The connector: employee newsletter of the Georgia Department of Transportation [Spring 2009]

News for Employees of the Georgia Department of Transportation

Spring 2009

HEROs in the Community Pg. 5
www.dot.ga.gov

Contents
4 Introducing "ePerformance" 4 GDOT Employee Volunteer of the Year 5 Cover Story: HEROs in the Community
Back row left to right: Supervisor Jason Josey, HERO Operator Edward Miles, Supervisor Jerry White, HERO Operator Jason Cruz. Front row left to right: Trainee Jakob Konieczny, HERO Operator Rebecca Wyatt, Supervisor Tommy (Roy) Monroe.
5 Georgia 511 Honored for System Design and Marketing 6 Q&A with Commissioner Gerald Ross 9 The Men Behind the Curtain
Departments
1 Making the Connection 2 Letters of Praise 8 Promotions 10 Births and Sympathies 11 Making News 13 Service Anniversaries

Making the Connection
Getting It Done Amidst Constant Change
F or the last year or so, the national operative word has been CHANGE. Whether we like it or not, change has been the only constant in modern society. The Department has undergone many changes at every level, most recently executive management. As the Interim Commissioner at GDOT, I'm proud to see that all the changes have not distracted us from the Department's mission. This issue of The Connector shows just how well we have maintained our focus. The first weekend after my appointment, we faced a major winter weather event that affected all of the districts. Read about the statewide response we got it done! Equally important, our programs continue to generate words of praise and even awards for performance and service. We have received so many letters and e-mails from residents and tourists alike read several of them in this issue. And although we have faced the challenge of reduced resources, and may encounter tougher times ahead, we come to work each day striving for excellence. Some individuals are featured in this issue of The Connector, but all of us make a difference in the success of the Department. Enjoy reading, but more importantly, show our work to family and friends. We are proud to be with GDOT and we will continue to "get it done." As you'll see in the pages ahead, it shows!
Commissioner Gerald Ross

A Publication of the Georgia DOT Division of Communications
Carla Murphy Editor Cedric Mohr Marketing & Design Project Manager Laurie Scott Graphic Designer Monica Luck Marketing & Promotions Specialist
Reporters: Teri Pope District One Cissy McNure District Two Kimberly Larson District Three Craig Solomon District Four Mohamed Arafa District Six Mark McKinnon District Seven Robin Swann Accounting Monica Luck Communications Judith Malone Contract Administration Glenda T. Maner Equipment Management Betty DeWeese General Support Margaret M. Griffin IT Applications Linda Glover Maintenance Activities Stardina Wyche Materials and Research Travella Webb Planning Carolyn Carroll Right-of-Way Sheila Allen Strategic Development Monica Luck TMC Audrey R. Mays Traffic Operations Kathy Bailey Traffic Safety and Design Catrice Brewer Transportation Data Linda Shivers Urban Design Jeff Baker Utilities

CONNECTOR | Spring 2009 1

Letters of Praise

Tony Collins,
You don't know me, but I would like to thank you and your staff for the wonderful work you did at the intersection of N. Jefferson and Montgomery streets in Milledgeville. I live on N. Jefferson Street just two houses from the intersection, and I travel through it at least six or eight times daily. My wife and teenage son also go through this intersection several times daily, so you can see how important this intersection is to us.
Prior to your work, this intersection was one of the most dangerous traffic spots in town. Almost on a weekly basis, my family heard the sound of crashes at this intersection, with some crashes fairly serious. I recall that at least two vehicles were completely overturned after being struck broadside. Three years ago, I joined the hit parade by totaling out my own vehicle at this intersection, primarily because of my inability to see oncoming traffic due to the vehicles in the southbound turn lane. That remains the only accident that I have ever had in 36 years of driving.
Since you made improvements at the intersection, I have found it unbelievably easy to travel through the intersection safely. The sight lines are excellent, and I almost never hear the crash of collisions anymore. In fact, I'm not aware of any accidents that may have occurred since the improvements were made.
I'm sure that you probably receive plenty of complaints about road design and condition, so I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the good work you did in my neighborhood. Thank you for making my daily commute much safer!
Dr. Mark H. Pelton Georgia College & State University
Greetings:
I just felt like sharing with you the results of my recent visit to the state of Georgia. Prior to this past weekend, I had never spent any time in your state, outside of

Hartsfield-Jackson. I was astonished at what I experienced.
Just as a bit of background, so you understand where I am coming from. I am an American, but I grew up living in Europe, with my family. Thus, I remember traveling all around Europe on road trips. I remember the long, smooth, pothole free stretches of pavement full of smart, precise drivers. Then I moved back to the United States and learned to drive in Michigan. When, while driving to school you manage to hit potholes large enough to dislodge braces on your teeth, you know you're living the American dream..... Eventually I moved on from Michigan to Indiana. You can always tell when you cross the border from the former to the latter because the road goes from something akin to an off-road motocross course to criminally bearable. After college I began dating a girl whose family lives in Pennsylvania, thus I spend an inordinate amount of time in the state. Frankly, after driving on the PA turnpike, one almost wonders if it would be better if they let it go back to its natural state. I mean, Mother Nature has a plan for the earth, so maybe she has a plan for road maintenance and traffic control, because Pennsylvania clearly doesn't.
That roughly brings us back to the present, when I experienced driving in Georgia for the first time. I must say, I am appalled at the audacity you have in maintaining the roads in the condition they are in. I don't remember a single pothole, construction site or other impediment to safe, speedy and obstruction-free driving. Frankly, you're making the other states look bad. What gives you the right to build smooth, wide, three-lane roads that allow for passing and can accommodate large numbers of trucks? What gives your drivers the right to get out of the left hand lane when a faster car approaches and to behave in a manner that makes the drivers of every other state in the Union look like selfish jerks?
Now I am willing, for the sake of playing devil's advocate, to grant that Georgia has some natural advantages.

