Spotlight Award
James Gordon
Health Science Education administrative assistant James Gordon has garnered a reputation as the ultimate team player. He’s not only done great things in his own division, but has also assisted in with just about every CareerTech student organization conference, through judging or other assistance.
He’s helped CTSO coordinators by doing whatever needs to be done, whether it’s helping competitions happen or checking to make sure student officers look their best before heading on stage. Perhaps it’s because he was a member of multiple student organizations in high school and as an adult CareerTech student.
Gordon has more than lived up to his own professional mantra, seen at the bottom of all his emails: “Always glad to be of help.”
Team Spotlight Award
Shawna Nord and Julie Childers
This dynamic duo from the Counseling and Career Development division has helped to smooth the transition into the new graduation requirements. Nord serves as manager of the division, and Childers is an academic coordinator.
They have helped their fellow student services staff members and counselors understand what the requirements will look like, how they’ll work in practice and how they can be used to make CareerTech’s programs work even better than before.
As a result, Nord and Childers have overseen improvements in curriculum design and instructional quality and in preparing students for what’s next, whether it’s the work force or postsecondary education. These two are not only knowledgeable on the situation, but also patient and compassionate professionals who work to uplift everyone they work with.
Their hard work has already left a lasting impact on CareerTech Education across the state.
Rising Star Awards
Maretta Cheek
Maretta Cheek, a staff accountant in the Financial Services division, has made the infamously complex travel claims process a whole lot easier. Her exceptional attention to detail, proactive communication and unwavering dedication ensures every aspect of the process is flawlessly executed. Her service reflects a deep commitment to excellence.
In her short time at the agency, she’s has come to be on a first-name basis with many of the travel preparers and has gone out of her way to be patient with them, keeping stress at bay while working out the issues.
This level of professionalism and reliability not only enhances the travel experience, but also contributes significantly to the overall success of the agency.
Ashley Jacobs
Workforce and Economic Development regional coordinator Ashley Jacobs has been ready to go since day one, and it wasn’t easy. She was given a large territory of 12 technology centers to coordinate, but she met the challenge with expansive knowledge of the K-12 system and her disarming humor.
Within two weeks of her start date last July, Jacobs was serving her schools independently and developing K-12 monthly updates to the field.
To better understand the needs and challenges of the K-12 superintendents she serves, she chose to pursue certification as a principal. In turn, those she works with have described her as “professional, knowledgeable and a valuable resource.”
She continually asks for additional assignments and always offers her assistance whenever and wherever she may be needed.
