Kent County Department Heads have selected EDWARD A. SEMANS from the Department of Public Safety as the June 2023 Employee of the Month.
Ed is a Dispatch Shift Supervisor in the Division of Emergency Communications and started with Kent County on December 16, 1998, as a Dispatcher I. In 2000 he was promoted to Dispatcher II, then to Dispatcher III in 2020. His position was retitled to Dispatch Shift Supervisor in 2021.
His primary duties include supervising an assigned shift of emergency 9-1-1 dispatchers; taking numerous emergency and non-emergency administrative calls received through the Enhanced 911 phone system; and determining the exact location of the emergency incident and dispatching the proper response agency and equipment in and around Kent County.
Ed also has taken on the responsibility of ensuring the state of readiness of the Mobile Emergency Command Center, which includes among other things scheduling regular vehicle mechanical services and keeping the technology and equipment on board operational. He is also a dedicated volunteer for the Dover Fire Department and the Magnolia Fire Company.
According to Public Safety Director, “Ed has been a loyal and devoted County employee and 9-1-1 dispatcher for more than 23 years. His supervisors praise him for his willingness to always step up whenever called upon by taking on extra shifts to cover co-worker vacations and callouts due to illness. His commitment to the fire service is matched only by the pride he has for Kent County.”
Congratulations Ed on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected KARYN K. MEGONIGAL from the Finance Department as the May 2023 Employee of the Month.
Karyn is an Account Analyst in the Tax Office and originally started with Kent County in 1989 as an Account Clerk III. After serving for 16 years, she left to raise a family until returning on August 24, 2020, as an Account Specialist III. Since then, Karyn has been promoted twice to her current supervisory position.
Her primary duties include managing and coordinating the daily Tax Office processes and staff, administering tax account adjustments, preparing quarterly and annual tax billing, and assisting with customer requests and inquiries. Karyn’s ability to thoroughly research account information on multiple software systems for the County’s monthly tax reconciliation is one of her numerous strengths.
Karyn is highly regarded by her coworkers and possesses a wealth of financial knowledge which she shares on a daily basis. She skillfully handles the most difficult of taxpayers and puts everyone at ease with her quiet demeanor.
According to Finance Director Susan Durham, “Karyn’s exceptional attention to detail and understanding of the tax processes has proven to be a great addition to the office. Her previous financial experience, willingness to learn new methods, and ability to excel enhances the level of customer service provided to the constituents of the County.”
Congratulations Karyn on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected ALISA S. HILL from the Department of Administration as the April 2023 Employee of the Month.
Alisa is a Human Resources Technician II in the Human Resources Office and started with Kent County on April 24, 2017, as the Deputy Recorder of Deeds after nearly 20 years with State Farm Insurance. In 2019, she transferred from the Deeds Office to the Human Resources Office and was responsible for applicant services. She was later promoted to her current position responsible for employee benefits & insurances.
Her primary duties include new employee orientation, benefit enrollment and changes, claims resolution, FMLA notification and tracking, submission of auto and property damage claims, employee training assignment and follow up, employee records maintenance, responding to employee and customer inquiries, and much more.
According to Human Resources Director Allan Kujala, “Alisa really stepped up recently when I served as Acting County Administrator and her co-worker was out of the office for surgery. She very capably performed her own duties and those of the absent co-worker while I, and her direct supervisor, were involved in other work assignments. Alisa has developed into a highly skilled HR representative with a keen interest in advancing her knowledge – in fact she is just a few months away from earning a Certified Government Benefits Administrator designation (a 3-year process) and is learning how to process payroll for the entire organization. We are all incredibly proud of her accomplishments and her personal determination to gain professional certification.”
Congratulations Alisa on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected LISA M.L. RODRIGUEZ from the Department of Planning Services as the March 2023 Employee of the Month.
Lisa, an Office Support Specialist II in the Housing and Community Development section (CDBG), originally started working for Kent County on March 3, 2021. She left briefly and returned to Kent County in July 2022. Before starting with the County, she worked as an Executive Assistant for Delaware Standardbred Owners Association and possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise that has facilitated her role with the County.
Her primary duties as an Office Support Specialist include administering the application aspect of the grant programs provided to Kent County residents, assisting with preparing the annual state report and audit process, and managing customer and vendor inquiries of project statuses and payments.
Director of Planning Services, Sarah Keifer noted, “Lisa’s unrivaled organization skills have been instrumental in maintaining multi-year grant records and files. Her proficient knowledge of the programs offered has allowed her to simplify the CDBG application process for constituents while directing them to assistance better aligned with their needs. Lisa’s contributions to superb customer service have enabled grant obligations to be met efficiently, ensuring the best possible service to the citizens of Kent County.”
Congratulations Lisa, on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected AMANDA L. LOCKERMAN from the Department of Public Works as the February 2023 Employee of the Month.
Amanda, an Environmental Technician I in the Engineering Division, has worked for Kent County since March 2021. Before starting with the County, she worked for AZZ Enclosure Systems as a Quality Assurance Lead Tester and an Electrical Assembler.
