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The Secretary's Meritorious Service Silver Medal 2015
The Secretary’s Meritorious Service Silver Medal recognizes exceptional leadership or service distinguished by achievements over time to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This award recognizes superior performance through remarkable accomplishments, business improvements, or notable resourcefulness and diligence that significantly improved the effectiveness of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in one or more program areas.
This year's winners are listed below, along with a description of their contributions and achievements:
WASHINGTON, - Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Meritorious Service Silver Medal to Donald Anderson for exceptional effort in transforming the Toronto Port through innovative leadership, resulting in improved services and increased employee morale. Nov. 3, 2015. The Secretary's Meritorious Service Silver Medal recognizes exceptional leadership or service distinguished by achievements over time to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This award recognizes superior performance through remarkable accomplishments, business improvements, or notable resourcefulness and diligence that significantly improved the effectiveness of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in one or more program areas. Official DHS photo by Jetta Disco. (DHS Photo by Jetta Disco/Released)
For exceptional effort in transforming the Toronto Port through innovative leadership, resulting in improved services and increased employee morale.
Donald Anderson, CBP
WASHINGTON, - Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary’s Meritorious Service Silver Medal to Ryan T. Howe, David R. Potvin, Jorge Tenarodriguez and Michael A. Rigsby for collaborating with international partners to bring to justice multiple foreign criminals, Nov. 3, 2015. The Secretary’s Meritorious Service Silver Medal recognizes exceptional leadership or service distinguished by achievements over time to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This award recognizes superior performance through remarkable accomplishments, business improvements, or notable resourcefulness and diligence that significantly improved the effectiveness of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in one or more program areas. Official DHS photo by Jetta Disco. (DHS Photo by Jetta Disco/Released)
For collaborating with international partners to bring to justice to multiple foreign criminals.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Repatriation Team
Ryan T. Howe, ICE David R. Potvin, ICE Jorge Tenarodriguez, ICE Michael A. Rigsby, ICE
WASHINGTON, - Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary’s Meritorious Service Silver Medal for outstanding innovation and collaboration to better secure sensitive information across the Department to Laura Auletta, Shaundra Duggans, Candace Lightfoot, Ellen Murray, Tamara Lilly, Scott Ackiss, Corey Lastinger, Kellie Riley, Kathleen L. Claffie and John Simms, Nov. 3, 2015. The Secretary’s Meritorious Service Silver Medal recognizes exceptional leadership or service distinguished by achievements over time to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This award recognizes superior performance through remarkable accomplishments, business improvements, or notable resourcefulness and diligence that significantly improved the effectiveness of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in one or more program areas. Official DHS photo by Jetta Disco. (DHS Photo by Jetta Disco/Released)
For outstanding innovation and collaboration to better secure sensitive information across the Department.
Cyber Hygiene Working Group
Laura Auletta, MGMT Shaundra Duggans, MGMT Candace Lightfoot, MGMT Ellen Murray, MGMT Tamara Lilly, MGMT Scott Ackiss, MGMT Corey Lastinger, OGC Kellie Riley, PRVCY Kathleen L. Claffie, CBP John Simms, NPPD
WASHINGTON - Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Meritorious Service Silver Medal to Jeffrey M. Sajdak, Nov. 3, 2015. This award is for exemplary service, commitment, and outstanding performance in establishing a Limited English Proficiency Program for diverse communities across the Nation. Official DHS photo by Jetta Disco. (DHS Photo by Jetta Disco/Released)
For furthering the U.S. Customs and Border Protection mission through exemplary conduct, extraordinary professionalism, and strong commitment to interagency collaboration and cooperation.
Jeffrey M. Sajdak, CBP
For exemplary conduct, extraordinary contributions, and professionalism demonstrating a strong commitment to interagency collaboration and cooperation.
Andy B. Gentry, CBP
WASHINGTON, - Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary’s Meritorious Service Silver Medal to Albert Davis, Nov. 3, 2015. This award is for superior achievement and leadership in innovation and technology to enhance immigration screenings and case management. Official DHS photo by Jetta Disco. (DHS Photo by Jetta Disco/Released)
For superior achievement and leadership in innovation and technology to enhance immigration screenings and case management.
Albert Davis, USCIS
WASHINGTON, - Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary’s Meritorious Service Silver Medal to Rebekah Tosado, Nov. 3, 2015. This award is for exemplary service, commitment, and outstanding performance in establishing a Limited English Proficiency Program for diverse communities across the Nation. Official DHS photo by Jetta Disco. (DHS Photo by Jetta Disco/Released)
For exemplary service, commitment, and outstanding performance in establishing a Limited English Proficiency Program for diverse communities across the Nation.
Rebekah Tosado, CRCL
WASHINGTON, - Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary’s Meritorious Service Silver Medal for Analytic Innovation Cell Team to Clark Smith, Richard Stephenson, Jr., Jennifer Oar, Christopher MacDonald, Jordan Renga, Benjamin Stefano, Brandon Krueger, Eric Talbot, Kevin Peters, Skyler Dickinson, Sean M. Hebert, Jorge Comas and Bradford Parker, Nov. 3, 2015. This award is for collaboration, innovation, and outstanding service in creating solutions to help improve the Department’s analytic capabilities. Official DHS photo by Jetta Disco. (DHS Photo by Jetta Disco/Released)
For collaboration, innovation, and outstanding service in creating solutions to help improve the Department’s analytic capabilities.
