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The Secretary’s Award for Excellence 2016

The Secretary’s Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions. 

This year's winners are listed below, along with a description of their contributions and achievements:

For innovation in installing hydrographic survey equipment on Coast Guard Cutters that has sped up hydrographic survey work in the sub-arctic region.

David M. Seris, USCG
Juneau, AK

For providing outstanding support to the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas and the Karnes Family Residential Center in Kansas City, Texas.

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to Jennine Gilbeau, National Protection and Programs Directorate during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016.
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to Jennine Gilbeau, National Protection and Programs Directorate during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)

For leadership in planning and conducting 54 cybersecurity exercises in direct support of DHS mission to lead the national effort to secure and enhance the resilience of the Nation's infrastructure.

Jennine Gilbeau, NPPD
Arlington, VA

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to Emilio Hernandez, National Protection and Programs Directorate during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016.
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to Emilio Hernandez, National Protection and Programs Directorate during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)

For exemplary performance and collaboration within DHS and the wider law enforcement community through innovations that have led to the development of several new programs and improvement of many more.

Emilio Hernandez, NPPD
Brunswick, GA

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to Gregory A. James, U.S. Secret Service, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016.
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to Gregory A. James, U.S. Secret Service, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)

For leading his team in transitioning numerous critical mainframe applications and associated data using new and improved technologies.

Gregory A. James, USSS
Washington, DC

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to Glen E. Terry, U.S. Secret Service, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016.
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to Glen E. Terry, U.S. Secret Service, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)

For outstanding service in the areas of digital forensic, data storage, and data recovery policies and strategies in support of USSS’ investigative mission.

Glen E. Terry, USSS
Washington, DC

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to Lorra Michelle Breeland, Federal Emergency Management Agency, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016.
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to Lorra Michelle Breeland, Federal Emergency Management Agency, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)

For outstanding leadership of the West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters Bridge Project, resulting in the construction of 17 bridges with over 300 more on the list to be built.

Lorra Michelle Breeland, FEMA
Philadelphia, PA

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Instruction - Disclosure of 1367 Information Team Amy Cucinella, Miriam R. Moore, Wendy Crompton, Colleen Zengotitabengoa, and Rena Cutlip-Mason, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016.
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Instruction - Disclosure of 1367 Information Team Amy Cucinella, Miriam R. Moore, Wendy Crompton, Colleen Zengotitabengoa, and Rena Cutlip-Mason, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)

For issuing Department-wide guidance about how and when information regarding immigration and the Violence against Women Act may legitimately be used.

Instruction – Disclosure of 1367 Information Team
Washington, DC

Amy Cucinella, CRCL
Wendy Crompton, CIS
Colleen Zengotitabengoa, CIS
Rena Cutlip-Mason, DOJ

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to the U.S. Coast Guard's Maritime Intelligence Fusion Center, Intelligence Watch Officer Team Lt. Timothy S. Williams, Lt. James D. Phillips, Lt. Jeffrey T. Melville, Lt. Alfonso V. Kealy, Lt. Justin A. Parker, Lt. j.g. Judge Michael R. Vives, Ensign Thomas E. Peebles, Christopher M. Henry, and Gilbert Lopez, and Daniel Brick, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to the U.S. Coast Guard's Maritime Intelligence Fusion Center, Intelligence Watch Officer Team Lt. Timothy S. Williams, Lt. James D. Phillips, Lt. Jeffrey T. Melville, Lt. Alfonso V. Kealy, Lt. Justin A. Parker, Lt. j.g. Judge Michael R. Vives, Ensign Thomas E. Peebles, Christopher M. Henry, and Gilbert Lopez, and Daniel Brick, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)

For developing an innovative multi-faceted tipping and cueing process to alert inter-agency partners to illicit and suspect maritime and air activity along the California Coastal Region and Baja, Mexico.

Maritime Intelligence Fusion Center, Intelligence Watch Officer Team
Alameda, CA

Lieutenant Timothy S. Williams, USCG
Lieutenant James D. Phillips, USCG
Lieutenant Jeffrey T. Melville, USCG
Lieutenant Alfonso V. Kealy, USCG
Lieutenant Justin A. Parker, USCG
Lieutenant Judge Michael R. Vives, USCG
Ensign Thomas E. Peebles, USCG
Christopher M. Henry, USCG
Gilbert Lopez, CBP
Daniel Brick, CBP

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Award for Excellence to the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office TraPac Radiation Scanning for Automated Operations Team
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Award for Excellence to the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office TraPac Radiation Scanning for Automated Operations Team members John W. Beck, John Blackadar, Brian Daw, Kenneth A. Maddox, Todd Pardue, Paul F. Spraggs, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers Antonio R. Bello, Calvin Coleman, Raymond P. Kraft, Fred D. Owen, Paul H. Summers, Lafonda D. Sutton-Burke, and Marion Cordova, Office of the General Council, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)

For fielding a new and innovative conveyor-based radiation scanning system that will result in significant operational improvements in scanning transport cargo containers.