Her primary duties as an Environmental Technician include administering the industrial pretreatment program to ensure that industrial user discharges do not impose violations of County limits. Amanda‘s responsibilities in the industrial user program entail reviewing user applications, approving and renewing user permits for sewer discharges, inspecting user facilities, collecting samples for analysis, and reviewing results for compliance verification and associated tasks. She also provides assistance with the Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) and Septic Hauler programs as needed.
According to Public Works Director Diana Golt, “Amanda has been an exceptional employee and a critical addition to the Pre-Treatment section. Her attention to detail and research skills have been incomparable and reflect her exemplary work ethic demonstrated daily. I’d like to acknowledge Amanda’s most recent contributions as an instrumental component in the preparation and completion of the EPA audit providing an outstanding effort to the conclusion of the project and development of new local limits. “
Congratulations Amanda on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected MELANIE A. MARRINUCCI from the department of Public Safety as the January 2023 Employee of the Month.
Melanie has been a Kent County employee since April 2014 and serves as a Paramedic II in the Emergency Medical Services Division. Her primary duties include treating patients using advanced emergency care procedures and insuring the high quality delivery of life support techniques.
Melanie serves as a Field Training Officer in a Shift Mentor capacity training paramedic students by sharing her wisdom and experience with those learning the profession. Also as a mentor, she functions as a role-model encouraging new Kent County paramedics to achieve the highest standards of care and conduct.
Melanie is highly praised by supervisors for her enthusiasm and customer service skills. Her positive attitude embodies our motto of “Serving Kent County with Pride.”
According to Public Safety Director Colin Faulkner, “Melanie is an excellent FTO and is respected throughout the Division and the BLS community, for both her clinical skills and knowledge. Her exemplary work ethic is displayed daily through her high level of patient care.”
Congratulations Melanie on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected TIMOTHY D. MUTTER from the Office of the Kent County Sheriff as the December 2022 Employee of the Month.
Tim, a Deputy Sheriff in the Sheriff’s Office, has worked for Kent County since January 2015. Before his appointment as a Deputy, he served for 24 years as a Police Officer with the City of Dover before transitioning to Central Services for the Police Department.
His primary duties as Deputy Sheriff include effective service of court-ordered subpoenas, maintaining records of service, conducting property inventory for scheduled sales as well as maintaining logs and reports for reimbursement.
Each day, Tim uses his prior law enforcement skills to judiciously serve subpoenas and other legal documents and avoid or deescalate negative situations in the field. While citizens are often distressed about a pending court date or property sale, he is able to effectively serve in a courteous, tactful, and impartial manner.
According to Sheriff Brian Lewis, “Tim has served the Sheriff’s Office well over his nearly 8 years and performed his duties to the highest standards. He always has a positive attitude and a great willingness to help wherever the need is required in the office. He has recently announced his intention to retire next year, and I wish him the very best”
Congratulations Tim on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected ROBERT D. WOOD, II from the Department of Community Services as the November 2022 Employee of the Month.
Robert, a Parks Worker I in the Parks & Recreation Division, has worked for Kent County since November 2020. His primary duties include operating various park equipment, troubleshooting and repairing minor equipment, inspecting and maintaining park equipment, and grooming athletic fields and landscapes of the County Park properties.
In addition, Robert is responsible for removing debris, ice, and snow from sidewalks and other areas. He also picks up and/or delivers goods and equipment as necessary.
Recently Robert took the lead role with repairing and improving the Lebanon Landing Fishing Pier and boat dock. He led staff in replacing handrails and decking boards to keep the facility safe and user friendly. More recently he has been involved with replacing the drinking fountain at Brecknock Park, repairing the outlook deck near the Nature Center, and was heavily involved with our irrigation maintenance and repair this year. He also provides valuable input with care and maintenance of the landscapes and trees.
According to Community Services Director Jeremy Sheppard, “Robert has shown exceptional leadership skills, communication and the ability to prioritize to keep the parks safe and aesthetically pleasing. Robert is forthcoming with opinions and ideas while always keeping an open mind and a strong will to learn. He has become an important asset to Kent County Parks & Recreation.”
Congratulations Robert on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected MARK C. KENNEDY from the Department of Administration as the October 2022 Employee of the Month.
Mark, the Media Systems Coordinator in the Information Technology Office, has worked for Kent County since March 2005. His primary duties include operation of the digital, audio and computer systems to facilitate viewing of Levy Court, Regional Planning Commission, and other Board and Committee meetings as well as design and coordination of the County’s media messaging system and website maintenance.
In addition to maintaining the video information display monitors in the County Administrative Complex and posting announcements on the County website, Mark is a highly skilled video production editor, creating several public service videos for the County including such topics as swimming pool safety, the comprehensive plan development, and Kent County Public Library.
Recently Mark served as the Project Lead in transforming County Conference Rooms into Virtual Meeting Spaces, which now feature full audio/visual connectivity via Microsoft Teams, and he is now actively managing the selection process for a vendor to design a new Kent County Website.
