The Resource Fourth Quarter 2017
In this Issue: Remembering the Fallen Open Enrollment NCFLex Benefit Meet the Secretary an interview with Secretary Eric Boyette Honoring CPM Graduates The Rescue of “Bridger” the Cat - a 2017 Favorite Story
Office of State Human Resources
These have been difficult months for state employees with the loss of three of our Department of Public Safety employees in Pasquotank and Bertie Counties. In this issue of The Resource, we want to honor Sgt. Meggan Callahan, who died in April; and Correction Enterprises manager Veronica Darden and Correctional Officer Justin Smith, whom we lost this month. We are reminded that many state jobs are challenging, and employees put their lives on the line every day. We hope our memorial page speaks to our heartfelt loss and our support of families, friends and communities who are grieving along with DPS coworkers. Caring for the well-being and health of family members and ourselves is a top priority for all state employees. DO NOT FORGET TO ENROLL FOR YOUR BENEFITS. OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR NCFLEX AND THE STATE HEALTH PLAN RUNS THROUGH OCTOBER 31. Please act now. (page 3 ) Other information in this issue includes an update on the Statewide Classification and Compensation project. In our new Meet the Secretary section, we introduce you to DIT Secretary Eric Boyette. And congratulate a state employee who was recently inducted into a Hall of Fame. Many state agencies are partnering to save lives in the fight against the opioid epidemic. The public is encouraged to participate in the Statewide Operation Medicine Drop on Saturday, Oct. 28. See page 8 for more information and a link to find the Medicine Drop location in your area. Share the information with your community. Another date to mark on your calendar is November 30, which ends the election period to receive an electronic W-2 form. (page 5) Preventing animal cruelty is one reason for our story on “Bridger,” the cat who was thrown from an Outer Banks bridge. It’s one of state employees’ favorite stories of 2017. Our update on Bridger— and his rescuer, Department of Transportation employee Reece Newman—not only may warm your heart, but also help us all to remember efforts against animal cruelty. (page 9) As we enter the holiday season, please take advantage of the varied employee benefits available to you, ranging from the Employee Assistance Program (to assist with depression, stress or other concerns), to the improved WeSave employee discount program for convenience and savings. OSHR wishes you and your family the best in health and peace as we all prepare for the holiday season, recognizing it comes with a mix of joy, sorrows, and hopes.
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Barbara Gibson Director, Office of State Human Resources
Remembering the Fallen “Those who work in our prisons do a difficult and demanding job that is critical to our safety. We’re grateful to these fallen prison employees for their service, and we offer our condolences to their families, friends, coworkers and community on this tragic loss.” - Governor Roy Cooper Correctional Officer Sgt. Meggan Lee Callahan, 29 provided security in the Bertie Correctional Institution. She had worked as a correctional officer since 2012 and was promoted to sergeant in 2016. Sgt Callahan was killed in the line of duty on April 26, 2017 Correction Enterprises Manager Veronica “Ronnie” Darden, 50, supervised and trained inmates working in the Specialty Sewing Plant at Pasquotank Correctional Institution. She had been a Correction Enterprises employee since 2007 and previously worked as a correctional officer. Mrs. Darden was killed in the line of duty on October 12, 2017. Correctional Officer Justin Smith, 35, provided security in the Correction Enterprises Specialty Sewing Plant at Pasquotank Correctional Institution. He had worked as a correctional officer since 2012. Officer Smith was killed in the line of duty on October 12, 2017.
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Photo by Alexandra Seinet on Unsplash
A Healthy Reminder! OPEN ENROLLMENT ends OCTOBER 31st This is the time of year when you have an opportunity to make changes to your elections for the upcoming 2018 plan year. Don’t miss your chance to enroll or make changes to your benefits for 2018!
NEW! for 2018 Accident Plan
Accidents happen and most people do not have money set aside in case of an accident. The New Voya Accident Plan pays for specific injuries and events resulting from an accident such as a broken bone, concussion or torn knee cartilage. The money you receive can be used to offset medical deductibles, copays and coinsurance or for anything like everyday bills or groceries.