TraPac Radiation Scanning for Automated Operations Team
Washington, DC

John W. Beck, DNDO
John Blackadar, DNDO
Brian Daw, DNDO
Kenneth A. Maddox, DNDO
Todd Pardue, DNDO
Paul F. Spraggs, DNDO
Antonio R. Bello, CBP
Calvin Coleman, CBP
Raymond P. Kraft, CBP
Fred D. Owen, CBP
Paul H. Summers, CBP
Lafonda D. Sutton-Burke, CBP
Laura M. Tapia, CBP
Marion Cordova, OGC

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Glynco Lodging Team Luke Rhaney, Anthony Overstreet, Eric J. Sizemore, Angel A. Melendez, Michael Harris, Diana M. Pomerov, Sheila Henley, Annie A. Price, Erin Wofford, Sheryle Wood and Sharon D. Bodford
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Glynco Lodging Team Luke Rhaney, Anthony Overstreet, Eric J. Sizemore, Angel A. Melendez, Michael Harris, Diana M. Pomerov, Sheila Henley, Annie A. Price, Erin Wofford, Sheryle Wood and Sharon D. Bodford, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)

For working diligently to ensure maximum usage of on-campus dormitory resources and the highest quality off-campus hotel rooms for students.

Glynco Lodging Team
Glynco, GA

Luke Rhaney, FLETC
Anthony Overstreet, FLETC
Eric J. Sizemore, FLETC
Angel A. Melendez, FLETC
Michael Harris, FLETC
Diana M. Pomeroy, FLETC
Sheila Henley, FLETC
Annie A. Price, FLETC
Erin Wofford, FLETC
Sheryle Wood, FLETC
Sharon D. Bodford, FLETC

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Checklist Team Jason A. Tarbet, Steven Douglas, Michael L. Kane, Harriett M. Hufford, Tracy Ware Odetunmibi, Eva M. Daniel, David P. Badger, Felicia M. Cameron, Michael M. Rehor, and Robert M. Corleto
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Checklist Team Jason A. Tarbet, Steven Douglas, Michael L. Kane, Harriett M. Hufford, Tracy Ware Odetunmibi, Eva M. Daniel, David P. Badger, Felicia M. Cameron, Michael M. Rehor, and Robert M. Corleto, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)

For outstanding accomplishment in improving customer service and creating an annual savings of more than $5 million dollars.

USCIS Checklist Team
Dallas, TX

Jason A. Tarbet, CIS
Steven Douglas, CIS
Michael L. Kane, CIS
Harriett M. Hufford, CIS
Tracy Ware Odetunmibi, CIS
Eva M. Daniel, CIS
David P. Badger, CIS
Felicia M. Cameron, CIS
Michael M. Rehor, CIS
Robert M. Corleto, CIS

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to members of the Transportation Security Administration Incident Command Center Benjamin Sears, Lalit Lal, David Siegmund, Rashad Smith, Julian Williams, Andrew Johnson, Joseph Illar, Mohamad Mirghahari, Randy Cotton, and Paul Wisniewski
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to members of the Transportation Security Administration Incident Command Center Benjamin Sears, Lalit Lal, David Siegmund, Rashad Smith, Julian Williams, Andrew Johnson, Joseph Illar, Mohamad Mirghahari, Randy Cotton, and Paul Wisniewski, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)

For establishing the TSA Incident Command Center, an initiative that has brought together government and industry to reduce passenger wait times during air travel surges.

Incident Command Center
Washington, DC

Benjamin Sears, TSA
Lalit Lal, TSA
David Siegmund, TSA
Rashad Smith, TSA
Julian Williams, TSA
Andrew Johnson, TSA
Joseph Illar, TSA
Mohamad Mirghahari, TSA
Randy Cotton, TSA
Paul Wisniewski, TSA

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to members of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Insider Threat Group Michael G. Tirrell, Joseph Arnold, and Richard Balfour, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016.
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to members of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Insider Threat Group Michael G. Tirrell, Joseph Arnold, and Richard Balfour, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)

For significant contributions in establishing the ICE Insider Threat Program.

