Employee Service Awards February 25 2014 Board

Employee Service Awards February 25, 2014

Board of County Commissioner’s Today’s honorees are recognized for outstanding service and dedication

Administrative Services Facilities Management

Stephen S. Poorman 25 Years • Steve was born in Cincinnati, OH and moved to Central Florida in 1968. • He graduated from Oak Ridge high School and enlisted in the US Marines in 1976, and served one year on active duty before transferring to the reserves. • Steve was hired by Orange County in 1989 as a Carpenter I with Facilities Management. • He has received the following promotions: Carpenter II, Operations Technician IV, and is now a Senior Operations Technician. • Steve was awarded Employee of the Quarter in 2001.

Steve Poorman - 25 Years • Steve has been involved in the following projects: Renovation of the Administration Building, and the County Commissioner Chambers, including the custom built dais; renovations of the Housing Authority; Juvenile Court Building; Parks facilities; Supervisor of Election’s Office; Sheriff’s Department Offices; Service Centers; and Mark’s Street Senior Center. • He was involved in building the mock courtrooms in the County Courthouse. • Steve has been married to Mary for 35 years and they have one daughter: Jennifer, 30; and one son: Matthew, 27, now serving on active duty in the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman, currently attending school at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas. • Steve played softball until breaking his hip on a home plate tag out. • He has taken his family on some interesting vacation trips: North Carolina whitewater rafting, Hawaii, and cruising. *

Community, Environmental, and Development Services Housing & Community Development

Julia Sabrina Kindell 20 Years • Julia was born and raised in Orlando, graduated from Evans High School, Orlando College, and is currently attending Columbia College. • In 1994, she was hired as an Administrative Assistant with Real Estate Management. • She was promoted and transferred to Housing and Community Development as a Housing Development Assistant. • Julia has conducted and assisted with Homebuyer Seminars.

Julia Kindell - 20 Years • Julia was married to Donald, who passed away three years ago, and they had two sons: Kelvin, who also passed away; Donald; and two daughters: Yashika, and Sha’va; and one granddaughter: Juliann. • She volunteers her time with her Homeowner’s Association. • Julia enjoys reading, watching TV, and spending time with her family, and any place she hasn’t visited before is interesting to her. *

Convention Center Facility Operations

Sean Seldon Hallett 20 Years • Sean was born in Ft. Lauderdale and moved to St. Cloud in 1983 and graduated from St. Cloud High School. • In 1994, he was hired to work at the Convention Center on the Event Set-Up crew, and a few years later transferred to Event Utilities. • Sean was promoted to Technician I thru Technician IV, where he was responsible for installing all utilities for show set-up, including: electric, water, compressed air, and natural gas.

Sean Hallett - 20 Years • Sean recently obtained a new position as Maintenance Coordinator in the Convention Center’s Facility Operations Department. • He now has a greater appreciation for what it takes to run a 7 million square foot building. • Sean has been married to Stacey for 15 years, and they have two sons: Ryan, 12, and Connor, 8. • In his spare time, he is involved with his son’s sporting activities. *

Convention Center Guest and Community Relations

Marina K. Butler 20 Years • Marina was born in Kalihi, Hawaii, and moved to Orlando in 1979 to join her brother, an entertainer at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. • She graduated from Kalani High School, and attended Valencia Community College. • Marina started as a Vista United Telecom long distance toll operator, and then became a communications network administrator for Martin Marietta for 13 years before joining Orange County. • In 1994, Marina was hired as an Administrative Specialist to work in the Corrections’ Work Release Center’s Vocational Placement Office.

Marina Butler - 20 Years • She was promoted to Administrative Specialist with the Planning Department, Executive Assistant to the Director at the Historical Museum, Administrative Assistant with Emergency Medical Services, transferred to the Convention Center’s Information Systems and Services Division, and is currently assigned to the Guest and Community Relations Division with the Convention Center. • She was recognized with the Convention Center’s Heart of the Center Award. • Marina has one daughter: Kanoa, who will be relocating to Hawaii next month to work with Hawaiian Airlines as a Senior Recruiting Manager. • In her spare time, Marina volunteers with Meals on Wheels, her church, and is a Polynesian Cultural Dance instructor. • She is a member of the Sister Study, Hoike Hawaii Cultural Awareness Organization, the Florida Hawaiian Civic Charter, and the Hui Na Aikane Hawaii Historical Group. *

Corrections Inmate Administration

Margaret Janis Hughes 30 Years • Meg was born in Evanston, IL and graduated from Seton Hill College in Pennsylvania with a degree in Social Work. • She moved to Orlando in 1982, and joined Orange County in 1984 as a Corrections Officer. • Meg was promoted to Classification Officer in 1986, and in 1994 transferred to Community Corrections to work in Central Intake. • She then transferred to the Home Confinement Unit.