Health Care FSA Ever been worried about putting money in an FSA because you will lose it if you don’t spend it? Starting in 2018 for the 2019 plan, you can rollover up to $500 of unused funds! In addition, the annual limit has increased to $2,600. Did you know that you can use your FSA dollars to purchase eligible health products such as first aid kits, band aids or thermometers? Visit the FSAStore.com to see over 4,000 FSA eligible products that you can purchase using pre-tax dollars saving an average 30%.
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Dependent Day Care FSA Starting in 2018, you can use the NCFlex Convenience Card to pay for eligible dependent day care expenses, up to the balance in your DDCFSA acount or take a picture of the bill and upload it into the new mobile app for quicker reimbursement.
Vision In 2018 we will be offering EyeMed with a new, larger provider network plus lower rates! The Enhanced Plan comes with a higher frame allowance ($200) and higher contact lens allowance ($175). The FREE Core Wellness Vision option is still being offered and now includes a $50 lens allowance.
Dental Once again the rates on the High Option Dental have been lowered and still include the $5,000 annual maximum.
Important Reminders You must enroll in Accident, Health Care Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account if you want these benefits for 2018 All other plans will automatically rollover with the same coverage level as you have for 2017 Open Enrollment ends October 31st – so act now!
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Receive your W-2 Electronically A new option is available for employees with Employee Self-Service (ESS) access in the Integrated HR/Payroll portal to receive your W-2 forms for 2017 tax year electronically! Advantages to receiving your W-2 online include quicker access to your tax information, an online feature that will be more secure than receiving your information in the mail, and you can access the information at your convenience.
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We know many of you will want to take advantage of the new electronic option. To comply with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations, an employee must provide their consent to receive an electronic W-2 form instead of a paper copy. ACT NOW! The election period for consent for the 2017 tax year will run through November 30, 2017. Anyone not giving consent during this time will automatically receive a paper copy of their W-2 for the 2017 tax year to be mailed by January 31, 2018. Once your election is made to receive your W-2 electronically, it will be valid for all future years unless you change your consent to receive a paper copy. Elections made on December 1, 2017 and after will take effect for the next year’s W-2 form - not for tax year 2017. Regardless of the option chosen, employees will be able to view their W-2 in ESS after February 1, 2018 with a reissued status. NOTE: If an employee separates, the system will revert to send the employee a paper copy of their W-2 form since the employee will no longer have access to the Integrated HR/Payroll portal. Guides have been developed to help you through the process. For further information or questions, please send an email to best@osc.nc.gov and continue to check the portal page for important dates about W-2 form availability *This information was originally shared by Linda Combs, State Controller, with North Carolina State Employees on September 29, 2017.
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UPDATE: Statewide Classification and Compensation System Project The Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) and Agency Human Resources personnel continue working closely to implement the new Statewide Classification and Compensation System. Subject Matter Expert (SME) Teams have been developed to review and analyze positions by job families (a group of jobs involving similar types of work and requiring similar training, skills, knowledge and abilities). These Teams have been reviewing all proposed allocations, classification specifications, pay structures and pay grade placements for the new system. Each month Agency HR personnel review their current positions for proper classification within the new system by keeping the appropriate job descriptions up-to-date, evaluating to corresponding classifications and submitting to OSHR for continued validation through the SME Teams. Once the Agencies, OSHR and SME Teams are confident in the sustainability of the new system, we will set a firm implementation date. In addition, OSHR is honing the skills of all Agency HR professionals by offering training in Market Analysis, Basic Classification Skills and the Fair Labor Standards Act. These efforts to strengthen our HR workforce will ensure preparedness for the new Classification and Compensation System.
www.WeSave.com
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The 14th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, OCTOBER 28, 2017 Statewide Operation Medicine Drop Day is an example of several agencies working together to keep the citizens of North Carolina safe.