First, the road I was on, I-75 north out of Atlanta didn't seem that busy, but I was also traveling on the weekend. Second, Georgia doesn't have to deal with the weather issues that plague states like Pennsylvania and Indiana. However, I think it should be noted that none of those aforementioned weather issues are a surprise to anyone and so it should not be unreasonable for those other states to plan accordingly. After all, Georgia clearly planned for population growth when they planned their interstates and now, low and behold, even in the middle of the city, in the very heart of the south, there are lanes aplenty.
I hope you forward this note onto anyone and everyone responsible for making the freeways of your state safe, smooth and efficient, and the drivers responsible and unselfish. I had never driven through Georgia before this past weekend, but now, on an upcoming trip down the eastern seaboard from DCDisney World, I look forward to the time I get to spend in your state. I am, simply put, impressed. Thank you.
Sam Rowe Washington D.C.
GDOT:
"I've traveled through almost all the major cities in the U.S., and most use ramp lights. Not only does it reduce congestion, but it actually does make the commute faster. Kudos to you for taking a stance on what will ease traffic woes... and really, it just makes sense. For all the critics who disagree, remember: common sense ain't common."
Angela Davis, Motorist

2 CONNECTOR | Spring 2009

CONNECTOR | Spring 2009 3

Personal Achievement
GDOT Employee Named Haralson County Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year

By Mohamed Arafa

C ongratulations are in order for Karen Higgins, construction project manager, Buchanan Area Office in District Six. Karen has been selected the Haralson County Chamber of Commerce's 2008 Volunteer of the Year.
Compassionate, thoughtful, and dependable are a few of the adjectives used to describe Higgins. In 2008, Higgins found several ways to give back to her local community, making a difference in the community in which she lives and works. The areas in which Higgins chose to donate her time and expertise included serving on the Haralson County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, chairing the Chamber's Operations Committee, chairing the fundraising/
"In addition to being talented, dedicated, and joy to work with, Karen never waivers under sometime stressful conditions, and always maintains complete control."
Bill Dungan,
Area 5 Engineer

revenue team, serving on the Cham-

ber's tourism team, and presiding over

the Haralson County Historical Society.

Having always embraced the importance

of community involvement, Higgins

also successfully spearheaded in 2008

the effort to have "Key Ingredients," a

Do Smithsonian traveling exhibit, come to
Buchanan. Her hometown will host the exhibit in 2010.
"In addition to being talented, dedicated, and a joy to work with, Higgins

NOT

U

never waivers under sometime stressful

conditions, and always maintains com-

plete control," said Bill Dungan, Area 5

Engineer and Karen's supervisor. Logging several hours every week-
end planning, organizing and working with others at the Chamber, Higgins has not only shown her dedication, but she has also exemplified that dedication by the enthusiasm and energy she has displayed when performing her tasks as a Chamber volunteer. Several members of the Haralson County Chamber of Commerce have described Karen as a friendly person who is very good at assisting others.

A 12-year veteran of GDOT, Higgins has been recognized by the Department for her hard work, dedication and teamwork. She was the recipient of the James Condron Award in 1999 and 2008. Additionally, she managed a construction project that won the 2008 Surface Smoothness Award from the Georgia Partnership for Transportation Quality (GPTQ). She currently serves as President of the Cartersville chapter of Georgia DOT Engineers Association.

Introducing "ePerformance"

The New Web-based Performance Management System

By Carla Murphy
Georgia Department of Transportation, along with other state agencies, will move to a new performance management process and Web-based system called "ePerformance" in July 2009, replacing the current process used in state government. This new performance management process is designed to bring consistency throughout the state and to address agencies' specific needs. Additionally, the process will measure employee performance based on goals and competencies, drive accountability through the organization, and hold managers accountable for

results. With the new process, expectations will be communicated clearly with measurable, objective criteria; and managers will be encouraged to offer feedback to individuals to move them toward exemplary performance.
State employees will find that the new paperless system is user-friendly, traceable and auditable, and includes software that is networked and integrated. Training for the new system and process will begin in May.
For more information about "ePerformance," please contact Kim Cameron at ext. 1500.

4 CONNECTOR | Spring 2009

The new performance management process is designed to evaluate employees:
On the Statewide Core Competencies (all employees will be rated)
On Leadership Competencies (only managers/supervisors will be rated)
On Individual Goals and Competencies (all employees will be rated)
Also is designed to identify Individual Development Plans for employees
Note: The current system for PMF ratings will be used through June 30, 2009, but we will be required to begin to prepare new performance plans under the new system (ePerformance) in July 2009.

HEROs in

Providing Outstanding Customer Service

the Community

By Paul Marshall

G eorgia DOT's HERO Unit is having another busy year visiting metro Atlanta schools. Since the start of the 2008-09 school year in August, they have made stops at 29 schools, with over 40 more still to go! By the end of May, the HEROs will have
USEvisited 70 schools and reached nearly 24,000 students!
"This system is a phenomenal success for Georgia DOT in terms of recognition, but more importantly, it is viewed as a success by the travelers across our state who have come to rely on it"
Gerald Ross, Georgia DOT Commissioner
The HEROs are most often requested for Career Day events. Students of all grade levels crowd around the bright yellow trucks, where they look at the flashing lights and the tools of the trade, listen to stories of highway heroics, and learn about driver safety and emergency preparedness.

From left to right: Jason Josey, Jerry White, Edward Miles, Jakob Konieczny, Jason Cruz, Tommy (Roy) Monroe, Rebecca Wyatt.

"This system is a phenomenal success for GDOT in terms of recognition, but more importantly, it is viewed as a success by the travelers across our state who have come to rely on it," said GDOT Commissioner Gerald Ross. "Between the ever-increasing call volumes and the compliments we receive from callers, there's no doubt that the HEROs are a winner."
To request a HERO visit, event coordinators submit their requests electroni-

cally to the Division of Communications within the first two weeks of Fall and Spring semesters. Currently, the HEROs are available to visit schools in the following counties: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, and Rockdale. More counties may be added in the future.
Since 2006, the HERO School Visit program has been to over 200 Atlanta schools and reached 90,000 students. For more information on the program, call (404) 631-1830 or send an email to pmarshall@dot.ga.gov.

