Tuesday, June 24, in Norman, OPEA Board member Hank Swearingen and OPEA member Rick Young were presented with the Commissioner’s Award for Excellence at the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Employee Appreciation and BEST Awards Celebration. Hank and Rick were given the award because of their work at the Jim Taliaferro Community Mental Health Center.
According to their nomination, “All year, Rick Young and Hank Swearingen have kept up with the demands for repairs of the buildings, motor pool, satellite offices, and they have done all of this while keeping a deadline for the renovation of the new Children’s Services building . Not only do they meet deadlines and handle crisis issues, they supervise and teach the DOC inmates who work for us… They are dedicated and involved, and they support our local NAMI/Caring Families, Employee Council cookouts/luncheons, and environmental improvements to help all consumers.”
“The recipients of the BEST pins are ambassadors of our organization and they make it possible for ODMHSAS to fulfill its mission,” said Commissioner Terri White in a message to employees. “We honor them for their hard work and dedication.”
In addition, listed below are other OPEA members from across the state were recognized for their dedicated service to Oklahomans with mental illness.
Facility and Central Office Employees of the Year
Mike Maffeo Carl Abert Community Mental Health Center
John Martin Jim Taliaferro Community Mental Health Center
Award for Central Office Synergy
Behavioral Health Prior Authorization Process
Donald DeVault and coworkers (nominated)
Award for Customer Service
Charlene Metz (nominated)
Donald Moncrief (nominated)
Award for Innovation and Quality Improvement
Safety First Griffin Memorial Hospital
Tom Ferguson and coworkers (award recipient)
Kerri Wenner (nominated)
Jim Taliaferro Maintenance, Supply and Accountint
and Housekeeping (nominated)
Hank Swearingen, Rick Young, Eddie Rozumialski and coworkers
Griffin Memorial Hospital and Central Office
Medical Records and IT Staff (nominated)
Mary Jarman, Steve Graham, Curtis Hulme
Dr. William Tankersley (nominated)
“These dedicated employees are just an example of OPEA members who daily serve their clients and the state of Oklahoma,” said OPEA Executive Director Sterling Zearley. “We are proud that OPEA members are among the best at ODMHSAS.”
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