Find a LOCATION near you!
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SAVING “BRIDGER”: AN UPDATE ON A 2017 FAVORITE STORY By Melody Huter-Pillion Photography by Tim Hass, NC Departmennt of Transportation
“Bridger” the cat and his rescuers made headlines, literally around the world, in late spring 2017. But before we update you on Bridger’s progress, let’s start with that fateful day on the Croatan Sound. May 17, 2017 started as a normal day for Underwater Bridge Inspector Reece Newman and his Department of Transportation coworkers, Ben Presgrave and Billy Cox, in the state’s Outer Banks. “We were asked to do some inspections on the Old Manns Harbor Bridge, between Manns Harbor and Manteo,” recalls Newman. “We were getting ready to go under the water and check out some bridge pilings. We hadn’t quite gotten out of the boat, and Ben, my coworker, said he saw someone throw something off the bridge.” Unfortunately, litterbugs are not unusual, but the men in the DOT boat soon got an inkling something wasn’t right.
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“A minute later we could see something bobbing up and down by the bridge, and it looked like it might be alive. We stopped everything we were doing and I drove the boat over. We got right up beside it and sure enough it was a baby kitten. Just barely clinging on to life. He was just about to go under.” And the kitten was far from any land. “You don’t see a kitten swimming in the sound. We were more than a mile from land. He probably had no chance of getting back. We got him on board and thought, ‘Why would somebody do that?’ The SPCA is just a mile further from where they tossed him over the bridge. They could have easily have taken him to the SPCA.” The DOT workers took quick action. “My coworker scooped him up and we got him in the boat. We didn’t see who threw the kitten over because we were under the bridge, but we could hear the tires hitting the bridge. They were going pretty fast.”
Bridger naps with his adopted mom, Grouper.
Newman took the kitten to the vet, who pronounced the rescued feline to be about eightweeks-old, weighing under three pounds, but in good health, all things considered. “His nose was a bit scraped up when we got him, where he was trying to climb up the pilings, and there were barnacles on the pilings.” In October, five months later, time healed the scrapes, and living with his adopted family, the Newmans, has helped “Bridger” too. “He’s doing great. He’s gained a lot of weight.” Not long before bringing “Bridger” home, the Newmans had taken in another cat they named “Grouper.”
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“’Grouper’ has kind of taken ‘Bridger’ in as a motherly figure. She licks him clean and she’s always watching him. He needed a good home. How could somebody throw a little kitten like that over a bridge? He was a pretty kitten, and we could tell he was going to grow up to be a pretty cat. Taking him in seemed like the right thing to do. He was really lucky. He didn’t miss a beat. As soon as we brought him home, he curled up between me and my wife. He just cuddled. He’s been a dream.” Local news caught wind of the rescue, and the “feel good” story spread quickly… around the globe.
“Bridger Catfish Newan” minutes after being rescued from the Croatan Sound.
“I did internet interviews with meow.com,” Newman says with a chuckle. “We’ve seen the story printed in at least seven or eight different languages around the world, Thailand, France, New Zealand, England, and China. Social media loved the story too. “I posted a picture of Bridger on the boat and told everybody about it, trying to figure out who threw the cat over the bridge. I was getting tons of friend requests on my personal Facebook page from all over the world with people wanting updates on how ‘Bridger’ was doing, and if I would make a Facebook page for him. I did make a Facebook page for him. First day or two we had 500 likes. We’re up to 1700 likes since June.” Here’s the latest: Like most cats, when he’s not napping, Bridger turns out to be a bit of a rascal, knocking over plants in the house and instigating mischief in the yard. “Bridger met the chickens last month. They had a staring competition and they’re still friends.” For Newman, this story is more than the rescue of one animal. It shines a light on a larger problem, cruelty to animals. “There’s something good that comes out of something bad a lot of times. He’s brought a lot of joy to this house and a lot of other people. I think some good has come out of it.” Animal cruelty takes many forms, and it is illegal under North Carolina law. You can report animals experiencing physical harm under the care of an individual, pet shop, kennel or animal shelter to the North Carolina Attorney General’s Animal Welfare Hotline. To file a complaint, or for more information click here, send email to mailto:animalwelfare@ncdoj.gov, or call the Animal Welfare Hotline at 1-855-290-6915 toll-free within North Carolina.