Georgia 511 Honored For System Design and Marketing

By Monica Luck

T he Georgia Department of Transportation garnered three distinctive awards honoring the Georgia 511 travel information service. Recognitions were received for the system's marketing campaign, as well as an honor for the system itself.
GDOT received the Phoenix Award in the integrated communications program category from the Public Relations Society of America, Georgia Chapter (PRSA/ GA). PRSA/GA is the second largest chapter of public relations professionals in the United States with approximately

850 members. The Phoenix Award, named for the symbol of the City of Atlanta, is PRSA/GA's highest honor.
The International Association of Business Communicators, Atlanta Chapter (IABC/Atlanta) presented Georgia 511 its Silver Flame Award for integrated marketing campaigns. IABC is a not-forprofit international network of professionals committed to improving the effectiveness of organizations through strategic interactive and integrated business communication management. Both of these honors were shared with GDOT's

Atlanta-based partner agencies, Hayslett Group and McRae.
As part of its 2008 Excellence in Highway Design Awards program, the Federal Highway Administration awarded the Georgia 511 system an Honorable Mention under the Traveler Services category. That honor was shared with Meridian Environmental Technology of Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Georgia 511 launched on August 15, 2007. Since that time, the service has managed over 1.8 million calls from travelers across the state.
CONNECTOR | Spring 2009 5

Q
A

Q&A With Commissioner Gerald Ross
I Q&A n March, the State Transportation Board named Gerald M. Ross Interim Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation, making him the first African-American to lead the 5,400-employee agency. Ross will head the Department as the state Transportation Board conducts a national search for a permanent Commissioner. With more than 27 years experience with the Department, Ross has a broad-range of transportation expertise, having worked in Road Design, Urban Design, and Planning. He served as the Department's Chief Engineer prior to becoming Interim Commissioner.

Q What are your

My expectation is for people

expectations for the

to come to work and give effort.

Department and for

We can't always control the out-

employees as we move

come, but we are in complete

forward during what are

control of effort.

arguably some of the

most challenging times

Q In the short time you

in the agency's histor y?

have been Commissioner,

what has surprised you

A We will remain focused

most if anything?

on the priorities we have been working on for the

A After 27 years of wearing

past several months and

"the orange" and working in

for many of us, for the past

various positions throughout

several years. Those priori-

the Department, I can't say that

ties include our Statewide

much has surprised me. Let me

Transportation Improve-

tell you what has pleased me.

ment Program, project

I am pleased at what I am

prioritization, project deliv-

seeing from employees, how

ery and customer service.

they have responded to any

These are challenging times for the Department, without question. However, I am asking that employees remain committed to

"We heard from everybody from taxpayers to media folks to law enforcement complimenting us on the job our employees

kind of emergency that has occurred over the past few weeks and months. First, I have noticed people pulling together and going

getting the job done. In addition performed with getting loads of salt on

the extra mile to make sure we get

to staying focused on our priorities, I want the 5,400 employees whom I consider

roadways across the state. It was a proud day for GDOT."

the job done. When the snow storm came in
early March, I went to the Trans-

my teammates to continue to be proactive, responsive and

portation Management Center to monitor the operation

committed to the vision and mission that guide

there, to get a better sense of how our staff was doing and

this Department.

what the needs were. When I arrived, I saw a controlled

6 CONNECTOR | Spring 2009

environment, a well-run operation that quite honestly, needed little to no input from me. I was impressed, but more importantly, the people who rely on us to make sure roads are safe were impressed. We heard from everybody -- from taxpayers to media folks to law enforcement-- complimenting us on the job our employees performed with getting loads of salt on roadways across the state. It was a proud day for GDOT.
I also have been pleased with the work employees have been doing in other areas, including with the stimulus funds, the budget and in general. People are working very hard, and many others are working very long hours to make sure we meet the needs of the public.

Commissioner Ross gives his first address to employees.

Q How would you characterize your
leadership style?
A First of all, I am fair. You do not have to always agree
with me, as a matter of fact, I respect that someone may offer an opinion different from my own.
Q When the Board selected you to be the Interim
Commissioner, what was your initial thought or response?
A Initially, I was stunned not because I didn't think I was
prepared to handle the job. But simply because it was the furthest thing from my mind.
No one wants to get a position under these circumstances. But because the Chief Engineer of this Department works so closely with the Commissioner, I had a sense of what was involved with the position. I know how demanding it is, how critical it is to how we operate and function, and how challenging it can be.
I am not looking at my temporary acceptance of this position as replacing anyone. I am simply looking to do the best job I can do for the Department, with the 5,400 people I call my teammates. Nothing more just the best I can do with their support.

Favorite Book: They Call Me Assassin by Jack Tatum. Also reads and rereads Working With Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman.
Favorite Quote: "It is not who is the smartest, it is who can get the job done" from Working With Emotional Intelligence.
Favorite Movie: Once Upon a Time in America, starring James Woods and Robert DeNiro
One Person Who Inspires You: My father
An international city you would like to visit: Accra (in the West African Country Ghana)
How did the bowtie become your signature "neckwear"? "One day in 1994 I tried on a bowtie and said, this is me...have never worn a long tie since then."
If you weren't an engineer, what would be your profession? A sports agent or a lawyer

CONNECTOR | Spring 2009 7

Promotions
Office of Materials & Research (OMR)
Reginald Murphy to Environmental Testing Engineer Alyce Barnett-Matchett to Operations Supervisor, District 4 Branch Lab Jamie Pilkenton to Testing Management Area Coordinator
Office of Utilities
Glenn A. Williams to State Permit Program Manager Lee Upkins to State Utilities Preconstruction Engineer William Michael Lankford to State Utilities Preconstruction Engineer
Office of Right-of-Way
Fran Castle to Account Specialist
Office of Urban and Multimodal Design
Francis Alomia to Assistant Design Group Manager Andrew Hoenig to Assistant Design Group Manager

