Official website of the Department of Homeland Security
The Secretary’s Award for Excellence 2018
The 2018 Secretary’s Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions.
The 2018 Secretary’s Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions for diligence and innovation in developing and implementing a law enforcement position update transition plan resulting in positions being filled within months of approval. (DHS Photo by Tim Godbee/Released)
Technical Law Enforcement Development Team
U.S. Secret Service
Washington, D.C.
Joseph A. Eddy
Judith B. Pitt
Mia L. Dozier
Mathew D. McIntyre
Anneka W. Haddix
Andrew C. Murphy
Jane M. Brittan
Donald W. Anderson
For diligence and innovation in developing and implementing a law enforcement position update transition plan resulting in positions being filled within months of approval.
The 2018 Secretary’s Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions for creating a new systematic approach for conducting annual recertification of Transportation Security Officers. (DHS Photo by Tim Godbee/Released)
Annual Proficiency Review Team
Transportation Security Administration
Washington, D.C.
Kevin Wolinski
Adam Altman
Michael Silata
Christopher Simonsen
Matthew Gray
Edward Bell
Dalls Bothell
Sylvia Zavala
Robert Walker
Alicia Hager
Tara Barry
Valchandra Lewis
Richard Revzan
Michael Burdeen
Lawrence Skamarycz
Jessica Villalta
Debra Hadgeoff
Virginia Aldunate
Phyllis Green
Lance Linebaugh
Elisabeth Ambrozaitis
Lauren Wilmot
For creating a new systematic approach for conducting annual recertification of Transportation Security Officers.
The 2018 Secretary’s Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions for managing a wide range of portfolios impacting DHS resources and policies, particularly oversight of the Program and Budget Review process. (DHS Photo by Tim Godbee/Released)
Grace Lee
Management Directorate
Washington, D.C.
For managing a wide range of portfolios impacting DHS resources and policies, particularly oversight of the Program and Budget Review process.
The 2018 Secretary’s Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions for implementing the United States and European Union Passenger Name Record Agreement in support of the Department's border protection mission. (DHS Photo by Tim Godbee/Released)
PNR Privacy Working Group
Privacy Office
Washington, D.C.
Shannon S. Ballard
Mario Medina
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Darren K. Comras
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Kyle E. Laughlin
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Elaine D. Morris-Mixness
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Frank Santiago
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Adina Pantella
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Jim E. McLaughlin
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Han Yi
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Nael A. Samha
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Gloria C. Henriquez
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Nirav M. Patel
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Ingrid C. Mathis
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
For implementing the United States and European Union Passenger Name Record Agreement in support of the Department's border protection mission.
The 2018 Secretary’s Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions for innovative analytic advancements that drive continuous quality improvement, leading to increased quality and quantity of structured feedback in real-time, and being recognized as first in analytic quality by the Director of National Intelligence. (DHS Photo by Tim Godbee/Released)
Planning, Production and Standards Team
Office of Intelligence and Analysis
Washington, D.C.
Jason W. Posey
Brittany R. Jones
Adam E. Grasheim
Ashley J. Houston
Dumaria S. Keller
Daniel K. Ranly
Jeffrey M. Farrell
Mitchell T. Zink
Johanna M. Cruz
Azuree C. Salazar
Howard W. Ponish
Ernie T. Dwight
Margaret G. McClure
Shawn E. Hoskins
Bryan C. Walsh
James C. Sung
Sharon E. Allgood
Jan M. Hall
Christopher R. Rowe
Shawn R. Forward
David G. Krewson
For innovative analytic advancements that drive continuous quality improvement, leading to increased quality and quantity of structured feedback in real-time, and being recognized as first in analytic quality by the Director of National Intelligence.
The 2018 Secretary’s Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions for completing reviews of complex applications of security capabilities at prominent and nationally significant venues, and for incentivizing the private sector to commit resources to security preparedness and resiliency. (DHS Photo by Tim Godbee/Released)
SAFETY Act Team
Science and Technology Directorate
Washington, D.C.
Bruce B. Davidson
Rachel B. Abreu
David Paquette, Jr.
Courtney C. Edwards
Leya C. Posey
Luke W. Adams
Minal R. Patel
For completing reviews of complex applications of security capabilities at prominent and nationally significant venues, and for incentivizing the private sector to commit resources to security preparedness and resiliency.
The 2018 Secretary’s Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions for developing detailed requirements to replace the existing fence at the White House, obtaining all necessary approval, clearances and funding to begin construction in 2019. (DHS Photo by Tim Godbee/Released)
White House Fence Team
U.S. Secret Service
Washington, D.C.