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Certified Public Manager Program Graduates Celebrated! ÂŽ
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Certified CertifiedPublic PublicManager Manager Program ProgramGraduates GraduatesCelebrated! Celebrated! After 16 months of intensive training, 51 professionals, most of them state government employees, graduated from the NC Certified Public Manager® Program (CPM). The graduation ceremony was held October 2, 2017, in the NC Museum of History auditorium, with a crowd of family, friends and coworkers. Office of the Governor Chief of Staff Kristi Jones delivered the keynote address to the graduates. In this nationally accredited program, the graduates learned how to increase efficiency and innovation in their organizations. The graduates represent various regions, agencies and fields of state government. A full list of the graduates and their agencies can be found below. “The program is a tremendous asset to state employees and the citizens they serve,” said Kathi Parker, CPM Program Director. “While these managers learn best practices the program empowers them to apply those lessons in a manner that goes beyond the classroom. They hone critical skills needed to effect change and improvement.”
Barbara Gibson (L), Director of OSHR presents Kathleen Parker (R) with certificate of appreciation upon her retirement from the CPM program.
Photography by Jayce Williams
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Kristi Jones, Chief of Staff, Office of the Governor, delivered the Graduation Address.
This very rigorous program requires participants to complete 300 hours of course work and a service delivery improvement project within their own organization. The graduates make up the 40th class to complete the program. The NC Certified Public ManagerÂŽ Program was established to enhance the effectiveness of public sector organizations across our state by developing the leadership capabilities of mid-level managers. More than 2,245 mid-level managers across North Carolina state government have completed the program since it began in 1981. Applications for the next CPM class which starts in July 2018 will be available beginning in November.
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NC Certified Public ManagerÂŽ Program (CPM) Graduates: Administrative Office of the Courts Mary J. Van Horne Department of Administration Peta-Gaye Shaw Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Karen Bokeny Beck James A. Trybus
Department of Transportation Kristy L. W. Alford James A. Dodson Garland Haywood Mustansir A. Kadibhai Stephen Keeter David Benjamin Leonard Kerry Butts Proctor Jeremy Daniel Stroud Alyson Tamer Brandi Williams Wilkes East Carolina University Hector M. Molina
Department of Environmental Quality Delonda S. Alexander James Thomas Anderson Amy S. Chapman Booker Tallifarrow Pullen, Jr. Wayne E. Randolph Rebecca B. Sadosky
Lenoir County Department of Social Services Valerie D. Williams NC Budget & Tax Center Luis Arturo Toledo
Department of Health & Human Services Sanjay Bhojani WRenia Bratts-Brown Danielle Haislip Howell Kimberley R. Kilgore-Kilpatrick Tammy Day Koger Arun Kumar Melanie Emerson Sanders Daniel Leigh Sherfy, Sr. Kathie B. Trotter Department of Information Technology Danny R. Bell Rob Fegley
NC Community College System Chreatha Alston North Carolina School of the Arts TaWanna L. Archia North Carolina State University Danny E. Davis, III Office of the State Controller Karen DeLeon Office of State Human Resources Carol Robins Battle Vira R. Hogan University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Tim McGuire
Department of Justice Loretta T. Wynder
U.S. Department of Labor Michael Robinson
Department of Natural & Cultural Resources Jacob Henry Frantz, IV
Wildlife Resources Commission Carrie A. Ruhlman
Department of Public Safety Justin J. Graney Caroline O. R-Taylor Michelle Leigh Tuck Katie Webster Department of State Treasurer Charlene Monique Dixon Lawrence D. Koffa
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Meet the Secretary Secretary Eric Boyette Department of Information Technology & State CIO Sec. Eric Boyette may be part of IT and its virtual world, but when you meet him, he’s very present in the here and now. When you’re speaking with him, you’re the one who counts. The first time I saw Boyette was in a photo, completely engaged, reading to a child during Volunteer Week. It was as if just the two of them were there. Boyette demonstrated the same focused intensity and genuine enjoyment of being in the moment when OSHR interviewed him months later for this article. He’s present. We wanted to know more about who he is as the state’s IT leader, a 20-year state employee and a native North Carolinian who cares passionately about his state. What motivates him in life and at work? What’s the future in technology? OSHR caught up with him. Meet Secretary Eric Boyette.