District 1
Justin Colby English to Equipment Operator 3
District 3
Willie James Sanford to Maintenance Equipment Operator Jody Jermaine Evans to Assistant Foreman Earl Frederick Ellis to General Trades Craftsman Jay Bradley Napoletano to Micro Systems Support Specialist 2
District 4
Amanda Merritt to District Maintenance Office Procurement Officer Tommy Lee Swain to Assistant Foreman
District 5
Darr yl Peterson to Assistant Area Engineer, Maintenance Whitney Crisp Davis to Maintenance Management Clerk Charles E. Lane to Equipment Operator 3 Brian J. Scarborough to Equipment Operator 3 Adam C. Foy to Equipment Operator 2 Brandon S. Griffin to Construction Project Engineer Der win K. Kimberly to Construction Inspector I Miner va Tirado to Construction inspector 2 Johnny Wayne King to Highway Maintenance Foreman 2
District 6
Alethia Jenkins to Systems Administrator 1 Christopher Ezell to Construction Project Manager 1 Michael Hamby to Equipment Operator 2 Michael Bradford to Equipment Operator 3 Marcus Caylor to Equipment Operator 3 Chad Wilkie to Assistant District Signal Engineer James T. Crisp to District Safety Officer Roger Evans to Maintenance Shop Manager
District 7
Rocky J. Cooper to Maintenance Equipment Officer James Author McCoy to Engineer Permits Inspection Michael J. Hancock to Highway Maintenance Foreman Kelly J. Robinson to Permits Inspection Engineer Wendell Barnes to Maintenance Equipment Operator

8 CONNECTOR | Spring 2009

The Men Behind the Curtain

By Paul Marshall

David Jones and James Brown form the audio/visual support team for the Division of Informa-

tion Technology. Their responsibilities

include a variety of functions, from the

informational display in the lobby of One

Georgia Center to dozens of presenta-

tions, videoconferences, webcasts,

and Board meetings. Some events are

planned and some are not, but their

success is due to the efforts of these two

men behind the curtain.

"We're lucky to have David and James

on our team," says Gary Blanton, who

heads the Office of IT Infrastructure.

"They ensure every meeting goes

smoothly and make setup as painless as possible for the participants and

David Jones prepares for a Board Committee meeting in the audio/visual control room.

organizers. I continuously hear nothing but the highest praise for them and the quality of their work. They're a tremendous asset to the Department."
Every day brings something different, Jones says. "It keeps things fresh and interesting." He joined the Department two years ago, working in Client Support. Jones' enthusiasm, energy and customer-first attitude quickly made him the "go-to guy" for handling the technical snafus that can ruin a meeting. When a position for audio/visual technician opened, Jones was a perfect fit.

"There's always some new challenge," adds Brown. "On a given day, one office has a big meeting with several presentations, another is hosting a videoconference with another state, another is webcasting a meeting with the districts, and there's a Board meeting to prepare for, too!" Brown came to the Department from the Georgia Technology Authority. Upon arrival, he began working with Jones to get One Georgia Center ready for move-in. This project was a major
undertaking that included equipping all of the

Typically Jones and Brown begin their day early, making sure the lobby monitors show updated meeting information. Then they prepare for the day's events, checking every piece of equipment, collecting presentations and other materials, and contacting the organizers for any last-minute changes. As the meetings begin, Brown and Jones remain in place, monitoring the equipment and providing any needed support. Then it's off to the next meeting, and the next, rotating all day long to ensure there are no hang-ups. During State Transportation

conference rooms with Board meetings, Brown runs the control

new phones, monitors, room, while Jones handles everything

network connectivity,

else. The two keep in constant com-

and videoconferencing. munication with each other via special

A brand new board room headsets. As the long day winds down,

had to be prepared, and they make sure the NaviGAtor traffic

offices were moved in map is posted on the lobby display for

every week. With the employees to plan their trips home.

help of their cowork-

"The best part of the job," adds Brown,

ers in the Network

"is all the terrific people you meet, both

Group, Server Group, in and outside the Department. We get

and Client Support,

to work with the Commissioner's staff,

they created a

the Board members, VIPs, and folks

state-of-the-art

from other agencies."

meeting facility.

James Brown makes final adjustments to the audio/visual setup in the Board room.

CONNECTOR | Spring 2009 9

Births
Congratulations to...
Office of Urban and Multimodal Design
Keshia Cofield on the birth of her daughter, Amber Denise Tinch.
District Two
Jeanie Wheeler on the birth of her grandson, Ryan Lane Watkins.
Marlene Garrard on the birth of her grandson, Samuel Mac McLeod.
Trey Daniell and his wife on the birth of their son, Lance Joseph Daniell.
Monica Flournoy and her husband Larry on the birth of their son, Carleton LaRell Flournoy.
Robbie Holtapp and his wife Leigh on the birth of their daughter, Katherine Ivey Holtapp.
Kelly Copeland and her husband Keith on the birth of their baby boy.
Bobby Williford on the birth of his grandson, Triston Lance Copeland.
Diane Calhoun on the birth of her granddaughter, Rylee Elizabeth Fulmer.
District 4
Linda Simon on the birth of her grandson, Chance Ewings.
Margaret Brown on the birth of her grandson, Jaylin Rahjon Butler.
Donnie Robbins and Debbie Robbins (DOT Retired) on the birth of their grandson, Dayton William Tanner.
Marie and Zach Crumley on the birth of their daughter, Milly Grace Crumley.
District 5
Richie McCoy, on the birth of his son, Brodie Harrison McCoy.
Brandon and Jennifer McDaniel on the birth of their son, Payton. Miller McDaniel.
Rebecca and Johnny Thigpen on the birth of their daughter, Daisy Jane Thigpen.
Maggie and Mar v Yoder on the birth of their daughter, Stevie Elizabeth Yoder.
District 6
Joseph Pedersen on the birth of his son.
10 CONNECTOR | Spring 2009

Sympathies

Our Condolences to...

Kevin Weitman on the loss of his father

and the cousin of Angel Ambrose.

Of fice of Materials & Research Noah Rawls on the loss of her

Darell Norris, Sr. and Darell

mother and the grandmother of

Norris, Jr. on the loss of their mother

Edward Jordan.

and grandmother.

Neil Dubberly on the loss of his wife and

Comarletia Pierce and Donna

half sister to Maggie Yoder.

