The Utah Public Employees’ Association (UPEA) is proud to participate in the Public Employee Salute Program. The idea for the program began in 1999, when a past UPEA executive director noticed that KSL Radio had a special segment to recognize Utah teachers. The segment is commonly known as the “Teacher Feature.” However, there was no feature recognizing Utah’s public employees. The following year, the UPEA and Mountain America Credit Union Public Employee Salute program began.
The Public Employee Salute Recognition Luncheon was held at the UPEA office on Oct. 2. Salute recipients represented various state and county agencies and traveled from around the state to attend the event. UPEA is grateful for the continued support of Mountain America Credit Union to recognize Utah’s public employees.
The following individuals have been nominated and recognized with the Public Employee Salute:
August
Kendall Black
Kendall Black is a caseworker with the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS). She is compassionate, thoughtful, and a helpful coworker and caseworker. She gives her clients 100% of her efforts while also doing the same for her coworkers. She is always willing to cover visits for coworkers and offers helpful stories regarding her experience in the field. She has a heart of gold and it shows in her work.
Elitza Pitones
Elitza Pitones is a hardworking caseworker with DCFS. She desires to help others in need, and consistently goes above and beyond. She maintains her compassion despite all the difficulties she faces. Pitones is committed to the parents, children, and foster parents working with DCFS.
Mylitta Barrett
Mylitta Barrett is currently a data scientist with the Office of Inspector General over Medicaid. She previously worked for the Department of Health and the Department of Energy and has worked for the state for a total of 26 years. She is known for doing a great job pulling data request for the OIG and helping others understand the complexity of Medicaid data.
Justin Seely
Justin Seely is a program coordinator for Juvenile Justice Services. He has worked for the state for 19 years and is one of those people who always go above and beyond. He works extremely hard making sure everyone knows how to do the BMS. He is a caring person who is always there for his employees.
September
Cindy Nielson
Cindy Nielson is a Living Skills Workshop supervisor for the Utah State Development Center. She has an amazing attitude and is always willing to help wherever is needed. She goes above and beyond her assigned duties and is always willing to rearrange her schedule when something comes up and staffers need assistance. Her positive attitude and willingness to listen are appreciated by all.
Tammy Knight
Tammy Knight is a senior business analyst for the Office of Recovery Services. She has been a state employee for more than 20 years and continues to give 110% to her work duties. She is a dedicated employee who treats everyone with kindness and respect. Knight also serves as a notary public for customers, assisting them in completing required documentation so they may receive the agency services they need.
Marjorie Rasmussen
Marjorie Rasmussen is a Region 2 East traffic engineer for the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT). She really cares about people and works tirelessly to keep Utah moving safely. She is always willing to explain the conclusions that UDOT has reached about certain issues.
Rachel Black
Rachel Black is an environmental health scientist for the Salt Lake County Health Department. She is very dedicated to protecting the public’s health and is part of the food-borne illness team. She is appreciated by her coworkers and is a valued asset to the Health Department.
October
Gary Cox
Gary Cox is a supervisor for the UDOT Motor Carrier Division. He gives everyone he meets the opportunity to express themselves and their ideas without interruption, acknowledging where they can excel in the workplace. He works side by side with his employees, encouraging teamwork and leading by example. Cox takes UDOT’s mission to heart.
Luke Prinz
Luke Prinz is a very dedicated employee of the Salt Lake County Health Department. As an environmental health scientist, Prinz works hard to protect public health and is the mobile unit coordinator. He is always willing to help his coworkers and is very supportive. He is a great asset to the Health Department.
Stephanie Lupeamanu
Stephanie Lupeamanu is the supervisor for the Gemstone Girls Program for Juvenile Justice Services. She has helped create a team that works together; she uses her education and leadership skills to help problem solve and create results for the population served.
Jay Dominguez
Jay Dominguez is a qualified intellectual disabilities professional with the Utah State Developmental Center. He is an excellent example for those he works with and always gives his full attention. He is often the disc jockey during special events, playing favorite songs, and he is willing to step in and help.
UPEA wants to congratulate all of our Public Employee Salute honorees and thank them for their extraordinary work for the state of Utah. The Public Employee Salute is an ongoing program UPEA is proud to be a part of. Please nominate any coworkers who you believe deserve recognition for their hard work.