Margaret Hughes - 30 Years • In 2013, Meg transferred to Inmate Administration and Professional Services. • She has won the Orange Award, taught the Citizen’s Academy, and is a member of the Critical Intervention Team. • Meg has been recognized for her outstanding Customer Service skills on many occasions, and has received Letters of Commendation. • She is married to Dennis, and they have two daughters: Jamie, and Lindsey; two grandchildren: Jake and Hailey. • In her spare time, Meg likes to work out, bike ride, travel, and ride her horse: Agro. *

Fire Rescue Operations

Richard A. Gunter Jr. 25 Years • Richard was born in Sasebo, Japan, and moved to Central Florida in 1970. • He graduated from Boone High School. • Richard is State certified as a firefighter/EMT and Firefighter Instructor I. • He started with Orange County in 1989 as a Firefighter/EMT in 1989. • Richard received the Medal of Heroism from the Sons of the American Revolution.

Richard Gunter – 25 Years • Richard received a Certificate of Commendation from Sheriff Demings; a Fire Chief’s Award from Fire Chief Plaugher; and various personal and unit citations from Orange County. • He has served as an Instructor for Technical Rescue at the Central Florida Fire Academy; served as a member of the Extrication Team, and with the Special Operations Candidate School. • Richard has been happily married to Diana for 31 years, and they had two children: Richard III, who passed away last year; and Samantha, 23. • In his spare time, he enjoys camping, golf, fishing, and kayaking. *

Rodolfo Prado 25 Years • Rodolfo was born in Santa Clara, Cuba; emigrated to Madison, TN in 1965, and settled down in Altamonte Springs in 1973. • He graduated from Forest Lake Academy in Apopka, and completed three years of Theology at Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, TN. • He received his Emergency Medical training and certification from Broward Community College, and his fire standards from Miami-Dade North. • Rodolfo worked with Rural Metro Ambulance Service for one year while seeking a job in the fire service. • Rodolfo was hired by Orange County in 1989, and in 1991 completed his paramedic training with Valencia College.

Rodolfo Prado – 25 Years • He has received two letters of commendation, a Meritorious Service Award, and three Unit Citations. • In 2005, he was promoted to Lieutenant. • During his career he has been deployed to South Florida for Hurricane Andrew recovery, a member of the bike patrol, and now serves on the Critical Incident Stress Management Team. • Rodolfo volunteers his time with World Vision, and has served in the Caribbean and South American, serving under the direction of Pastor Canther. • He has been married to Millie for 33 years, and they have two daughters: Jocelyn, a Chaplain; and Roselin, working on her Bachelor’s Degree in Spain. • Rodolfo enjoys singing spiritual music and performs with an all male chorus at this church. • He is humbled, and honored to have served the citizens of Orange County during his career as a firefighter. *

Jonathan A. Race 25 Years • Jonathan was born in Norfolk, VA, and in 1975 moved to Cocoa Beach, when his father retired from the US Coast Guard. • He graduated from Cocoa Beach High School, and Brevard Community College. • Jonathan attended the US Merchant Marine Academy, but decided to become a paramedic/firefighter instead. • He earned his Florida Paramedic and firefighter standards and was hired by Orange County in 1989.

