implemented a new department structure and career progression opportunities for her team to reduce compression, focus on succession planning, and prepare them for leadership roles.
Congratulations to the 2023 award winners for your exemplary service to our organization and the residents of College Station.
About the Blogger
Colin Killian has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after serving 23 years as the associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. He has also worked as a reporter and editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Lewisville News. A native of Hobbs, N.M., Killian graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.
If you liked this post, share it with the buttons below!