According to County Administrator Mike Petit de Mange, “Mark is an extremely knowledgeable and valued member of the County Team. His commitment to public service is evident in so many ways and is demonstrated every day through our ability to keep citizens informed and to participate in the business of County Government. Visitors to our meeting rooms regularly comment about the high quality of our facilities and our support Staff, and specifically about the excellent service of Mark Kennedy. Mark is always ready to help, even for special events on evenings and weekends. He is very deserving of this recognition.”
Congratulations Mark on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected KAIN W. JOHNSON from the Department of Planning Services - Housing & Community Development Section as the September 2022 Employee of the Month.
Kain has been a Kent County employee since March 2021 and holds the position of Housing & Community Development Specialist I. His primary duties include investigating all requests for housing rehabilitation grants by interviewing the applicants to determine eligibility, searching County records for ownership information and possible liens, and writing specifications for reconstruction bids.
Kain’s knowledge and expertise gained from his prior tenure as Field Coordinator with Milford Housing Development Corporation has proven to be an instrumental asset. Over the past few months Kain has exhibited an exemplary amount of diligence and management competencies while performing much of the workload of the Housing and Community Development Supervisor, during his absence.
According to Kent County Director of Planning Services Sarah Keifer, “Kain has demonstrated great dedication and leadership skills through recent staffing challenges. He’s had to undertake coordinating day to day operations with contractors along with new hire training and has done so without complaint. His effectiveness and proficiency with staff as well as clients and contractors make him an invaluable member of the Housing & Community Development Team.”
Congratulations Kain on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected ASHLEY E. deCENTO from the Department of Public Safety as the August 2022 Employee of the Month.
Ashley has been a Kent County employee since December 2015 and holds the position of Paramedic II. Her primary duties include responding to emergency medical calls to treat patients using advanced emergency care procedures. She also serves as a Field Training Officer with additional responsibilities for training paramedic students assigned to her shift through practical experience in all aspects of medical care delivery in accordance with established protocols, guidelines, written or verbal instructions from physicians.
Ashley’s commitment as Team Leader for the Critical Incident Stress Management response offering emotional support to paramedics and others involved during their time of need has proven critical. Her prudent use of an Emotional Support Dog (Jasper) brings joy to many during the toughest of times.
According to Kent County Director of Public Safety Colin Faulkner, “Ashley’s accomplishments and dedication to duty are evident. She has been involved in several programs in the Department and most recently CISM….and of course, Ashley introduced us to her pup…the much loved Jasper. Thank you, Ashley, for being an outstanding Employee and for always going the extra mile every day!”
Congratulations Ashley on a job well done!
Kent County Department Heads have selected APRIL G. DURHAM from the Administration Department as the July 2022 Employee of the Month.
April has been a Kent County employee since December 2013 and holds the position of Mailroom Clerk. Her primary duties include processing and metering mail from all County departments, processing incoming and outgoing packages through the U.S. Postal Service as well as receiving and delivering shipments from carrier companies. In addition, she is responsible for photocopying Levy Court meeting packets, and various other documents in support of County offices.
Over her 8 ½ years of service, April has been very helpful in providing immediate service to onsite customers and assisting various departments with completing special projects in a timely manner.
According to Kent County Administrator Michael Petit de Mange, “April plays an essential role in the success of this organization and her work touches virtually every Department. With an eye for detail, April is highly organized and sees that incoming and outgoing materials are processed promptly and accurately. She covers a lot of ground in the course of a day, and is always ready to help fellow Employees and the Public with grace and a friendly smile. Thank you April for being an outstanding Employee and for always going the extra mile every day!”
Congratulations April on a job well done!
MARK KENNEDY
Kent County Employee Council selected and Kent County Levy Court has honored MARK C. KENNEDY from the Department of Administration-Information Technology Office as the 2022 Employee of the Year!
Mark, the Media Systems Coordinator in the Information Technology Office, has worked for Kent County since March 2005. His primary duties include operation of the digital, audio and computer systems to facilitate viewing of Levy Court, Regional Planning Commission, and other Board and Committee meetings as well as design and coordination of the County’s media messaging system and website maintenance.
In addition to maintaining the video information display monitors in the County Administrative Complex and posting announcements on the County website, Mark is a highly skilled video production editor, creating several public service videos for the County including such topics as swimming pool safety, the comprehensive plan development, and Kent County Public Library.
In 2022, Mark served as the Project Lead in transforming County Conference Rooms into Virtual Meeting Spaces, which now feature full audio/visual connectivity via Microsoft Teams, and he actively managed the selection process for a vendor to design a new Kent County Website and will monitor that progress.
According to County Administrator Mike Petit de Mange, “Mark is an extremely knowledgeable and valued member of the County Team. His commitment to public service is evident in so many ways and is demonstrated every day through our ability to keep citizens informed and to participate in the business of County Government. Visitors to our meeting rooms regularly comment about the high quality of our facilities and our support Staff, and specifically about the excellent service of Mark Kennedy. Mark is always ready to help, even for special events on evenings and weekends. He is very deserving of this recognition.”
Congratulations Mark!
Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce
Delaware Division of Small Business
Choose Central Delaware
Greater Kent Committee
Comprehensive Plan