"Princess" Barkley on the loss of

Darwin (Possum) Kelly on the loss of

their mother.

his brother.

District 2

Bill Hamilton on the loss of his father-in-law.

George Dickson on the loss of his

Troy Pittman on the loss of his

daughter- in- law.

father-in-law.

Ricky Fort on the loss of

Glenn Durrence on the loss of

his grandmother.

his grandmother.

Roderick Roberson on the loss of

Russell Pearson on the loss of

his grandmother.

his mother.

Sherr y Kowtko on the loss of her father. Tony Gordon on the loss of his

Leonard Burch on the loss of

father-in-law.

his brother.

Glennville Area Office on the loss of

Jeannette Mack on the loss of

retiree, Buck Blocker.

her sister.

Bobby Guyton (EO3-Asphalt) and

Danny Quinn on the loss of

Timmy Guyton on the loss of their

his sister.

mother and the aunt of Tommy Allen.

Quinton Moody on the loss of

Irene Mobley on the loss of

his brother.

her mother.

Derek Hartmeyer on the loss of

Marther Fuller on the loss of

his brother.

her granddaughter.

Cynthia Norris on the loss of

Joey Harris on the loss of

her grandmother.

his grandmother.

The family of Lansin Brett Newsom.

David Johnson on the loss of his son.

The family of Retiree Jack Saggus.

Lee Sheffield on the loss of his grand

The family of Retiree William

mother and the mother of

"Coolwhip" Wickline.

Jerome Sheffield (Retired District

The family of Retiree William

Construction Engineer).

Boyce Paradise.

Terri Sasser on the loss of her father.

To the family of Retiree William

Trevor Brown on the loss of

"Bubba" Brown.

his grandmother.

District 4
Todd Watson on the loss of his father.

Jermaine Young on the loss of his brother and nephew of Hugh Young.

Jill Gibbs on the loss of his grandfather District 6

and grandmother.

William Liddle on the loss of

Freddy Timpson on the loss of

his wife.

his brother.

District Six employees on the loss of

Brian Roberts on the loss of his father.

their co-worker Troy Nix.

Rodney Humphries on the loss of

Dawn Farist on the loss of her father

his brother.

Kenneth J. Powell on the loss of

Janet Forehand on the loss of her mother. his father.

District 5
Richard (Butch) Coch on the loss of his father-in-law.
Kyle Cason (Retiree) and Terr y Cason on the loss of their brother and the uncle of Jeff Weather.

Kathy Haygood on the loss of her father.
Douglas Chastain on the loss of his mother.
Anthony Bannister on the loss of his father.

Stevens Hired as New Human Resources Director
By Carla Murphy
T he Department recently announced that Robin Stevens has been hired as the new Human Resources Director. With more than 23 years of experience in human resources, Stevens brings a broad range of professional expertise in various human resources functions to GDOT. She manages all personnel-related functions and programs, including benefits, recruiting, training, job evaluation, and employee relations for the Department.
Prior to joining the GDOT team, Stevens was Director of Human Resources with Equifax, where she served in a Business Partner Role assisting three divisions of their domestic sales force. She also spent 12 years as Director of Human Resources at AIG, where she was responsible for supporting 1,000 employees in seven states.
Stevens, who also has experience in state government, was previously employed with the State of Georgia Merit System. There she gained considerable experience in compensation and benefits. She supervised the team that implemented the Hay system classification and compensation plan, and successfully defended it before the State Review Panel.

Robin Stevens

Thomas Named Director of Field Services
By Carla Murphy
T he Department named Mike Thomas Director of Field Services, effective February 1. Thomas formerly served as Division Director for Transportation Data/Planning. In his new position, Thomas manages operation and maintenance of the transportation system in each of GDOT's seven districts. He also manages the Office of State Aid and Office of Equipment Management.
For more than 25 years, Thomas has worked in various positions with the Department. He began his career as a Project Manager in 1983, and by 1987 had worked his way to Area Engineer for four counties in southeast Georgia (Baxley). In 1991, he was promoted to District Construction Engineer, where he was responsible for 28 counties in eastern middle Georgia (Tennille). Three years later, he became District Maintenance Engineer and in 1997, District Engineer, where he was responsible for planning, organizing and directing activities of the district.
Thomas is a second-generation GDOT employee. His father retired as a Resident Engineer in 1981.

Mike Thomas
CONNECTOR | Spring 2009 11

GDOT Employees Praised for Storm Response
By Carla Murphy
A s snow and ice blanketed Georgia roadways in March, creating treacherous conditions for motorists, GDOT's 511 system was setting records receiving almost 6,000 calls over a 5-hour period on the first day of the storm. It was one of the system's highest totals to date.
Over a two-day period, on March 1 and 2, more than 18,000 calls were made to 511. Additionally, 511 operators handled 1,834 calls to the system on March 1 alone. This total does not include callers who used the 404 or toll-free *DOT numbers.
Using the system, callers were able to receive information on estimated trip times, statewide traffic conditions, road and lanes closures, critical incidents and other traffic-related matters. The system also was used to connect motorists to HERO operators, Hartsfield-Jackson International and Savannah/ Hilton Head International airports and neighboring states' 511 systems.
"Our 511 system was extraordinarily busy, yet we were able to sufficiently handle the record number of calls and offer excellent customer service to motorists," says Acting Chief Operating Officer Steve Henry. "Our operators did an outstanding job under some very hectic conditions."
GDOT's 511 is a free real-time phone service that provides traffic and travel information, as well as 24-hour assistance to callers across the state.
Georgia 511 Facts
Total Calls for March 1-2: 18,237 March 1 Total: 12,856 Average per day: 9,119
12 CONNECTOR | Spring 2009

Service Anniversaries

10 years
Adams, Edward D. Akins, Brenda D. Akins, James D. Allen, Virgil S. Anthony, Sammie T. Arafa, Mohamed M. Atwater, Clarence Baggett, Drew H. Ballard, Barry Lee Barnett, Jerry Jerome Bassey, Anietie E. Batten, Christine Hanley Batts, Margaret Victoria Baughcum, Linda Mcdaniel Beacham, Robert D. Beckham, Nicholas B. Bell, George H. Bentley, Danielle Jayne Berrong, Frederick L. Beverly, Robert Jason Blocker, Billy Lenual Boyd, Kimberly Bozeman, Marty E. Brooks, Andrew Brown, Ernest L. Brown, Jason M. Bryan, Joshua L. Buchanan, Teague C. Burrell, William Nmn Butler, Jeffery Eugene Caldwell, John R. Carr Jr, Thomas B. Carr, Bryan D. Carter, Dennis L. Carter, Jesse H. Casteel, David Rodney Chandler, Winfred Clark, Samuel L. Cleveland, William B. Coats, Kerry Paul Colton, Hugh D. Cook, Anthony S. Cooper, Michael G. Cooper, Viveca N. Cox, Jonathan L. Crane, Rebecca J.