John Stann
James Stevens
Mark Ryan
Jeremiah Cottle
For developing detailed requirements to replace the existing fence at the White House, obtaining all necessary approval, clearances and funding to begin construction in 2019.
The 2018 Secretary’s Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions for service and unparalleled investigations of Certified Cargo Screening Facilities in the Chicago area that is a game-changer in TSA-Compliance inspection activity and processes. (DHS Photo by Tim Godbee/Released)
TSA-ORD Regulatory Cargo Team
Transportation Security Administration
Chicago, Illinois
Alice Catalano
Reshawn Seaberry
John Bilotta
Julie Blaauw
Joshua Bubinas
Nicholas Divarco
Bradley Eastridge
Francesca Farmer-Luczak
Ian Fortenbacher
Michael Fudali
Kenneth Glasure
David Gough
Michel Harmon
Jason Ihbe
David Kuchar
Brian Lawrence
Kenneth MacLeod
John McCole
Venus McMilian
Juan Munoz
Peter Pasek
Lidia Uribe
Brandi Venegas
For service and unparalleled investigations of Certified Cargo Screening Facilities in the Chicago area that is a game-changer in TSA-Compliance inspection activity and processes.
The 2018 Secretary’s Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions for being an innovator who consistently delivers significant gains in software performance and usability for the Secure Flight passenger vetting platform. (DHS Photo by Tim Godbee/Released)
Vijayant Dhankhar
Transportation Security Administration
Annapolis, Maryland
For being an innovator who consistently delivers significant gains in software performance and usability for the Secure Flight passenger vetting platform.
The 2018 Secretary’s Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions for developing the Enhanced Accessible Property Screening system to improve threat detection in passenger carry-on baggage, by detecting prohibited materials during standard screenings, without additional personnel or equipment. (DHS Photo by Tim Godbee/Released)
Enhanced Accessible Property Screening Team
Transportation Security Administration
Arlington, Virginia
Tye McGrath
Cecilia Barela
Sean West
Patrick Godfrey
Eric Backlin
Lance Linebaugh
Julian Williams
Steven Coda
Debra Hadgeoff
Daniel Lee
Joseph Flores
Albert Adler
Ryan Donahue
Jill Peddycord
Kathleen Chandler
Greg Holland
Virginia Aldunate
Tammey Etheredge
Marcel Anderson
Karen Burke
Blair Edwards
For developing the Enhanced Accessible Property Screening system to improve threat detection in passenger carry-on baggage, by detecting prohibited materials during standard screenings, without additional personnel or equipment.
Michael Frego
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Washington, D.C.
For working diligently to create and manage a disaster air bridge to transport supplies into Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, in support of survivors of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
The 2018 Secretary’s Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions for developing and deploying a strategic, enterprise-wide biometric capability to eliminate the possibility of impostors acquiring immigration benefits, improving operations and enhancing the integrity of our immigration system. (DHS Photo by Tim Godbee/Released)
CPMS-IDENTity Verification Tool Team
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Santa Ana, California
Jaime L. Benavides
Mary Bryce
Damian H. Long
Dawn M. Stephens
Michael A. Knowles
Lee F. Bowes
For developing and deploying a strategic, enterprise-wide biometric capability to eliminate the possibility of impostors acquiring immigration benefits, improving operations and enhancing the integrity of our immigration system.
The 2018 Secretary’s Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions for implementing a number of initiatives to enhance the integrity and security of the process to resettle refugees in the United States, furthering the U.S. commitment to its humanitarian protection mission while safeguarding the safety and security of the American people. (DHS Photo by Tim Godbee/Released)
USCIS Refugee Admissions Integrity Team
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Washington, D.C.
Anne Chiorazzi
Chelsea Clough
Christian Fabian
Roman Ginsburg
Alexander Jacobs
Jennifer Kliska
Sara Leary
Deborah Mancuso
Richard Miller
Brett Pfleuger
Trina Swanson
Kevin C. Williams
Victoria Lester-Saura
John Latta
For implementing a number of initiatives to enhance the integrity and security of the process to resettle refugees in the United States, furthering the U.S. commitment to its humanitarian protection mission while safeguarding the safety and security of the American people.
