Feb. 10, 2009
Employees Gain Recognition at Annual Awards Ceremony
Four employees were recognized last week by the Supreme Court of Ohio for their professionalism and outstanding service to the Supreme Court over the past year. Supreme Court Justices and staff attended the fifth annual ceremony in the courtroom.
The 2008 Professional Excellence Award winners include:
- Steven W. Hanson of Delaware – Manager of the Children, Families and the Courts Programs
- Mischelle Russell of Gahanna – Executive Administrative Assistant in the Office of Disciplinary Counsel
- Jason Thomas of Whitehall – Court Security Officer
- Dennis Whalen of Dublin – Public Information Officer
“One of the highlights every year is coming together as a group to celebrate our peers for a job well-done,” said Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer. “The ceremony sets an appropriate tone to begin the year that service above self is not only encouraged at the Supreme Court but rewarded.”
Each year the Supreme Court honors exemplary employees who have distinguished themselves in one of the three categories:
- Demonstrating superior achievement in the completion of a special project or assignment.
- Consistently displaying professional excellence in the performance of their regularly assigned duties.
- Displaying a positive attitude toward one’s work, fellow employees and the constituencies of the Supreme Court.
An awards committee of nine Supreme Court staff members and managers reviewed nominations submitted by internal personnel and external colleagues and selected the honorees. This year, Justice Robert R. Cupp also served on the committee.
During the ceremony, the Supreme Court also paid tribute to 38 long-time employees by noting their service of five, 10, 15, 20 or 25 years with the Supreme Court.
Administrative Director Steven C. Hollon created the awards in 2005.
For a high resolution, publication-quality photo of the 2008 Supreme Court Professional Excellence Award winners, visit http://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/PIO/news/2009/winners_highres.zip.
Contact: Chris Davey or Bret Crow at 614.387.9250.