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Photography by Mary-Alice Warren
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OSHR: What motivates you? Boyette: People. From day one, the supervisor I had when I started said, “Public service is public service. You’re not going to retire a millionaire doing this job. You’ve got to figure out: Do you want to serve the citizens?” That’s what drives me every day: How can we make this state better for our citizens. OSHR: The line of work you are in now, is this what you always thought you would do? Boyette: This is not where I envisioned myself. Actually, when I was in school as a Business Administration major, I was looking at banking, but the technology side kind of pulled me. I had a friend who worked in the Department of Transportation. I was graduating, trying to figure out what I wanted to do, and he said, “Why don’t you come work temporary with us? I need you to help us with the logo program.” It’s the big blue signs you see on the interstates that tell you gas, food, lodging and camping. He gave me a little yellow, smoking Ranger pickup truck to go measure distances from the interchanges to the facilities. I started learning more about state government, and I had to interact with people. Interacting with citizens drew me to state government. While I was there, it was like a family. An opportunity came open for me to apply for a permanent position. I applied, received the job and that started my career with the state. OSHR: Your role as Secretary of DIT is crucial to the state. What were your thoughts in considering this post and your path in getting here from DOT to DIT? Boyette: I was hesitant because DOT has always been home for me. I felt like I was leaving my family, but I took the challenge and I’m very excited to be here. It has been a very diverse path for me to get to this role, and I’ve really enjoyed my path. I think it’s prepared me. Between the citizen engagement, the team-building, understanding state government and understanding how to work with vendors and partners has really prepared me for this role. OSHR: This role could be intimidating for most people. What motivates you to move forward with this new challenge? Boyette: I’ll be very honest with you. It’s kind of funny. My wife asks me about every three years, “What’s going to change?” I talk to my kids about change. Don’t be afraid. You need to look at these opportunities as a way to grow. I always believe those opportunities are being given for a reason. They are there for you to make that decision, and you can’t be scared. I love a challenge. Just to be able to lead, look back at that team, and leave that team better than the way I found them. That is what drives me.
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OSHR: What’s the best thing about your job? Boyette: The fact that I get to interact with people. That’s the most enjoyable part and trying to connect the agencies to the department. I want to build the best department of information technology we can for the state and have a great partnership with our communities, with our vendors and with our agencies. OSHR: Tell us about the people with whom you work. Boyette: They’re just good people. They’re very dedicated. I can’t tell you of any person in our group where I can’t call immediately and say, “I need.” I don’t have to finish a sentence. They say, “When and where?” The way we operate is 24-7-365; we just have a great staff. If I have the support I need, I can create the team I need. It’s on me to be successful. Looking ahead… Boyette is optimizing the department. In the coming months, the DIT staff will grow from about 600 employees to 1200-1500. Their priorities are the next generation of broadband, cybersecurity and improving the procurement process for state agencies..