Curtis, Robert L. Daggett, Leroy Dahman, Basil Daniels, Milford Connley Davis, Charlie L. Davis, Rebecca M.E. Dunham, James W. Eadie, Anthony P. Edwards, Rosa M. Edwards, William Lewis Ellerbee, Carey Byron Engel, Kelly M. Evans, Tony L. Everett, Kenneth N. Farmer, Marvin Grady Faulk, Kenneth C. Folsom, Carol Tracey Forrester, David E. Freeman, Rodney Fuller, Nancy Ann Gibbons, Kenneth T. Gilbert, R.L. Greene, Larry G. Greenway, Mary S. Griffin, Ralph S. Guy, John Mark Hairston, Benjamin Kelly Hancock, Edd C. Harris, Michael R. Haynes, Marshall Helms, Selena Henry, Bobby D Hester, H. Daniel Hester, Thomas D. Hilton, Larry Holmes, Charles H. Howard, Carmalita D. Howard, Eric T. Hudson, Timothy L. Huff, Roger Gene Hughes, Robert M. Ison, Tony Jeffery Issa, Moussa Ivins, Sheila Lynn Jackson, James Earl Jackson, Lillian Washington Jackson, Tunisa L.M. Johns, Darlene H.

Johnson, Calvin H. Johnson, Portia Pilar Joseph, Desmore A. Jubran, Abdallah J. Keadle, David Anthony Kidd, Shane M. King, Ricky Kirkpatrick, John F Lamb, Franklin J. Lauke, Martin G Lee, Regina Ann Legall-Moore, Cheryl S. Lewis, Brent A. Lewis, Danny A. Lian, Guohua Lindsey, Chris Dean Lindsey, James Lamar Little, Melvin Wade Lowery, J. T. Luckett, Kathryn Denise Lumpkin, Latoysha Jimika Mansfield, James Brian Martin Jr, William E. Martin, Jerry Eugene McDaniel, Gerald E. McDonald, Bobby Gene McDonald, George T. Medlock, Vicki A. Mike, Alice M. Miller, Johnnie Mims, Vincent L. Moody, Jeffrey F. Moody, Quinton Morris, James H. Morris, Linda G. Moss, Trythane Melissa Mulkey, Charlie B. Mullinax, Mark H. Murray, Derrick D. Nally, Paul L. Nelson III, Russell H. Nesbitt, Kimberly Wells Owen, Tyna Merle Parrish, Mark Anthony Pearson, Russell G. Perez, Nadine Pamela Phillips, James M.
CONNECTOR | Spring 2009 13

Service Anniversaries

Pomfret, James E. Powell, Margaret Ray Presley, Steve T. Quinn Jr, Joseph V. Reed III, Andrew Jackson Reeves, Viol Miller Reid, Ron Renfroe, Teresa C Respert, Michael Anthony Respress, Honkeithviles Reule, Gregory E Reynolds, Corbett S Richardson, Ricky Clark Rogers, William Barry Rub, Melissa Massey Ruff, Anthony L. Rush,Tracy Tyron Sampson, John Thomas Santiago, Ambrozine P Sapp, William C. Saulsbury, Pamela L. Scott, Donna S. Sentmore, Laura A. Sewell, John Robert Shaw, James E. Sherrod, Loretta W. Slaughter, L.C. Sliter, Deborah E. Smith, Larry Spangler, Audry J. Stallings, John D. Stanley, Bennie Neal Steed, Knarvie L Stephens, Peronica Elaine Stewart, Keith Rogers Stringfellow Jr, Charles H. Sullivan, James D. Taylor, David Ronald Thomas, Leighton David Thomason, Jerry H. Thornton, Lori Ann Tillman, Rotenia Townson, Lisha D. Truitt, Deborah Louise Underwood, Gregory R. Upshaw, Bryon M. Vickers, Derrick E.
14 CONNECTOR | Spring 2009

Watson, Donna B Watts, Clarence W. Weaver, Margaret Ann Webb, Clifford C Webb, Mark Eric White, Richard Daniel Wiggins, Tommy L. Wilkes, James L. Williams, Arfarncia Williams, Charles Henry Williams, Doris Celina Wilson, James G Wilson, Malcolm Allen Wingate, Hugh B. Winsky, Tracy Caprice Woodall, Sherry Lee Woods, Christopher N. Worley Jr, Dexter Lee Worthy Jr, Mitchell Wright, Cornelius D. Yonkosky, Matthew Joseph Yung, Thomas K. W.
15 years
Abner, Ronald C. Ahmed, Nasim Allison, Anthony D. Ambrose, Angela W. Anderson, Delorise D. Armstrong, Charlie James Avery, Thomas J. Baker, Bryan J Barrow, Danny Lloyd Barrow, Sharmelda J. Baxter, William H. Beedles, James Stanley Bennett, Larry Berry, Robert E. Blount, Joanna D. Boodram, Carl S. Boone, Eric W. Bowman, Shirley Gaynell Boyd, Donnie B. Braswell, Robbie Brett, Donna D. Britt, Ronda Jean Brogdon, Ronnie