Jonathan Race – 25 Years • Jonathan became a Paramedic Preceptor in 1992, promoted to Lieutenant in 2000, and to Captain in 2005. • He received the National Association of Counties Award (NACO) for implementation of Orange County’s first In-House Paramedic Program. • Jonathan has been assigned to Stations 71, 41, 80, and 83. • He wrote the first five versions of the EMS Documentation Standards; managed the first on-line anatomy and physiology class through Brevard Community College; and has taught inhouse re-certification and training classes. • Jonathan has been married to Anita for 20 years, and one spoiled dog – Molly. • He is a motorcycle enthusiast, collects pre-World War I American made Elgin pocket watches. • In his spare time, he and his wife travel the southeastern US in their travel trailer. *

Wayne Richard Dorminey 20 Years • Wayne was born at Loring Air Force Base in Maine, and graduated from High School in Okinawa, Japan. • He was hired by Orange County in 1994 to work with Parks and Recreation as a maintenance technician at Ft. Gatlin taking care of the pool, and later promoted to train lifeguards, coordinate CPR Classes, and set up recreation programs. • In 1997, Wayne was promoted to Event Coordinator, and in 1999, transferred to Communications. • Wayne was involved in various press events, including county functions and ceremonies, and served as the County’s Social Committee Chairperson.

Wayne Dorminey – 20 Years • He finally achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter when the County instituted the Non-Certified Training Program in 2003. • Wayne was promoted to Engineer in 2009, and now serves at Station 70 in Pine Castle/Belle Isle/Edgewood areas. • He is on the 2014 Lieutenant’s Promotion list. • Wayne serves on the Firefighter’s Benevolent Association as the Vice-President. • He has been awarded several unit citations. • Wayne spends most of his off-duty time with his three children: Nathan, 9; Oliver, 3; and Delaney, 1. • His brother: Tom, works as the Parks and Recreation’s Aquatics Coordinator, and his sister-in-law: Tricia works at the South Econ Community Park. • His hobbies include: SCUBA diving, traveling, and jogging. *

Fire Rescue Operations/Training

Michael J. Wajda 25 Years • Mike was born in Summit, NJ, and moved to Central Florida in 1979. • He graduated from Lake Mary High School, holds an AS in Emergency Medical Services from Valencia, a Bachelor’s in Public Administration, and a Master’s in Public Administration from UCF along with a Certificate in Emergency Management. • Mike was hired in 1989 as a firefighter, promoted to Paramedic in 1994, Lieutenant in 2000, Captain in 2005, Battalion Chief in 2006, Assistant Chief in 2009, and in 2011 - Division Chief.

Michael Wajda – 25 Years • Mike is a founding member of the Paramedic Bike Patrol established in 1995. • In 2001, he managed the installation of the first mobile data computers in fire rescue vehicles. • Since 2005, he has been an instructor with the Fire Rescue Command School. • In 2001, he worked on the Mayor’s Citizen’s Involvement Committee to develop the new Orange County Experience. • He has partnered with the UCF Institute for Simulation and Teaching to develop a state of the art virtual reality incident command simulator. • Mike has four children: Daniel, Ozzy, Michael, and Adam; and one grandson: Darien. • In his spare time, he enjoys UCF Football, mountain biking, reading, and cruising in the Caribbean. *

Office of Accountability Information Systems and Services

Mark A. Tomlinson 20 Years • Mark was born in Jamaica, and moved to Orlando in 1991. • He graduated from Elizabeth Tech High School in Jamaica. • Mark served in the US Air Force at Homestead Air Force Base from 1987 to 1991. • He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technologies from UCF, and audio technologies from Valencia Community College. • He joined Orange County in 1994, in Construction Administration with Capital Projects, and transitioned to Information Systems and Services in 2000.

Mark Tomlinson – 20 Years • Mark has been involved with the Exchange Team, Integrated Criminal Justice Information System Project, and Enterprise Security. • He started as an Auto. CAD specialist, promoted to PC LAN Coordinator, and is now the Wide Area Network Administrator. • Mark has been married to Maxine for 26 years, and they have one son: Stephen, 13. • Mark has been serving as a mentor for 2 years at Ivey Lane Elementary School. • He is a songwriter, performer, and participates in local charity events. • He has traveled to most of the Caribbean Islands, and Central and South America. *

Kyrsis M. Cruz 30 Years • Kyrsis was born in Santurce, PR, and graduated from Escuela Libre de Musica in Hato Rey. • She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Puerto Rico. • Kyrsis joined Orange County in 1984 when Information Systems and Services was known as the Division of Information Technologies (Do. IT) as a Programmer Analyst.