ICE Insider Threat Group
Washington, DC

Michael G. Tirrell, ICE
Joseph Arnold, ICE
Richard Balfour, ICE

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to members of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Counterintelligence Team Christopher R. Pascua, Jason A. Axley, Jessica L. Nelson, Carlos L. Romero, Errol B. Van Ommeren, Sean R. Sullivan, and Brian M. Hahn.
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to members of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Counterintelligence Team Christopher R. Pascua, Jason A. Axley, Jessica L. Nelson, Carlos L. Romero, Errol B. Van Ommeren, Sean R. Sullivan, and Brian M. Hahn, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)

For outstanding collaboration in creating a program resulting in demonstrable improvements in operational security in ICE's counterintelligence mission.

ICE Counterintelligence Team
Washington, DC

Christopher R. Pascua, ICE
Jason A. Axley, ICE
Jessica L. Nelson, ICE
Carlos L. Romero, ICE
Errol B. Van Ommeren, ICE
Sean R. Sullivan, ICE
Brian M. Hahn, ICE

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to members of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Mobile Workplace Phase 2 Project Team.
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to members of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Mobile Workplace Phase 2 Project Team Trent Frazier, Jill Daughtery, Cortne Sherwood, William J. Scott, Anna Counihan, Kaitlin Seale, Trina Dixon, Kwame Lawson, Darlene Leavell, Mailyn Tapscott, James Daniels, Robert Corbin, Sean Harmon, Deivy Casso, Sherrees Willis, and Seong Jeon, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)

For outstanding management in moving 550 participants from a traditional office setting to a new mobile work environment.

Mobile Workplace Phase 2 Project Team
Washington, DC

Trent Frazier, CBP
Cortne Sherwood, CBP
William J. Scott, CBP
Anna Counihan, CBP
Kaitlin Seale, CBP
Trina Dixon, CBP
Kwame Lawson, CBP
Darlene Leavell, CBP
Mailyn Tapscott, CBP
James Daniels, CBP
Robert Corbin, CBP
Deivy Casso, CBP
Sherrees Willis, CBP

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to Kim Cochenour on behalf of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Electronic Collection Team Dean Baker, Abigail Hake, Morgan Jones, Emily Morris, and William Smith.
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to Kim Cochenour on behalf of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Electronic Collection Team Dean Baker, Abigail Hake, Morgan Jones, Emily Morris, and William Smith, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)

For demonstrating the ability to quickly adapt to a change in deadline from 4 months to 9 days, while seamlessly continuing collection operations at ports of entry without reverting to manual collections actions. 

Electronic Collection Team
Indianapolis, IN

Dean Baker, CBP
Kim Cochenour, CBP
Abigail Hake, CBP
Morgan Jones, CBP
Emily Morris, CBP
William Smith, CBP

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to the National Protection and Programs Directorate Umpqua College Active Shooter Response Team Michael Foster, Dustin Smith, Glen Patrick, William Turner, and Douglas Rommes.
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to the National Protection and Programs Directorate Umpqua College Active Shooter Response Team Michael Foster, Dustin Smith, Glen Patrick, William Turner, and Douglas Rommes, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)

For providing outstanding support to secure surrounding federal facilities following the mass shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon.  

Response Team: Umpqua College Active Shooter
Roseburg, OR

Michael Foster, NPPD
Dustin Smith, NPPD
Glen Patrick, NPPD
William Turner, NPPD
Douglas Rommes, NPPD

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award the Federal Emergency Management Manufactured Housing Unit Team.
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award the Federal Emergency Management Manufactured Housing Unit Team Abraham D. Gunn, Matthew D. Rabkin, Robert W. Hawkins, Edward E. Taylor, Brenda L. Taylor, Rashaan A. Edwards, Lawrence A. McKenna, Jr, and Edwin E. Martinez, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)

For successfully integrating new fire sprinkler systems into FEMA's Manufactured Housing Units within a strict timeline while maintaining full compliance with U.S Housing and Urban Development and U.S. Fire Administration standards.

