Michael O’Malley and Jonathan Rutledge, Department of Safety and Homeland Security

Mr. O’Malley is a Planner IV and Mr. Rutledge is a Management Analyst III with DEMA. They made up the two-person DEMA COVID 19 Community Testing Team, and they worked to ensure Delawareans had free and convenient testing options in their community weekly, so citizens could quickly know their COVID 19 infection status. They held over 800 testing events and performed over 500,000 tests since May, quickly pivoting their operations to act upon the latest infection rate data from Public Health. Their work helped endure that spread in hotspots was quickly brought under control, supporting the safe return of children in classrooms through school testing sites, and helping thousands of Delawareans be proactive in their fight against COVID 19.

Kalee Nelson, Department of Technology and Information

Ms. Nelson is a Systems Engineering Senior Analyst, and she was recognized by several peers for multiple accomplishments this year. For instance, she automated security updates for servers which had been inconsistent. The updates saved approximately 90 work hours per month. Ms. Nelson worked with the database team to implement the same process to automate updates of database software which increased systems uptime, saved immeasurable after-hours work, and increased productivity while strengthening system security. Other examples include creating an efficient audit process resulting in a more secure environment for confidential information and writing code scripts to automate routine tasks, which saved time at multiple agencies.

Brent Johnson, Department of Finance, Division of Revenue

Mr. Johnson was promoted from Document Processing Supervisor for the Mailroom to Public Service Bureau Manager as the pandemic began, and because mailroom leadership was out due to COVID-19 protocols, he continued to oversee mailroom operations. When the State of Delaware extended tax filing deadlines there were spikes in email and phone volumes. Mr. Johnson recommended efficiencies that streamlined check and cash deposit procedures to reduce reliance on an expensive courier service. He also streamlined the mail distribution process eliminating paper waste, and he cross-trained mailroom staff to ensure coverage for coworkers who were unable to be on-site due to the pandemic restrictions. His recommendations resulted in career development opportunities for employees and better customer service for taxpayers.