PennDOT Honors Star of Excellence Recipients

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Yassmin Gramian today recognized 29 PennDOT employees for their outstanding performance with the Star of Excellence Award, PennDOT’s highest recognition.  Twoemployeesfrom PennDOT’s District 4 whichrepresents Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyomingcountieswere among the honorees.

“These employees represent the many incredible members of the PennDOT team,” Gramian said. “With a focus on innovation, customer service, mobility and community connections, they work tirelessly each day to provide safe and efficient transportation for Pennsylvania’s residents.”

Gramian and other department executives honored winners Summer Koziel and Robert McGavin during an event held at the Governor’s Residence.

“Both Summer and Robert have truly excelled in their service to the travelling public in northeast Pennsylvania.  They are both stars within our organization and work at a very high level everyday” said Richard Roman, District Executive for PennDOT Engineering District 4, based in Dunmore.

Summer is a Senior Project Manager in our Design Division’s Liaison Unit.  She manages Consultant Designers in preparing and coordinating design packages to be let by the Department. Summer is currently managing 30 projects, which include many complex interstate projects. 

Summer developed a OneNote “District 4-0 Liaison Project Manager Reference Manual”.  As Ms. Koziel was learning the process through her manager and other Liaison Project Managers, she noted how to handle various District processes and preferences that a Project Manager may not specifically find in any manual. 

Cost savings were realized through internal preparation of the Liaison Project Manager Reference Manual, rather through consultant documentation and subsequent employee training the District saw a one-time savings of $40,000. In addition, cost savings were realized by Ms. Koziel assisting in wetland delineations and providing documentation for permitting as needed, rather than consultant delivery saving $10,000 yearly.

Summer is recognized by her peers as a positive and hardworking employee who can take on any task.  Summer is respected by the numerous consultants she manages and District staff.

Robert “Bobby” McGavin’ s daily accomplishments regularly touch on many of the values and strategic themes of the Department.  As Sign Foreman in Wyoming County, Bobby and his crew always do their jobs with safety and quality in mind.

Over the past two years, Bobby has acted as a Highway Maintenance Coordinator in Wyoming County and has helped the County to achieve reductions in accident and injury rates.  As acting HMC, Bobby strives to provide a quality customer experience.

Bobby is regularly recognized by his peers for his work in improved productivity and customer service saving the District $11,261.25.  From completing a slide repair on SR 2013, to improving drainage on SR 1003 near Lake Carey, Bobby is noticed for his accomplishments, and that of his team.