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Amanda Novak receives top MDOT employee award

LANSING, Mich. - Midland resident Amanda Novak is among six recipients of the 2024 Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Director's Award, the department's highest employee honor for outstanding service. MDOT established the annual award more than 30 years ago to recognize those who exhibit leadership and exemplary public service.

"Exemplifying what it means to be hardworking and dedicated, Amanda serves as a steadfast advocate for both MDOT and the people of Michigan," said State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich. "With a positive attitude and a knack for bringing people together, Amanda is building bridges within MDOT and beyond."

Novak, honored in the professional, specialist category, ensured accountability for construction activities in environmentally sensitive areas by coordinating the development of a new approval process for project staging and dealing with excess material on MDOT right of way. She spent considerable time gaining input and buy-in from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), including meeting with impacted staff in development, construction, maintenance, and associated business areas to communicate the process change and answer any questions. Due to the success of the new process, it has been added to the construction manual and become a statewide practice, and is now required by FHWA. 

The Director's Award program represents the various work categories within the department. While MDOT employees nominate their peers, committees comprised of workers from each category make the final recommendations to the department.

Amanda Novak, 2024 MDOT Director's Award recipient