Brooks, Junius C Burton, Walter L Byrd, Rodney Calhoun, Diane W Carlan, Randall Dale Carson, Robert Bernard Carter, Coby B. Carter, Kelvin James Carver, Howard K. Carver, Jack Casteel, Alfred Lee Chadwick II, James A. Clements, Donna Lyn Cobb, Richard Allen Collins, John Jeffery Collins, Kraig A. Conley, Clifton Lenard Copeland Sr, Jerry Dale Coxwell, John Wayne Cranford, Jesse H. Cummings Jr, Cleveland Dalton, Earnest Gene Daniels, John C. Davis, Shane K. Dillingham, Ezekiel Dills, Christopher Thomas Dockery, Bradley W. Douds, Richard A. Duff, Eric A Duhart, Willie T. Ebodaghe, Funke Abby Eller, Jeffery H. Fennell II, Howard Franklin Ford, Clinton B. Ford, Gerald L. Foreman, J.W. Fowler Jr, Samuel Douglas Franklin, Jeffrey D. Gibson, Scott E. Glisson III, James Lester Grizzle, John Walton Gunn, Kevin T. Harmon, William Bradley Harris, Terrence A. Hibbitts IV, Josiah Benjamin Hill, Jeffrey A. Holloway, Larry H.

Hooks, Pamela D. Howard, Kenneth M. Hudson, Alvin Hutcheson, Darlene M. Jared, David M. Johnson, Herman C. Johnson, Kimberly M. Jones, Greg L. Kaspereen, Paul Keene, Michael P. Kenneweg, Julie A. Kerr, Solomon Richard Lawrence, Bobbie Renae Lovett, James Russell Marsh, Cherie Lee Marshall, Tonya W. Mason, Betty C. McCoy, Clayton Leon McManus, Michael B. Moler, Elaine R. Moody, Heustis E. Moore, Jason F. Morin, Melanie C. Narmore III, James A. Nichols, Laurie A. Nobles, Charles Augustus Odaniels, Robert Monroe O'Neal, Gregory D. Oquinn, Lonnie Andrews Osborne, Gayle H. Padgett, Tommy W. Paschall, Reginald A. Phillips, Kenneth M. Phillips, Kevin Truitt Pinckard, James Keith Powell, Kenneth J. Prater, Raymond Presley, Michael W. Reed, William Bryon Reeves, Keith Lamar Richardson, Billy Lane Roach, Kenneth Dwayne Roberson, Emzel Roberson-Flournoy, Monica Robinson, J. W. Rouse,Arthur James Rowan,John G.

Rutledge, Carla A. Saxon, Bradford W. Scott, Don Ray Sellers, Mary Ann Sharpe, Kevin Allen Shaw, Marie S. Shirley, Robert Martin Shivers, Linda G. Smith, Mikell Smith, Nancy F. Sparks, David F. Spivey, Amy Joann Spraggins, Brenda R. Strafford, Johnny F. Sulek, Barbara A. Taylor, Calvin Jock Teasley, Brian Christopher Temples, Jenna D. Thomas, Michael David Toomer, Olivette Tucker, Troy Allen Wadley Jr, Everette Walker, Alexander Walker, Benjamin Frank Weathers, Jeff W. Weaver, Kimberly H. Weaver, Victor Porter Wesley, Terri Lynn Westbrooks, Brent A. White, Ben Anthony Wilburn, Lawton Wiley, Arnita Withers, Anita M. Wood, William Douglas Young, Jeffery Roosevelt
20 years
Adams, Stewart Albritton, Tommy R. Anderson Jr, Eugene Atkinson, Alan R. Auge, Dan Raymond Bowers, Joel Patrick Brantley, Ronald A. Brantley, Timothy Dale Braswell, Jerry Brown, Lorenzo Thomas

Brown, Robin J. Brown, Tessie Elaine Buie, Terri H. Cameron, Derrick Deon Carmichael, David L. Carmichael, Michael Carroll, Carolyn Faye Carter, Joseph F. Castellana, Frank Andrew Cautela, Daphne W. Cochran Jr, Allen Ernest Coney, Lonzie Dickerson, John W. Dover, Michael Dennis Downie, Dorothy L. English, Lisa A. Evans, David W. Felts Jr, Edward Cecil Frye, Ethel M. Garren Jr, Russell J. Gordon, Michael Clyde Gordon, Raymond A. Griner, Larry Grizzle, Lamar J. Grovner, Curtis L. Gunder, George W. Hall, Kirby Dewayne Hammonds, Toby N. Harper, Melissa Jane Harry, James F. Haygood, Kathy P. Hendley, Jason Alan Herrin, James Edmond Highfield Jr, Ernest W. Hooks, Henry Lee Hulin, Donald L. Jackson Sr, Jerome Jackson, Tony Lee James Jr, Johnny Jennings, Robert C. Johnson II, David Earl Johnson Jr, Robert R. Johnson, Jessie Johnson, Melvin E.
CONNECTOR | Spring 2009 15

Service Anniversaries

Johnson, Thomas R. Jones, Beatrice Gazelle Jordan, Willie Curtis King, Johnny Wayne King, Steven Kirkland, George Anthony Leach III, Frank Lee Jr, Robert Louis Little, Raymond L. Lockett III, Harry Lovett, Jonathan K. Mapp-Huger, Cynthia D. Marsh, William Garvin Marshall, Davida L. Martin, Bernard T. Mathis, Harvey L. McDowell, Thaddeus E. McKinney, William B. Mitchell, James T. Morgan, Timothy Eugene Moses, Deryl Len Nicholson, Gerald B. Nicholson, Terry L. Nobles, Bonnie S. Norris, Larry W. North, Stevens Greer Osborne, James Lee Padgett, Kenneth Edwin Partain, Philip E. Pedersen, Rodney Dean Perry, Eddie Dewayne Phillips, Eugene Philpott, Mark Lee Pirkle, Margaret Bryson Poole, Harvey G. Powell Sr, Jimmy D. Pulliam, Gary W. Purvis, Howard Franklin Rawls, Lydia Reeves Jr, Henry Ricks, Donald Ridley, Matthew Rufus Robertson, Steven Glenn Robinson Jr, Kenneth E. Ryan, Patrick T. Ryan, Rodney Michael Savage, Bruce Mcdaniel Searcy, Kent

