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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)
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)
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)
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.