Analytic Innovation Cell Team
Clark Smith, OIA Richard Stephenson, Jr., OIA Jennifer Oar, OIA Christopher MacDonald, OIA Jordan Renga, OIA Benjamin Stefano, OIA Brandon Krueger, OIA Eric Talbot, OIA Kevin Peters, OIA Skyler Dickinson, TSA Sean M. Hebert, TSA Jorge Comas, CBP Bradford Parker
WASHINGTON - Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Meritorious Silver Service Medal for Visa Security Program to Salvador Briseno, Christopher Walker, Catherine Y. Miller, Grant M. Lucas, Adam F. Sultana, Sonny Kilmer, James A. MacDowell, Matthew W. Spelsberg, Anthony J. Villacorta. Franco L. Pollini, Timothy T. Christensen, Gustavo Valerio, Leonard T. Bethards, Jo L. Manthos, Debra A. Williams, Nov. 3, 2015. The Secretaryâs Meritorious Service Silver Medal recognizes exceptional leadership or service distinguished by achievements over time to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This award recognizes superior performance through remarkable accomplishments, business improvements, or notable resourcefulness and diligence that significantly improved the effectiveness of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in one or more program areas. Official DHS photo by Jetta Disco. (DHS Photo by Jetta Disco/Released)
For innovative problem solving and decisive management of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Visa Security Program resulting in a whole-of-government approach to the U.S. visa adjudication process.
Visa Security Program
Salvador Briseno, ICE Christopher Walker, ICE Catherine Y. Miller, ICE Grant M. Lucas, ICE Adam F. Sultana, ICE Sonny Kilmer, ICE James A. MacDowell, ICE Matthew W. Spelsberg, ICE Phillip V. Portiera, ICE Anthony J. Villacorta, ICE Franco L. Pollini, ICE Timothy T. Christensen, ICE Gustavo Valerio, ICE Leonard T. Bethards, ICE Jo L. Manthos, ICE Debra A. Williams, ICE
WASHINGTON - Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary’s Meritorious Silver Service Medal for General Vides Casanova Litigation team to Lisa M. Koven, Mona M. Ragheb, Dr. Ann M. Schneider, David A. Landau, Kevin E. Stanley, James E. M. Craig, Mark B. Martinez, Nov. 3, 2015. The Secretary’s Meritorious Service Silver Medal recognizes exceptional leadership or service distinguished by achievements over time to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This award recognizes superior performance through remarkable accomplishments, business improvements, or notable resourcefulness and diligence that significantly improved the effectiveness of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in one or more program areas. Official DHS photo by Jetta Disco. (DHS Photo by Jetta Disco/Released)
For successfully investigating, prosecuting, and removing a high-profile Salvadoran national from the United States.
General Vides Casanova Litigation Team
Lisa M. Koven, ICE Mona M. Ragheb, ICE Dr. Ann M. Schneider, ICE David A. Landau, ICE Kevin E. Stanley, ICE James E. M. Craig, ICE Mark B. Martinez, ICE
WASHINGTON - Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary’s Meritorious Silver Service Medal for Departmental GAO-OIG Liaison and Management Directorate Integration Team to Jim H. Crumpacker, Christopher Brothers, Peggy Mayfield, Diane Baker, Kari Beitel, Lindsay Clarke, Matthew Seaman, Adam Tabaka, Kenneth J. Buck, Ph.D., Michelle Benecke, Ann-Marie N. Watt, David Schmitt, Nov. 3, 2015. The Secretary’s Meritorious Service Silver Medal recognizes exceptional leadership or service distinguished by achievements over time to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This award recognizes superior performance through remarkable accomplishments, business improvements, or notable resourcefulness and diligence that significantly improved the effectiveness of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in one or more program areas. Official DHS photo by Jetta Disco. (DHS Photo by Jetta Disco/Released)
For dedication and outstanding contributions to the Departmental Audit Liaison and High Risk Integration Team resulting in the Department’s recognition as one of the “most improved” departments across the Federal government.
