Mayor Honors “Tulsa Blue” Employees For Outstanding Service to the City of Tulsa
Mayor Dewey Bartlett with honoree Valerie Gerhart.
Mayor Dewey Bartlett announced today that four City of Tulsa employees have been recognized for the exemplary service they have provided to their fellow colleagues and citizens through its Tulsa Blue employee recognition program.
“Every day our city is blessed to have amazing and talented employees who are committed to serving our citizens and being great role models for their coworkers. Valerie Gerhart, Jane Dale, Gerald Bender and Frank Gallagher are all shining examples of public service. Their dedication in going above and beyond the call of duty to help their coworkers and improve life for the citizens of Tulsa is what it means to be a true public servant,” Mayor Bartlett said.
In a special recognition ceremony at City Hall, Mayor Bartlett presented Tulsa Blue awards to the following City of Tulsa employees:
Valerie Gerhart, Finance is a dedicated and loyal Payroll employee who is extremely helpful and patient with employees who have questions about payroll. She also makes time to provide training for others and never displays a negative attitude when called upon for assistance.
Jane Dale, Finance provides excellent service to the Sales Tax Overview Committee in spite of budget reductions and has stepped up to keep the Finance Department efficient by assuming the responsibilities for an eliminated position while continuing her previously assigned duties.
Gerald Bender, Legal Department has the difficult task of supporting all labor relations activity and issues for the City’s multiple bargaining groups. He is a tireless worker, often working 12-hour days and more to ensure the Legal Department operates and performs it Charter mandated duties.
Frank Gallagher, Tulsa Parks Department was instrumental in transforming the Henthorne Recreation Center into a viable and exciting theatre space. He is an inspiring teacher and director and received first place in the Tulsa Awards for Theatre Excellence “Outstanding Production” for 2009. He is also recognized as one of Tulsa’s best theatre directors.
So far 15 employees, nominated by their fellow colleagues and citizens, have been recognized with certificates and special awards for their service to the city of Tulsa.
Eddy Tijerina in Human Resources and Tulsa Police Sergeant Skipper Bain were the first two recipients inducted into the Tulsa Blue program followed by Donna Richey, Finance; Ken Neal, Information Technology; Shawn Flaherty, Information Technology; Kathryn Bell, Tulsa Police Department; Joey Phillips, 911 Public Safety; Lee Dawes, Public Works; Charles Mayfield, Public Works; Ruth Hill, Information Technology; and Jeannie Paxman, Public Works.
Blue is the dominant color in the City of Tulsa logo and symbolizes the extraordinary customer service that is shown to Tulsa citizens and City coworkers by exemplary City of Tulsa employees.
Citizen nominations are being accepted online at www.cityoftulsa.org/tulsablue. Simply fill out the online form, including a brief description of why a City employee should be a Tulsa Blue recipient.
Updated 11-10-2010
READER COMMENTS
About Post Author
