Follow Chris Linkedin Twitter Facebook
Email Chris Email
Economic Development
May 15, 2019

Thank You, New Hanover County Employees

Sponsored Content provided by Chris Coudriet - County Manager, New Hanover County Government

Recently, we held our fifth-annual “Reach for the Stars” Banquet, where the county recognized 232 people who received a Stellar Award over the past year and honored 14 employees for earning the highest county award, the Five Star Award.

Reach for the Stars is the county’s employee recognition program, and was established in 2014 with a focus on the county’s shared values of professionalism, integrity, innovation, stewardship, and accountability. Citizens and colleagues can nominate county employees for their outstanding service through a Stellar Award or Community Service Award. And the top award – the Five Star Award – is given to employees who receive nominations across at least four of the county’s five shared values.

Recognition is important. It shows that you value your employees and that their work matters. And that couldn’t be more true for the county.

I am constantly impressed by each of our employees and the work they do to serve our community and to serve one another. They are good at their jobs; but even more than that, they care about what they do and are committed to making a difference.

I want to specially recognize the 14  county employees who received this year’s Five Star Award, because their outstanding work is making a real difference in the lives of our residents:

  1. Teresa Bishop, Supervising Librarian, Public Library
  2. Jason Browning, Fire Captain, Fire Rescue
  3. Josh Chambless, Firefighter/Apparatus Operator, Fire Rescue
  4. ShaKyia Freeman, Human Resources Specialist, Human Resources Department
  5. Lisa Gans, Public Health Nurse, Public Health Department
  6. Marie Hemmen, Environmental Health Supervisor, Public Health Department
  7. Cindy Hewett, Deputy Chief Information Officer, IT Department
  8. Marilyn Howe, Public Health Nurse, Public Health Department
  9. Robin Johnson, Child Protective Services Social Worker, Department of Social Services
  10. Linell Josey, Trades Technician, Property Management Department
  11. Tara Robles, Payroll Coordinator, Finance Department
  12. Holly Royals, Child Protective Services Manager, Department of Social Services
  13. Christy Thompson, Children Protective Services Supervisor, Department of Social Services
  14. Marie Walker, Human Services Caseworker, Department of Social Services
These employees are serving our community in real and powerful ways, and I am proud to serve alongside them and to be part of an organization that values recognition.  

Since the county’s recognition program began in 2014, there have been 27 Five Star Awards presented, 920 Stellar Awards given and 44,961 “high fives” shared (which is a quick way for employees to send a note of thanks with a virtual high five to their colleagues).

I want to encourage everyone in our community to take notice of the good things around you and the county employees who are helping to make them possible. They are doing incredible work, and you can thank these dedicated public servants by nominating them for a Stellar Award through the county’s website.

This recognition program is an important way for the county to say “thank you” to our employees. They work hard for our citizens and I, for one, am grateful for the compassion and dedication they show every day.

New Hanover County is committed to progressive public policy, superior service, courteous contact, judicious exercise of authority, and sound fiscal management to meet the needs and concerns of our citizens today and tomorrow. See more at http://www.nhcgov.com.

Other Posts from Chris Coudriet

Nhcseal wilmingtonbiz
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Morton300x300

Community College in Action: A Success Story

Jim Morton - Cape Fear Community College
Untitleddesign7

What Does an HOA Do? Responsibilities Explained Simply

Dave Orr - Community Association Management Services
Untitleddesign14 2142522346

Cape Fear Buyers See More Options as Active Listings Reach New Highs

Janet Kane - Cape Fear REALTORS

Trending News

Sound Off: A Hospital Built To Match Wilmington’s Growth

Ernie Bovio - Jun 22, 2026

Mayfaire West On Hold As Developer Focuses On Other Projects

Emma Dill - Jun 22, 2026

Working Waters: A Look At A Day In The Life Of The Cape Fear River

Emma Dill - Jun 22, 2026

Trends To Watch: Healthcare

Staff Reports - Jun 22, 2026

Chronic Gaps: More Rural Counties Grapple With Shortages In Healthcare

Randall Kirkpatrick - Jun 22, 2026

In The Current Issue

Fourth St. Offers Investment Potential

In the past six months alone, a broker with Intracoastal Realty Corp. said he’s sold four lots in the Brooklyn Arts District corridor....


Small Business Spotlight: Fence Firm Finds Wilmington Area A Fruitful Market

Need a Fence Company is a residential fencing company that provides Wilmington and the surrounding areas with fence materials, installation...


Cybercrime Ramps Up Sophistication

Cybercrime hit home locally when two cyberattacks on the town of Carolina Beach resulted in the theft of nearly $500,000 in December....

Book On Business

The 2026 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2024 Power Breakfast: The Next Season