The 2018 Secretary’s Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions for development and fabrication of a more efficient and cost-effective method for extraction and removal of the frangible dust and lead particulates from the ranges’ bullet trap system, at an extraordinary reduced cost of $300,000, saving the Government an estimated $2.4M. (DHS Photo by Tim Godbee/Released)
FLETC Outdoor Firing Range Modifications Team
Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers
Glynco, Georgia
Richard A. Love
Johnny R. Mulkey
Emerson L. Floyd
Phillip J. Pruitt
Ted Parker
Richard Moore
Mark Royer
For development and fabrication of a more efficient and cost-effective method for extraction and removal of the frangible dust and lead particulates from the ranges’ bullet trap system, at an extraordinary reduced cost of $300,000, saving the Government an estimated $2.4M.
The 2018 Secretary’s Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions for employing a strategic and enterprise-wide approach for the aviation response to Hurricanes Irma and Maria by enabling the evacuation of personnel and equipment, and returning with 2.5 million pounds of relief supplies and critical equipment to affected areas. (DHS Photo by Tim Godbee/Released)
David J. Aldous
United States Coast Guard
Miami, Florida
For employing a strategic and enterprise-wide approach for the aviation response to Hurricanes Irma and Maria by enabling the evacuation of personnel and equipment, and returning with 2.5 million pounds of relief supplies and critical equipment to affected areas.
The 2018 Secretary’s Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions for delivery of updates to USCG Navigation and Inspection Circular to allow use of electronic charting and real-time positioning technology by commercial vessels that will reduce costs to the maritime industry by millions of dollars, and save thousands of work hours each year. (DHS Photo by Tim Godbee/Released)
USCG Electronic Charts Team
United States Coast Guard
Washington, D.C.
Douglas W. Scheffler
Stephen M. Jones
Courtney E. Mallon
John M. Sollosi
Matthew J. Walter
For delivery of updates to USCG Navigation and Inspection Circular to allow use of electronic charting and real-time positioning technology by commercial vessels that will reduce costs to the maritime industry by millions of dollars, and save thousands of work hours each year.
The 2018 Secretary’s Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions for outstanding initiative and persistence in organizing the sourcing, logistics and transportation of relief supplies to first responders and those in need during the devastating 2017 Hurricane season. (DHS Photo by Tim Godbee/Released)
USCG Community Service Command
United States Coast Guard
Chesapeake, Virginia
Thomas J. Ettinger
Laura E. St. Laurent
Kelly A. Wyatt
Joseph Calcagni
Wintress L. Page
Marilyn D. Holloway
Vicki M. Miller
Joanne Faulkner
Teri T. Amory
Barbara W. Southall
Helen P. Boyser
Froilan J. San Diego
William D. Aycardi
Daniel J. Schneider
Nathan C. Tefft
Samantha S. Bishop
Nicolette Ivanovsky
Sandra Besse
Michael A. Hartsock
William Grace
George W. Tripp
Jeffrey T. Eldridge
For outstanding initiative and persistence in organizing the sourcing, logistics and transportation of relief supplies to first responders and those in need during the devastating 2017 Hurricane season.
The 2018 Secretary’s Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions for initiating Operation Matador to combat the proliferation of extreme violence and criminal activity by a widely known transnational street gang in the New York City metropolitan area. (DHS Photo by Tim Godbee/Released)
Operation Matador
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Washington, D.C.
Celestino J. Martinez
Daniel Loechner
Derek Bergman
Kelly Ziegler
Matthew R. Harris
Christopher Mogavero
Edward M. Romeo
Matthew Doyle
Sydney P. Staco
David B. Vale
David Schrader
Oleg Vinokur
Deighton Hobbs
Davis Ruiz
Anna Davino
Michael Lonoff
Joe Zavala
Charlie Kuczynski
Alejandro Lozano Campos
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Georgia Galub
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Thomas Ingargiola
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
For initiating Operation Matador to combat the proliferation of extreme violence and criminal activity by a widely known transnational street gang in the New York City metropolitan area.
The 2018 Secretary’s Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions for optimizing the highly complex nationwide air and ground detainee transportation network, resulting in increased efficiency, flexibility, and cost avoidance of $60 million per year for detainee transportation. (DHS Photo by Tim Godbee/Released)
ICE-ERO Air and Ground Operations Team
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Washington, D.C.
Nicole Wright
Heath Simon
Caridad Cephas-Kimbrough
Juanita Quinones
Julio Hernandez
Jeanine Crawford
Reuben Leyva
Joseph Suazo
Yolanda Harrison
Julia Sarich
Chris LaBier
Janese Mull
For optimizing the highly complex nationwide air and ground detainee transportation network, resulting in increased efficiency, flexibility, and cost avoidance of $60 million per year for detainee transportation.