The City of Milton bestowed its annual Core Value Awards last Friday evening, celebrating those who have gone above-and-beyond to serve our community and support their peers.

For the fourth consecutive year, citizens and fellow City staff members nominated individuals who exceeded Milton’s already sky-high expectations, either in specific instances or holistically over the long-term. An awards committee consisting of representatives from across City government went through the nominations, setting aside recent winners and selecting new deserving recipients for awards that correspond to Milton’s core values of leadership, ownership, preserving Milton’s rural heritage,  teamwork, and service. (In fact, the City of Milton ranks No. 1 in service among about 400 cities countrywide according to the National Community Survey.)

Then, on Friday, employees from every City department gathered at Milton City Park and Preserve’s Community Center to toast this year’s winners. They are:

• JAMES BINKLEY, who distinguished himself in supporting his fellow firefighters, mentoring those completing paramedic requirements, leading workout programs, and much more
• ROB DELL-ROSS, who continually demonstrates leadership, knowledge, attentiveness, and initiative in coordinating with partners and spearheading Public Works Department projects
• Recreation Coordinator MATTHEW GRANEY, a proactive problem-solver as the City’s point-person for facility rentals and non-athletic programs who steps up whenever needed
• CHRISTIANE HERNDON, who has provided conscientious, thoughtful, patient, top-quality frontline service to citizens for the Finance and Community Development departments
• JIM IVEY, the City’s Facilities Technician and jack-of-all-trades admired for his positivity, high standards, craftsmanship, and receptiveness to tackling tasks (even if they’re not “his job”)
• WENDY JOHNSON, nominated by multiple people for her superb work in Milton’s Finance Department, unflagging willingness to pitch in, vast knowledge, and treating everyone well
• Chief Building Official Gary Mullinix, credited for his level-headed, fact-based approach to ensuring compliance with building codes and willingness to share his wealth of knowledge
• Police Officer DENNIS PISHOCK, a constant source of ideas, positivity, proactiveness, openness, and action – especially in his commitment to improving officers’ mental health
• Communications Coordinator OKSANA SOLOVEI, who never fails to go the extra mile in her excellent multimedia coverage of city happenings and hands-on support for her colleagues
• BRIAN STAFFORD, a Milton Police Officer nominated by a citizen for his kindness, patience, and empathy in helping a teenager navigate the aftermath of an automobile accident
• JENNIFER STEPHENS, Milton Fire-Rescue’s Administrative Assistant, lauded for how she anticipates needs, proactively offers solutions, and makes a positive impact in myriad ways
• Plans Examiner HEAH ‘ARTHUR’ TAY, whose great attitude, responsiveness, understanding of Milton, and cool demeanor make him an exemplary “field ambassador” for the City

The ceremony concluded with a joint award recognizing two staff members who stepped up this past year and exemplified several of Milton’s core values – Deputy Police Chief CHRIS WARD and now Human Resources Director MATT MARIETTA, who was a Deputy Fire Chief at the time. The two displayed teamwork, leadership, ownership, and service by making major contributions in HR when Milton needed them. Both Ward and Marietta selflessly and without hesitation moved to City Hall to support Team Milton in managing and improving critical Human Resources functions that impact each staffer on a day-to-day basis. 

Congratulations to all of this year’s Core Values Award winners! If you would like to nominate a City employee for the next set of awards, fill out the form anytime at www.miltonga.gov/CoreValues.