Contact:  Darby Schlagheck, Civil Service, Executive Office, 517-373-3021
Agency:  Civil Service Commission

June 29, 2006 – In a special ceremony attended by family, friends, and co-workers, three Civil Service employees were presented with the first annual Director's Employee Recognition Award. The recipients were selected from a group of 14 nominations in three categories -- administrative support, professional, and managers and supervisors.

The Director's Award was developed to honor employees who consistently exemplify the Civil Service core values of customer service, excellence, teamwork, and integrity, and who routinely go above and beyond the normal parameters of their responsibilities to provide outstanding customer service to other state employees and Michigan citizens. The 2006 nominations were reviewed by a committee of four staff representing all departmental employees.

"We are very excited about the establishment of this recognition award and extremely proud of this year's recipients. Their character and consistently excellent performance have set them apart as leaders and role models in our organization and in state government", said State Personnel Director Jim Farrell.

The recipients of the 2006 Director's Employee Recognition Award are:

Michael Ford (Professional Category) is a 35-year veteran with Civil Service and was a personnel management specialist in Human Resource Services at the time of the award, but has since been promoted to human resource manager. Mike has a wealth of experience actively working with other state agencies, a creative and respectful approach to his work and interactions with others, and extensive knowledge of Civil Service systems and regulations. Mike exemplifies the consultant approach by seeking first to fully understand the existing situation and the desired goal, then working creatively to find the best solution. He is consistently respected by both his peers and customers.

Michelle Duda-Suchner (Managers and Supervisors Category) is the manager of the MI HR Service Center and has worked for Civil Service for approximately 2-1/2 years, organizing and facilitating the functions of the MI HR Service Center.  Michelle leads by example, and always goes the extra mile to ensure errors are corrected, problems are resolved, and state employees are satisfied with the service they receive from the Service Center.  Michelle has developed numerous methods to measure the quality of service provided to employees by the customer service representatives under her direction. She also consistently recognizes her staff for meeting the goals of consistent, accurate transactions and professional, courteous, positive customer service.  As a result, the Service Center enjoys a strong reputation for being very responsive and helpful to state employees, and has received several national awards.