“This is not where I envisioned myself. Actually, when I was in school as a Business Administration major, I was looking at banking, but the technology side kind of pulled me.” - Sec, Boyette Family: Wife, Dana; two children, Jay and Morgan Education: BS, Business Administration (Barton College) Hometown: Kenly, N.C. (Johnston County) Favorite Hobby: Surf-fishing with his Dad at Emerald Isle
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Cool Jobs! It takes extraordinary people to plan, prepare and face the dangers of Mother Nature and other disasters. In this Cool Jobs video, Mike Cook shares his decades of experience in protecting North Carolina’s residents, along with his thoughts on retiring soon.
Compassion in Action Once again state employees across the state showed their joint compassion in action, during this fall’s Governor’s School Supply Drive. Partnering with the State Employees Credit Union, Communities in Schools and business throughout the state, employees and residents collected school supplies that teachers and students need most throughout the year. Check out some of the many state agencies who delivered supplies across the state. You’ll also hear from a Wake County school principal on how and why your generosity and care makes a difference.
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Cybersecurity Requires Diligence
To learn more about how to keep your computer - and other devices - safe, visit theCybersecurity Awareness website that has tips on security, information about opportunities for training and a list of links to resources that are invaluable to maintain cybersecurity. Information Technology security is an issue throughout the country. Meet the Threat - A Compact to Improve State Cybersecurity - is a clear statement of the efforts that must be the focus of universal safety. Governor Roy Cooper joins other Governors in signing a commitmment to review and implement recommendations designed to protect citizens from cybersecurity threats. Governor Cooper has also signed a formal Proclamation declaring Cybersecurity Month in North Carolina
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What’s Your Comfort Level? Welcoming the Disabled to the Workplace
Have you ever thought about what it might be like to work alongside someone with a disability? Are you willing to admit to having questions about how to “relate” to individuals with a disability? You may have asked, “How should we prepare ourselves for their arrival at work?” “Will I need to stop doing my work to help them?” “What would we talk about?” The list of “I am very grateful to be part questions could very of a team where I can contribute well go on and on.
to the success of my agency.” Is it truly about your comfort level? What about the comfort level of the persons with disabilities who may be coming into a new environment, beginning a new job, or starting up new working relationships, etc.? Admittedly, there is a natural tendency for people to associate with persons whom they “know” or with whom common interests are shared. What about “I am treated with respect here. dropping the That makes me feel good about myself.” anticipation of any negative concerns that could be hindrances to an effective working relationship, and just simply view a person with a disability as any other new person joining your work team? Imagine yourself in their situation. For us to become more intentionally inclusive, we must move from the “them” language and move toward the “us” language!
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While we encourage diversity and inclusion in state government, let us step into the shoes of those who may not look like you, or act like you, or have the same interests and experiences that you have. If we truly embrace the concept of diversity, we must step away from those pre-conceived expectations and“explore” and discover the uniqueness of every person “I am not looked upon as a ‘person encounter. It with a disability.’ I am a co-worker!” we can start with a simple smile, a warm handshake, a friendly “Good Morning!” or an offer to help. These are all actions that we know would make anyone feel welcome and “part of the group.” The Office of State Human Resources – Diversity & Workforce Services Division continues to provide helpful resources regarding disability awareness for our state agencies and universities. During the month of October each year, we place a special emphasis upon the employment of persons with disabilities with a reminder that there is a vast pool of people with underutilized potential waiting “Work helps me ‘stay active for an employment and learn new things’.” opportunity to serve the citizens of the state of North Carolina. The month of October is recognized by the U.S Department of Labor as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This year’s theme is “Inclusion Drives Innovation.” Governor Roy Cooer has joined the national effort by proclaiming October as “Disability Employment Awareness Month” in the state of North Carolina. As we celebrate the many contributions to our workforce that already have been made by persons with disabilities, let’s take this opportunity to consider how your agency or university can become involved in employing more people with disabilities.