Sheppard, Michael B. Shugart, Stevie A. Shuman, John R. Smith, Jeremiah Smith, Michael Anthony Spradley, Orman Herbert Taylor, Jerry Lynn Tharpe, George Robert Thomas, Elijah B. Thompson, Sonja L. Tomlin, James C. Tucker, James Craig Turner, Rodney Turnley Jr, Hugh B. Tuten Jr, James E. Varner, Louie A. Veal, Troy V. Walker Jr, Ronald C. Warren, Terry Alan Washington, Elmira R. Waters, Karen B. Weaver, John Allen Wegener, David Ross West, Bobby Gene Westcott, Linda Mae Whitworth, Kenneth R. Williams, Timothy Q. Worley, Donald Lee
25 years
Abbott, Tony A. Agnew, Kenneth Neil Alexander, Nancy J. Ballard, John W. Batten, Brenda H. Baxter, Mary Colley Baxter, Norris Cecil Belcher, Anthony C. Brown Jr., Clyde A. Brown, Garry Brown, James Lorenzo Buckner, David S. Burch, Floyd R. Carter, Betty Adams Cheek, Kenneth Lewis Cheeks, Carla T. Clark, Kathy M. Cogburn, James D.

16 CONNECTOR | Spring 2009

Coleman, William Mark Collins, Anthony Joseph Cooper Jr, Jack D. Cooper, Rickey H. Corbitt, Leonard Craig, Jonathan T. Cullins, Cornell Darden, James Edward Deal, Kevin J. Dickens, George L. Duggan, Marvin Wayne Durrence, Thomas C. Eberhart, Roxann M. Ferrell, Gaynelle B. Garrison, Donna K. Gibbs Jr, Hubert Golden, Curtis Goober, Ricky L. Graddy, Henry L. Gray, Howard Griffin, Margaret Mary Gunder, Bobbie Hale, Billy Joe Hamby, Jan Hardenbrook, Roger G. Hasty Jr, Aubrey G. Haynes, Willie C Henry, Michael E. Hoge, David Edward Hood, Gregory A. Howard, John Willie Ivery, Karon Lamar Jackson, Donald E. Jett, Gordon B. Jinks, Riley F. Johnson, Gregory J. Kish, Steven J. Land, Tammie B. Lindsey, Fred A. Lott, Rickey Edward Maddox, Harry A. McCollum, Catherine McCook, Jason L. McCord, Johnny Ell McDuffie, Todd Mercier, Vanessa Q. Mizell, Carl Wesley Mock, Norman A.

Muirhead, John T. Napier, Elijah R. Nash, Grace M. Owens, Michael Patterson, Carolyn S. Pearce, Cherie J. Peteet, Stanley B. Pitts, Edward Poindexter, Paul A. Poole, Bryant R. Pruitt, Deborah Fowler Quarles, Karen L. Redding, Willie C. Relihan, John C. Riccione, Diane R. Roberson, Robby B. Roberts, Rosa Mae Rutledge, Terry F. Sanders, Ronnie Shaw, Richard Wilson Shealey, John D. Shorter Jr, Smith Sikes, Lisa S. Singleton, William R. Slaughter, Shannon Foley Smith, Douglas A. Stevens, Jimmy L. Swann, Robin H. Tanner, Ronald P. Tatum, Eric L. Thomas, Michael Lee Thornton, Angie P. Trice, George A. Vadnais, Pamela G. Whisnant, Danna H. White Jr, Doyle M. Wilkerson, Richard L. Williams, Glenn Allen Wilson, Joseph E. Wilson, Stephen G Woodall Jr, Ellis O. Wright Sr, Edward P. Wright, Sandra A. Yarbrough, Mark Evan

30 years
Allen, Felix Barron, Joe L. Benefield, Charles A. Bennett, Evelyn Renee Bolen, Nancy L. Brock, Marvin R. Brock, William S. Brooker, Randall J. Brown, Ricky L. Brown, Stanley J. Bryant, Ricky D. Buchan, James Benjamin Burden, Gene E. Burton, Kenneth H. Campbell, Leroy Carr, Louie J. Castle, Frances M. Chastain, Randall E. Cleveland, Tommy H. Collins, Keith D. Crim, David C. Danford, Willie L. Davis, Lloyd R. Dean, Scott W. Devane, Susan H. Digsby, Pamela G. Duffey, David Lee Franklin, John N. Garrard, Marlene Garrison, Curtis N. Glass, Sue W. Griffin, James T. Griffin, Timothy R. Griner, Kenneth Hampton, John G. Henry, Stephen T. Hill Jr, Clifton B. Holsey Jr, Eddie L. Ingalsbe III, William E. Jacks, Timothy Allen Jackson, Mary J. Jacobs, Carol C. James, Joseph H. Johnson, Michael P. Kitchens, Keith L.

Lane, Clifford J. Lewallen, Michael E. Lollis, Jeffrey N. McKee, Kelvin Kent Mercer, Ronald B. Morris, Annette Murphy, Jimmy R. Nicholson, Marvin L. Osborn, Samuel D. Osby, Doris Clarke Parker, Michael V. Patrick, Willis M. Payne, Jeff T. Queen, Thomas C. Ratcliff, William Z. Rawls, Noah A. Raye, Vivian B. Reed, Garry L. Renfroe Jr, Marvin Beryl Ridley, Ricky D. Roberts, Brian T. Robinson, Larry Ross, Jimmie L. Shell, Joel D. Silvers, Danny L. Sloan, Jack A. Smart, Sheree Sullivan, Byron K. Swanger, Mildred Angelin Taylor, Danny R. Tench, John W. Thomason, James M. Tillman, Charlie Turner, Royce E. Upton, Joan C. Walker, Charlie J. Walls, Jerry F. Warthen Jr, Jethroe White, Lawrence C. White, Lory E. Whitfield, Jerome Wiggins, Norman G. Wiley, Donald E. Williams, Darrell Lamar Williams, Roy D. Yost, Steven Lee Young, Larry W.
CONNECTOR | Spring 2009 17

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