Westerville Employee of the Year Announced

Dustin Fite Named Westerville Employee of the Year

Dustin Fite, Traffic Signal Technician | Westerville Electric Division (WED)

Congratulations to Dustin Fite, the City of Westerville’s 2021 Employee of the Year. Dustin is the first individual to hold the new position of full-time traffic signal technician. He was recognized for his ability to organize, think through processes, plan for projects, troubleshoot issues and work as a team member to benefit the entire Westerville community. Because of Dustin, intersections are safer for vehicles, pedestrians and emergency vehicles.

Dustin is known for an excellent work ethic, self-motivation and contagious positive attitude. He leads through a willingness to share his trade with the lineworkers at WED. Through Dustin’s initiative, he has replaced major intersection LED street signs, modernized Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) push buttons and the system that operates those traffic buttons and implemented a process to test how well a road loop is functioning. Thank you, Dustin.

WESTERVILLE EMPLOYEE “Excellence in Service”

Along with the Employee of the Year, City employees nominated eight other co-workers to be recognized as “Excellence in Service” providers in the categories of Customer Focus, Initiative, Work Ethic, Dependability/Accountability, Innovation, Leadership and Special Project Management. These winners include:

Work Ethic

Karen Grise Accounting Assistant Westerville Parks & Recreation

Karen is one of the silent, behind-the-scenes heroes of the Parks & Recreation services and activities adored by this community. She supports the operations of the Westerville Community Center each day, with detailorientated and highly accurate work, focused always on serving others. Karen makes every effort to help others in the department while approaching others with kindness and respect. Staff refer to her as the backbone of operations, as she processes finances, troubleshoots pass holder issues and oversees program fee issues. She is also involved in the hiring of hundreds of part-time and seasonal staff members. Karen is committed to efficiency and the impact fast, reliable service has on the department and patrons. Thank you, Karen!

Customer Focus

Kim Stambaugh Animal Control Officer Westerville Division of Police (WPD)

Kim Stambaugh’s customers often have four legs (sometimes her slithery customers have none). She cares for those who are lost, injured or both, and is often appreciated most by their humans. Kim is the City’s Animal Control Officer, and is the main point-of-contact for animal care and public education. If you have lost or found a pet, encountered a sick animal, or had a home invaded by a wild animal, you have learned that Kim provides uniquely compassionate and expert service. She is an expert in her field, working behind the scenes to promote the safety and welfare of all residents - especially those without a voice. Thank you, Kim!

Initiative

Jennifer Pendy Administrative Support Planning & Development

Throughout the pandemic,administrative clerks and office staff faced challenges in continuation of services while maintaining safe customer interactions. During this time, the always-smiling Jen stepped forward to ensure Planning & Development processes kept on track. She showed great initiative by taking on tasks without being asked, and kept plans in motion so that construction, renovation and repairs never stalled. For example, Jen kept the very important electronic plan submittal process functioning with minimal problems. In a time of uncertainty, Jen demonstrated resilience and persistence, always surpassing hurdles. She supports all divisions within the Planning & Development Department, recognizing opportunities to be collaborative and creative. Thank you, Jen!

Leadership/Flexibility

Joe Mara Maintenance Specialist Westerville Parks & Recreation

Joe always carries himself as a leader during daily requirements, doing so under often and quickly changing job demands. He works to understand needs, asks questions when needed and gets the job done for the good of the community. With many facilities and amenities to maintain, no two days are the same. When emergencies happen or priorities shift, Joe is thoughtful about the job and problem at-hand. He is known for seeking out new and unexpected solutions, introducing ideas to increase efficiency and efficacy. Thank you, Joe!

Dependability/Accountability

Sam Trautman User Support Analyst, Information Systems

Sam is a staff champion whose work is critical to the City’s everyday function. As an Information Systems professional, he helps keep technology and service running smoothly so public services are not interrupted. Recently, Sam took his office mobile and essentially relocated to Westerville City Hall to get staff through a “simple” carpet installation. That work required entire offices and workstations to be moved out and back overnight, with the goal to plug back in and be connected by daybreak. Sam made certain the process was convenient and stress-free for the team. Sam’s demeanor is upbeat and happy to be helping out. He focuses on addressing issues for successful resolutions, all with a smile. He is not only responsive but able to communicate easily and empathetically to solve problems, big and small. Thank you, Sam!

Innovation

Jeremy Savage Line Supervisor Westerville Electric Division

Jeremy, or JJ, is a well-respected leader among his fellow line workers at WED. As a member of the WED team that updates and upgrades department standards, he strives to learn and progress, and share his expertise with the crew. JJ readily embraces new ideas and technology to improve safety and efficiency. In a profession centered on electricity, JJ can be counted on during stressful outage situations to maintain his wits, pressing forward safely. As the leader of a crew of line workers, this is critically important and a testament to the respected reliability WED offers. Even though he is an expert in his field, JJ listens to suggestions and is willing to go with the best idea based on merit. He always anticipates the next steps of each project, embracing the best ideas that use technology to improve safety and efficiency. Thank you, JJ!

Special Project - WPD Accreditation

Dan Pignatelli Police Officer, Professional Standards Westerville Division of Police

Office Dan Pignatelli took on a massive project in 2021: the first-ever effort to earn national accreditation for the Westerville Division of Police. As a member of the Professional Standards Bureau, Ofc. Pignatelli was charged with the pursuit of CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) accreditation (see page 11.) Fewer than 10% of all police agencies in the state of Ohio are accredited, so the prestigious award is reserved for the best of the best. Ofc. Pignatelli evaluated more than 600 standards required for the process over an 18-month period. He worked subject matter experts, supervisors and managers to amend, create, and re-release nearly 170 policies. This year, Ofc. Pignatelli oversaw several off-site virtual assessments and interviews for assessors. Through his leadership, WPD earned compliance with zero outstanding issues to correct - an extraordinary achievement for Ofc. Pignatelli and WPD. Thank you, Dan!