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Relentless Pursuit
State Employee Inducted into Athletics Hall of Fam By Melody Hunter-Pillion
Photos by Chi Brown, North Carolina Central University Athletics
She’s 5 feet 11 inches tall, but it was much more than height that led North Carolina Central University to induct OSHR’s Davita Morant into their Athletics Hall of Fame, on Oct. 14, 2017. Even as a child—who literally stood out in crowd—Morant had confidence. “Being tall was never an issue for me,” says Morant. “My mom always instilled in me to hold my head up when I walk, have good posture, and that being tall was beautiful.” Rather than adolescent insecurity, Morant’s height caused a different issue, being pushed into sports; she pushed back. “People would always say what I should do because I was tall,” says Morant. “In middle school, there was a young volleyball coach, and she played volleyball for Campbell University. Right away, she looked at me and saw my height, and she said, ‘Are you interested in playing volleyball?’ And, I said, ‘No, not really.’ I did not want to play volleyball or basketball because everyone thought I should.”
North Carolina Central Unive seven other individuals into th Oct. 14, 2017. 25 22
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So, how did the tall girl from Herftford County end up in the Hall of Fame for her volleyball talent? It started with that middle school coach who made a lasting impression. “She had on her university shirt and she looked like she was coming out of college,” recalls Morant. “I was interested. I took to it just like that. She coached me through high school. She’s the one who sent my volleyball tapes to Central and several other schools.”
The Hall of Fame Ind made an impression Simone, 10 and Tre’ 7 ‘Mom, when we go i picture is going to b that winning doesn’t to practice. You have
Several universities accepted “Never give up. Do your best. Morant and offered her athletic and academic That’s the thread.” scholarships. She chose North Carolina Central University, where she initially played basketball and volleyball for the Eagles, majored in business, worked a part-time job, and kept a hectic practice and travel schedule. She gave up basketball to keep academics a top priority. “I said, ‘When I graduate I’m going to ensure that cum laude or laude is behind my name.’”
Morant continues to words of her coache and Diane Gatling fro schools; NCCU coach McCree (now NCCU and professors like C The most valuable th up and to do your be it gets. That’s the thr every athlete. You’re you put in it. That’s n or playing basketbal mirror. I was born int before I stepped ont
Morant graduated cum laude in 2000, but not before leading her Eagles team to the 1999 CIAA Championship. Morant was named the 1998 CIAA Volleyball Player of the Year, breaking school records along the way for single-season kills (368 in 1998 and 441 in 1999) and single-season total blocks (110 in 1998). Morant ended her collegiate career as the school’s career leader in kills (1271), total blocks (399), and service aces (151). Like life, success in volleyball takes more than hard-driving moments. “Volleyball is a finesse sport. I took a liking to the finesse of it. There are a lot of fakes and a lot of small gentle touches. There are ways to score without spiking the ball. Sometimes you have to wait for your opportunity where you have an open court, and you can gently place opportunities.” With that balance, Morant and her teammates expected nothing less than a championship performance; they made a promise to themselves. “Our motto was relentless pursuit,” says Morant. “We had shirts with relentless pursuit on our practice gear. That was our goal: to be that team to say, “You can’t beat us. We’re number one.a’ We played like we were the championship team every year.”
You’re only as good as what you put into it. That’s looking in the mirror. I was born into this.”
She still applies the motto to her professional and personal life. “Just being an athlete, the discipline, the desire to do well carried over into all aspects of my life. Knowing that it takes hard work was valuable to me, and I try to instill that in my kids.”
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State Employees Combined Campaign The SECC has raised more than $100 million in support of non-profit organizations serving North Carolinians since it was founded more than 30 years ago. The SECC continues through the end of the year! Don’t miss this opportunity to give to the charities you choose. CHOOSE TO CARE. MAKE A DIFFERENCE www.ncsecc.org
We’re Always Looking for Story Ideas for The Resource Do you know a co-worker with a unique story? Tell about your projects that are impacting the communities you serve.