Departmental GAO-OIG Liaison and Management Directorate Integration Team
Jim H. Crumpacker, MGMT Christopher Brothers, MGMT Peggy Mayfield, MGMT Diane Baker, MGMT Kari Beitel, MGMT Lindsay Clarke, MGMT Matthew Seaman, MGMT Adam Tabaka, MGMT Kenneth J. Buck, Ph.D., MGMT Michelle Benecke, MGMT Ann-Marie N. Watt, MGMT David Schmitt
WASHINGTON - Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary’s Meritorious Silver Service Medal for U.S. – Canada Land, Rail, Maritime and Air Preclearance Agreement Team to Deborah W. Meyers, Jillian St. John, Keith Devereaux, John Havranek, Randall Kaplan, Dylan J. DeFrancisci, Kurry M. Pastilong, Elizabeth B. Schmelzinger, J. Ryan Hutton, Michele James, Kristin L. Dubelier, Tamara A. Pauls, Shiraz Panthaky, Nov. 3, 2015. The Secretary’s Meritorious Service Silver Medal recognizes exceptional leadership or service distinguished by achievements over time to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This award recognizes superior performance through remarkable accomplishments, business improvements, or notable resourcefulness and diligence that significantly improved the effectiveness of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in one or more program areas. Official DHS photo by Jetta Disco. (DHS Photo by Jetta Disco/Released)
For superior public service and outstanding innovative leadership in negotiating the U.S. – Canada Land, Rail, Marine and Air Preclearance Agreement.
U.S. – Canada Land, Rail, Maritime and Air Preclearance Agreement Team
Deborah W. Meyers, PLCY Jillian St. John, PLCY Keith Devereaux, PLCY John Havranek, OGC Randall Kaplan, OGC Dylan J. DeFrancisci, CBP Kurry M. Pastilong, CBP Elizabeth B. Schmelzinger, CBP J. Ryan Hutton, CBP Michele James, CBP Kristin L. Dubelier, CBP Tamara A. Pauls, CBP Shiraz Panthaky, ICE
WASHINGTON - Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary’s Meritorious Silver Service Medal to Joseph Malmay, Nov. 3, 2015. The Secretary’s Meritorious Service Silver Medal recognizes exceptional leadership or service distinguished by achievements over time to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This award recognizes superior performance through remarkable accomplishments, business improvements, or notable resourcefulness and diligence that significantly improved the effectiveness of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in one or more program areas. Official DHS photo by Jetta Disco. (DHS Photo by Jetta Disco/Released)
For outstanding and commendable service in conducting screening and vetting analysis, enhancing contributions to national transportation security.
Joseph Malmay, TSA
WASHINGTON - Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary’s Meritorious Silver Service Medal to Luis A. Marrero, Steven L. Wallen, Patricia M. Mutlu and John H. Bray, Nov. 3, 2015. The Secretary’s Meritorious Service Silver Medal recognizes exceptional leadership or service distinguished by achievements over time to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This award recognizes superior performance through remarkable accomplishments, business improvements, or notable resourcefulness and diligence that significantly improved the effectiveness of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in one or more program areas. Official DHS photo by Jetta Disco. (DHS Photo by Jetta Disco/Released)
For developing innovative technologies to enhance perimeter security at the White House.
Project H. Team
Luis A. Marrero, USSS Steven L. Wallen, USSS Patricia M. Multu, USSS John H. Bray, USSS
WASHINGTON - Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary’s Meritorious Silver Service Medal for Operational Leadership Team - Martime Intelligence Fusion Center to Coast Guard Cmdr. Timothy R. Lavier and Anna K. Hopkins, Lt. Cmdr. Tobias Reid, Lt. Hillary R. Adams, Lawrence G. Donovan, Janie I. Edgerton, Ted B. Gangsei, Robert S. Graham, David M. King, Thomas J. Mackell,, Anne E. Salazar, John S. Wilkins, Mark P. Winding and Ronald Cranfill, Nov. 3, 2015. The Secretary’s Meritorious Service Silver Medal recognizes exceptional leadership or service distinguished by achievements over time to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This award recognizes superior performance through remarkable accomplishments, business improvements, or notable resourcefulness and diligence that significantly improved the effectiveness of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in one or more program areas. Official DHS photo by Jetta Disco. (DHS Photo by Jetta Disco/Released)
For outstanding leadership, remarkable innovation, and collaboration to help secure the southwest border.
Operational Leadership Team – Maritime Intelligence Fusion Center (California)
Commander Timothy R. Lavier, USCG Lawrence G. Donovan, USCG Lieutenant Hillary R. Adams, USCG Janie I. Edgerton, USCG Ted B. Gangsei, USCG Robert S. Graham, USCG Commander Anna K. Hopkins, USCG David M. King, USCG Thomas J. Mackell, USCG Lieutenant Commander Tobias Reid, USCG Anne E. Salazar, USCG John S. Wilkins, USCG Mark P. Winding, USCG Ronald Cranfill, USCG
WASHINGTON - Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Meritorious Silver Service Medal for the Apex Border Enforcement Analytics Program Team to Stephen J. Dennis, Shane M. Cullen, Christopher T. Featherston, Nov. 3, 2015. The Secretary's Meritorious Service Silver Medal recognizes exceptional leadership or service distinguished by achievements over time to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This award recognizes superior performance through remarkable accomplishments, business improvements, or notable resourcefulness and diligence that significantly improved the effectiveness of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in one or more program areas. Official DHS photo by Jetta Disco. (DHS Photo by Jetta Disco/Released)
For leadership in providing new technologies and analytic techniques supporting the transition to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Big Data Environment.
Apex Border Enforcement Analytics Program Team
Stephen J. Dennis, S&T Shane M. Cullen, S&T Christopher T. Featherston, S&T