Manufactured Housing Unit Team
Washington, DC

     Abraham D. Gunn, FEMA     
Matthew D. Rabkin, FEMA   
Robert W. Hawkins, FEMA
Edward E.  Taylor, FEMA     
Brenda L.  Taylor, FEMA      
Rashaan A. Edwards, FEMA  
Lawrence A. McKenna, Jr, FEMA     
Edwin E. Martinez, FEMA

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award the Management Directorate Procurement Innovation Lab Team Eric Cho, Dave Clemens, Karlos Morgan, Amira Reiss, Laura Auletta, and Soraya Correa.
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award the Management Directorate Procurement Innovation Lab Team Eric Cho, Dave Clemens, Karlos Morgan, Amira Reiss, Laura Auletta, and Soraya Correa, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)

For providing the framework for a safe place in which acquisition staff can experiment with, and share innovative procurement techniques resulting in more efficient processes across DHS.

Procurement Innovation Lab Team
Washington, DC

Eric Cho, MGMT
Dave Clemens, MGMT
Karlos Morgan, MGMT
Amira Reiss, MGMT
Laura Auletta, MGMT
Soraya Correa, MGMT

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to the Management Directorate DHS Data Framework Team.
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to the Management Directorate DHS Data Framework Team Donna Roy, Paul Reynolds, Shantelle Coleman, Benjamin Phelps, Yentzu Chen, and Office of Intelligence and Analysis members David Bottom, Charles Aaron, Lori Vislocky, Benjamin Stefano, Mary Petersen, Debra Danisek, Andy Fausett, and Office of Civil rights and Civil Liberties members Miriam Moore, James McNeely, Johannes Knudsen, Jennifer S. Brand, Bonni Berge, and Office of Policy Andrew Durkot, Jennifer Murray, Kellie Riley, and Office of Privacy and Tina Glover, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)

For contributions to the DHS Data Framework as the DHS solution to increase data access and information sharing while improving protections and safeguarding data.

DHS Data Framework Team
Washington, DC

Donna Roy, MGMT
Paul Reynolds, MGMT
Shantelle Coleman, MGMT
Benjamin Phelps, MGMT
Yentzu Chen, MGMT
David Bottom, OIA
Charles Aaron, OIA
Lori Vislocky, OIA
Benjamin Stefano, OIA
Mary Petersen, OIA
Debra Danisek, OIA
Andy Fausett, OIA
Miriam Moore, CRCL
James McNeely, CRCL
Johannes Knudsen, CRCL
Jennifer S. Brand, CRCL
Bonni Berge, CRCL
Andrew Durkot, PLCY
Jennifer Murray
Kellie Riley,PRIV
Tina Glover, CBP

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to the Management Directorate Cybersecurity Team.
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to the Management Directorate Cybersecurity Team Matthew Z. Smith, Teresa Proctor, Chelsea Lemons, Mary Pickering, C Hemant Baidwan, Shila Cooch, Paul Beckman, Wendell Bonvillian, Gladys Garcia, and Kathryn Hazelwood, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)

For successfully responding to the OPM data breach by significantly advancing technological solutions, changing security training culture, and implementing business processes to address security gaps.

Cybersecurity Team
Washington, DC

Matthew Z. Smith, MGMT
Teresa Proctor, MGMT
Chelsea Lemons, MGMT
Mary Pickering, MGMT          
C Hemant Baidwan, MGMT
Shila Cooch, MGMT
Paul Beckman, MGMT
Wendell Bonvillian, MGMT
Gladys Garcia, MGMT
Kathryn Hazelwood, MGMT
Tamara Lilly, MGMT
Thomas DeBiase, MGMT

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to the Office of Intelligence and Analysis Homegrown Violent Extremist Mobilization Indicators and Outreach Team.
Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas presented the Secretary's Unit Award to the Office of Intelligence and Analysis Homegrown Violent Extremist Mobilization Indicators and Outreach Team Stephanie Maniglia, Megan Woolsey, Daniel Walsh and Abigail Williams, during the Secretary's Award Ceremony held Oct. 26, 2016. The Secretary's Award for Excellence recognizes outstanding individual achievement or innovation by an employee engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. This work may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of Department of Homeland Security missions. Official DHS photo by Barry Bahler. (DHS Photo by Barry Bahler/Released)

For conducting superior outreach  to state, local, tribal, and territorial  customers with regard to the potential ways to identify and mitigate the threat from violent extremists.

Homegrown Violent Extremist Mobilization Indicators and Outreach Team
Washington, DC

Stephanie Maniglia, OIA
Megan Woolsey, OIA
Daniel Walsh, OIA
Abigail Williams, OIA

Last Updated: 08/04/2021
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