Kyrsis Cruz – 30 Years • Kyrsis was promoted to Senior Programmer Analyst, to Systems Analyst, and is now the Information Technologies Project Leader. • She has been instrumental in creating application systems for Finance, the Building Division, Health and Family Services, Human Resources, and smart phone applications. • Kyrsis has been married to Hector for 39. 5 years, they have two sons: Hector Luis Jr. and Nomar Enrique; and one grandson: Hector William. • She takes care of her 96 year old Mother, and volunteers at her local church. • She has traveled to Italy, France, Switzerland, London, Canada, and Alaska. *

P c Works Roads and Drainage

Gloria D. King 20 Years • Gloria was born and raised in Orlando, she graduated from Evans High School. • She completed the Rollins College Leadership Program. • Gloria’s first job with Orange County in 1994 was as a Bus Driver with the Head Start Program. • In 2002, she was promoted to Equipment Operator III with the Shoulder Crew with Public Works.

Gloria King – 20 Years • Gloria has received several team awards. • She was transferred to the Zellwood Maintenance Facility where she is currently assigned. • She has been actively involved in the Annual Black History Program for the past five years. • Gloria is the proud mother of two sons: Peeples, who passed away in 2006; and Dominique, 20. • She has two grandchildren: Lil Joshua, 6, and Lil Dominique, 4. • In her spare time, she enjoys singing, sports, and most of all being around people. *

Donald Joseph Neihoff 25 Years • Donald was born in Paducah, KY, and moved to Florida in 1970. • He graduated from Miami. Jackson High School and served for four years in the US Navy. • After moving to Orlando, Donald worked as a Krispy Kreme Doughnut driver for 12 years. • Donald was hired by Orange County in 1988 as a pipe sealer with Roads and Drainage.

Donald Neihoff – 25 Years • At the beginning of his career, during the course of his work repairing and sealing pipes, it wasn’t uncommon to come across an unfriendly critter lying in wait for him in the pipe. • He assisted with the 2004 Hurricane recovery efforts. • Donald is an avid poker player and golfer, winning five 1 st Place, two 2 nd Place, and One 3 rd Place Trophies. • Donald was married to Elsie for 45 years, who recently passed, and they have one son: Darin, and one granddaughter: Kayla *

U es Water Reclamation

Theresa L. Seligman 20 Years • Terri was born and raised in Orlando, graduated from Oak Ridge High School. • She earned an AA degree from Valencia, and a Bachelor and Masters Degree from Ashford University. • She holds certifications as an Orange County Public School District Teacher, EMS Level A & B Instructor, Basic Life Support Instructor, and as a Florida Water and Pollution Control Association Technician A. • Terri was hired in 1994 with Orange County to work in the Utilities Water Distribution Division as a Senior Clerical Specialist.

Terri Seligman – 20 Years • Terri has been promoted to Customer Service Representative, Utilities Services Specialist, Engineering Technician III, and is now the Senior Utilities Maintenance Coordinator for Training in Water Reclamation. • She helped to develop the training materials for the Maximo 7. 5 upgrade. • Terri is engaged to Chuck and they are planning an October wedding. • She has one son: Joshua, and three grandchildren: Lillian, 5; Aubrey, 7; and Matthew, 9. • In her spare time, she enjoys quilting. • Terri has traveled to Joshua Tree National Park in California, Mt. St. Helen and Mt. Ranier. • She is a member of a number of Florida Water Associations, a Notary Public, and the Water Environment Federation. *

Awards Presentation Administrative Services: Facilities Management: • Stephen Poorman 25 Years Community, Environmental & Development Services: Housing and Community Development: • Julia Kindell 20 Years

Awards Presentation Convention Center Facility Operations: • Sean Hallett 20 Years Guest and Community Relations: • Marina Butler 20 Years Corrections: Inmate Administration: • Margaret Hughes 30 Years

Awards Presentation Fire Rescue: Operations: • Richard A. Gunter • Rodolfo Prado • Jonathan Race • Wayne Dorminey 25 Years 20 Years

Awards Presentation Fire Rescue: Operations/Training: • Michael Wajda 25 Years Office of Accountability: Information Systems and Services: • Mark Tomlinson • Kyrsis Cruz 20 Years 30 Years

Awards Presentation Public Works: Roads and Drainage: • Gloria King • Donald Neihoff 20 Years 25 Years Utilities: Water Reclamation: • Theresa Seligman 20 Years

Employee Service Awards February 25, 2014