Send your ideas to: the.resource@nc.gov Oh, by the way... As the Holidays and new year quickly approach, we would like to hear from about your New Year’s resolutions. Inspire your co-workers with your ambitious plans. We look forward to hearing from you. Send your resolutions to: the.resource@nc.gov
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Joint Workers Compensation Adjuster & Adjuster Training Classes The Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) hosted training classes in September in Raleigh and Charlotte for individual agency and university employees and workers’ compensation claim adjusters that work together daily to administer State employees’ claims. This class focused on important cost containment issues and problem solving in daily management and closure of workers’ compensation claims. OSHR State Workers’ Compensation Manager Scarlette Gardner, Esq., NCDOJ Workers’ Compensation Section Head Special Deputy Attorney General Sharon Patrick-Wilson, Esq., DPS Assistant General Counsel Theresa Stephenson, Esq., and DHHS Assistant General Counsel, Kim Ledford, Esq. conducted the seminar highlighting topics including claim investigation, claim acceptance and denial, litigation preparation, return to work, and claim closing and settlement strategies. Attendees also received information regarding recent Industrial Commission procedural and rule changes and legislative amendments to the Workers’ Compensation Act greatly impacting everyday handling of open claims.
Please visit the OSHR workers’ compensation website at workerscomp.nc.gov for more information and to access regularly updated educational resources regarding available benefits and claims management.
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Performance Management: a proactive and ongoing process As of Sept. 13, approximately 60,000 employees have completed the 2016-17 Annual Performance Evaluation, and over sixteen thousand have completed the 2017-18 Performance Plan which closed Sept. 29. Congratulations, and thank you for all your good work! As these tasks near completion, your agency is beginning preparations for Interim Reviews. Here’s how you, too, can be proactive in the on-going process of performance management. What’s Next? Performance management is not an activity that happens only three times a year. Instead, it should be an ongoing conversation: employee and manager engagement is vital! Here are some strategies: Employees Remember to regularly use the NCVIP System to document performance results. Update progress on tasks associated with each performance goal. Create an electronic folder to hold documented examples where others have noted your performance (such as letters of recognition or emailed feedback). If possible, convert paper forms into a small digital file or simply make note of these documents in the comments and show them to your supervisor. Add comments about your performance to each performance goal (or to each value during your Interim Review). Be sure to include specific examples of work performance that demonstrate progress toward achieving each goal. These comments can help inform your manager/supervisor about your performance. Track performance plan deadlines to ensure you are making steady progress. If priorities shift during the performance cycle, add new goals and adjust goal task weights to reflect new priorities, and insert end dates on goals that are no longer part of your Performance Plan. Please discuss whether a goal should be completely deleted with your supervisor prior to cancelling it. Finally, you may create and track an Individual Development Plan to set professional development goals.
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Managers/Supervisors Remember to use the NCVIP System to document performance results and monitor progress. Routinely set aside time to monitor goal progress in the NCVIP System. Goal (and associated tasks) priorities should be reflected in your employee’s plan as soon as possible for proper alignment with your agency’s priorities. If you also approve employee time and leave, you can schedule NCVIP reviews at the same time. Regularly set aside time to meet with each employee to talk about performance. There are quick reference guides available in the NC Learning Center to help you with these conversations. To help with Interim Reviews and Annual Performance Evaluations, you too, may create an electronic folder for each employee to store e-mails and other digital documents regarding performance. If you or your employee transfers or separates, it is critical that you launch the Performance Evaluations for Transfers & Separations (PETS) task as soon as the separation date is known. Job aids are available in the NC Learning Center to assist with this action prior to the departure date.
Need technical assistance?
For help, contact your agency Performance Management (PM) Liaison or PM Administrator. Click here to find your agency’s Performance Management Expert. To read more about NCVIP, go to ncvip.nc.gov.
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Office of State Human Resources
The Resource Barbara Gibson, Director, Office of State Human Resources Melody Hunter-Pillion, Communications Director (Writer & Editor) Pamela Yelverton, Communication (Designer & Writer)
the.resource@nc.gov