News Release

Governor's Awards for Excellence

9/22/2004
Lesley Bergman
406-444-3944
lbergman@state.mt.us

Ninety-seven State Employees Receive Governor's Award for Excellence

(Helena)-- Ninety-seven state employees today (Wednesday September 22, 2004 at 2p.m.) will be receiving the Governor's Award for Excellence in Performance at a ceremony at All Saints Hall at Carroll College.

The awards program is a chance to publicly recognize outstanding state employees for the vital services they provide to all Montanans. “Recognition is a powerful tool and it is an honor for me to personally present these awards to each of these individuals,” said Governor Judy Martz.

This is the fifteenth year state employees have been formally recognized for their accomplishments. Former Montana Governor Stan Stephens was the first Governor to present performance awards to exceptional state employees in 1990. Governor Martz enthusiastically continues this tradition.

Award recipients will be honored at a ceremony to be held in Helena on September 22, 2004. Governor Martz will present the awards.

The 2004 award winners listed by agency are:

ADMINISTRATION
John Ross
Linda Kirkland

AGRICULTURE
Sharon Campbell

COMMERCE
Sarah Lawlor

COMMISSIONER OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Kelly Hert

CORRECTIONS
Cheryl Bolton
Ross Swanson
Team: Leif Ronning
Tom Pinsonneault
Landy Petrie
Paul Hawkins
Steve Harrel
Billie Guthrie
Kim Gray
Brett Gordon
Teri Young
Duane Enger
Jim Francetich
Michelle Verbance

ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Brian Spangler
John Koerth

FISH, WILDLIFE & PARKS
Gary Bertellotti
Harold J. Wentland

GOVERNOR’S OFFICE
Kris Goss

JUSTICE
Julie Loraas
Debrah Fosket

LABOR & INDUSTRY
Pam Harada
Kim Lindstrom
Team: Bob Thornton
Jim Balog
Renee' McDaniel

LIVESTOCK
Gary Anderson

MILITARY AFFAIRS
Larry Akers

MONTANA ARTS COUNCIL
Kim Baraby Hurtle

MONTANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Dr. Ellen Baumler

MONTANA STATE FUND
Tammy Gibson

MONTANA STATE LIBRARY
Sue Jackson

NATURAL RESOURCES & CONSERVATION
Jeff Dobb

OFFICE OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
Team: Connie Stine
Julia Dilly
Madeline Engelking
Kathy Fabiano
Jurenne Fuchs
Sofia Janik
Lynnette Lake
Sioux Roth
Pat Dawes
Madilon Beatty
Nona Rens

PUBLIC HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Rulon John Gardner
Sheri Vukasin
James S. Murphy
Debbie Lane
Lana Haynes
Suzanne Habbe
Gary Gaub
Team: Shirley Roberts
Joyce Wretling
Sheryl Van Voast
Joyce Starkel
Kaye Bowman
Mary Lou Shoquist
Dawn Robinson
Danette Nistler
Constance Moss
Jane Holland
Tammie Ebensteiner
Cecelia Blodgett
Ardith Allen
Jade Herreid

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
Team: William A. Rosquist
Al S. Brogan
Robin A. McHugh
Kathleen S. Whitney
Eric N. Eck

REVENUE
Rene Smith
Team: Jami Sternhagen
Robin Graham
Donna Rankin
Mike Warren
Rochelle Stewart

SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND BLIND
Kim Schwabe

SECRETARY OF STATE
Cyndie Lockett

STATE AUDITOR’S OFFICE
Maryann Thorson

TRANSPORTATION
Carolyn Knuckles
Mike Rogan
Mike Skillestad
Lisa Vander Heiden
Mac McArthur
Team: Mike Buckley
Ray Eby
PJ Johnson
Samantha Kroll
Luella Schultz
Rick LePage
Steve Keller
Dave Sammons