Wallis named ODOT’s Division One Employee of the Year for 2014; Jacobs named Employee of the Quarter

Oklahoma Department of Transportation workers Sam Wallis and Billy Jacobs were recently honored as Division One Employee of the Year and Employee of the Quarter, respectively. Division One is headquartered in Muskogee and is responsible for highway construction and maintenance in Adair, Cherokee, Haskell, McIntosh, Muskogee, Okmulgee, Sequoyah and Wagoner counties.

Sam Wallis was named Division One Employee of the Year for 2014. He has worked for ODOT for 24 years and is currently a Transportation Superintendent II at the division headquarters in Muskogee. Wallis has a reputation as a helpful and resourceful manager with a focus on safety. He was nominated by several fellow coworkers who had this to say about his work:

“Sam is always thinking safety first, and that all equipment and materials are in place before starting work.”

“Sam has helped other counties in our division with jobs that would normally be contracted out and saved the state a lot of money.”

He and his wife, Gloria, live in Muskogee and have three sons, Rob, Randy and Brad, eight grandchildren and two grandchildren. In his spare time Wallis enjoys fishing and riding horses.

Division One employees are anonymously nominated by their coworkers for the honor, which recognizes exceptional work and the highest standards in job performance throughout the year. 

Billy Jacobs was named fourth quarter Employee of the Quarter for Divisions One. The award recognizes dedication and hard work and is given to employees who consistently exhibit the highest standards in job performance.

Jacobs has worked for ODOT for 17 years and is a Transportation Superintendent II, at the Sequoyah County Maintenance Yard. To his coworkers, Jacobs is known for his diligence and attention to detail.

A coworker who anonymously nominated him said, “Billy prepares for the jobs in advance by making all attempts to ensure all vehicles and equipment are in proper working order.”

Jacobs was nominated not only for his diligence but his thriftiness around the maintenance yard.

“Billy tries to think of ways to use salvaged parts and supplies around the yard to make adjustments to the building and equipment when repairs need to be addressed,” a coworker said. “He has great working relationships with the other superintendents in the division. His positive attitude, confidence and open door policy make for a pleasant work environment.”

Jacobs and his wife, Carla, have two children, Randa and Carson. In his spare time he enjoys team roping, going to the lake and spending time with his family.

Sam Wallis

Billy Jacobs