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

News for Employees of the Georgia Department of Transportation

Summer 2009

Georgia DOT Discovery Rocks! Pg.6
Vance Smith, Jr. Selected New GDOT Commissioner Pg. 4
www.dot.ga.gov

Contents
4 Former State Representative Appointed to Lead the Department 4 Transportation Board Elects New Officers for 2010 5 Monica Flournoy Recognized for Superior Customer Service 6 Cover Story: Georgia DOT's Discovery Rocks!
8 ITS Maintenance Team Gets Results 9 New myGDOT Office Site Coming Soon 9 OEL Displays Finds at One Georgia Center 11 Praise for Award Winners 12 PERW: GDOT's First "Everyday Hero" 15 Committing to Better Health
Departments
1 Making the Connection 2 Letters of Praise 10 Births 14 Promotions 16 Making News 17 Service Anniversaries

Making the Connection
A s I complete my first month as your Commissioner, I am reminded daily why I sought the position and why I am committed to the creation of a 21st century transportation network for Georgia.
The reminders come often -- as I arrive to work and greet employees in the elevator and they share with me the achievements of their children or grandchildren; as I meet with senior staff to receive updates about projects on some of our busiest corridors that are expected to be completed early or on time; and as I attend or read about events in which our workers accept citations for excellence in performing their jobs. Each occasion serves to remind me that I am now a member of a dedicated team committed to a set of priorities aimed at moving transportation forward in our state. In this issue of the Connector, you will see examples of that commitment. From the scores of letters from motorists praising our permits staff, district employees and our HEROs to the awards received by our Office of Utilities and Division of Communications, employees are demonstrating their pledge to quality work and superior customer service. Equally important, in what has been called an "extraordinary find" by our staff geologists, employees discovered rare fossils that are now housed in the Tellus museum, further underscoring the Department's commitment to not only building roads but also serving as good stewards of the environment. These and other stories are captured in this issue of the Connector, along with news of our new State Transportation Board leadership; the appointment of Todd Long as the new planning director; and the hiring of staff in our Transportation Enhancement and Bicycle/Pedestrian programs. I am excited about the opportunities offered as the leader of a phenomenal team of employees dedicated to doing important work across our state. And I am certain that as we move forward in establishing and meeting our priorities in the days ahead, we all will continue to be reminded of why we're here. Enjoy this latest issue of the Connector, and share our stories with others across the state.
Commissioner Vance C. Smith, Jr.

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 Division 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 | Summer 2009 1

Letters of Praise

From the City of Watkinsville to Johnny Emmett, Area Engineer for District 1, Area 6
Dear Johnny:
We wish to thank you and your field inspector, Robert Simpson, for the coordination that was so important in the resurfacing of State Route 15 within Watkinsville.
The project within the city was scheduled for resurfacing in the evenings and prior to the start of the school schedule. We appreciate the consideration that went into that decision. Traffic moved very well throughout the project because of GDOT foresight. "Punch list" items have been dealt with in a timely and professional manner.
The resurfacing and remarking gives our town a very fine appearance as well as enhanced safety considerations that have been commented on by a number of residents.
Sincerely , James T. Luken, Jr. Mayor ________________________________
To Craig Solomon, District 4 Communications Officer Re: I-75 Southbound Accident at Mile Post 48
Craig,
First of all, thank you for all of the road info throughout the day and evening - the DOT did an admirable job, really admirable, of keeping the public informed and monitoring the roads. Several people who had to be out on the roads yesterday mentioned to me how well-marked problem areas were and that everywhere they saw a problem, they saw someone monitoring it. We really appreciate the good and dedicated work! Things could have been much worse for all of us if the DOT, as well as county and city departments, hadn't stayed on top of the situation so well.
Sherri Butler

To the Office of Oversized Permits:
This was the first time Shumate Mechanical LLC had to get an oversize permit. Needless to say I had no idea what to do. We were on a deadline to ensure our equipment made it to the job site on time. But of course nothing goes the way it's supposed to. I made a couple of mistakes on the permits so they kept getting kicked back. Finally after a lot of help from Brenda Batten, Syrita Edge, Thomisa Kendrick and all the others at the permits office we received the correct permits and were able to meet the crane on time. Great group of employees you have there. Thanks for all the help!!
Charles Decker Duluth, GA _______________________________
Kudos to our 511 Operators!
GDOT:
On my way from Florida to Ohio, I took advantage of your 511 system, twice. I was astonished to get a live voice. The young ladies both times were very, very helpful and extremely courteous. I was very impressed with your system. Keep up the fine work. It means a great deal to travelers. My kudos to your employees!
Roger Effron _________________________________
We would like to thank the Ga. DOT program for traveler services provided by your operator #24, Linarra on Sunday, June 14, 2009 to my brother-in-law on his way home from Jefferson, Ga. to Loxley Alabama. My brother-in-law called *dot on his cell phone at my suggestion after finding himself lost on his return trip home. Linarra directed him around an accident on I-75 North, so that he could head back up to I-285 and ultimately I-85 S. She was pleasant, courteous and extremely helpful during this stressful time and is to be commended for her service and conveyance of the good will and spirit of helpfulness we have always found from DOT. Thanks again...

Thank GOD for Pablo Gonzalez!!!!.There we were. My 18 year old daughter and I, stranded on 285. On the way to the airport when a tire blows out. She was driving ...her first time on the interstate. We live in Loganville and don't venture out of our county much (we're from south Florida). Trying desperately to reach a neighbor to advise us who to call...not answering. All of a sudden our HERO appears. My daughter and I look at each other with our jaws dropping and sigh in relief. Pablo gets our tire changed in 10 minutes and sees us safely back into traffic. He was friendly, courteous, knowledgeable and would not accept any money! Oh yeah...we ended up waiting at the stormy airport for 6 hours...too bad they don't have HERO's.
Lorraine Favinger Loganville, GA _________________________________
I contacted the DOT concerning a malfunctioning traffic signal that was creating a traffic back-up on a heavily traveled route in Newnan. I received a speedy, friendly, courteous response from Kimberly Larson. She was informative and concerned about my concerns. The next day I also heard from Chance Baxley who informed me that a technician had been out to repair the signal. Traffic seems to be flowing normally again. I have to tell you that I am so appreciative of the professional, attentive manner of these DOT employees. It completely surpassed my expectations, and I was pleasantly surprised. Thank you for being so customer-service oriented. You set a fine example for other state-run agencies. Kudos to the DOT and its staff. Please feel free to use my comments in any way you like.
Robin Stewart Newnan, GA

Mr. and Mrs. John Matzo Jefferson, GA

2 CONNECTOR | Summer 2009

_________________________________
Starting April 16th and into April 17th, I worked with Georgia DOT Maintenance Activities Unit lead by Mr. Don Wishon and his assistant Mr. Grady Jones. We worked together to install word legends, raised pavement markers, arrows and two large Interstate shields on HOV lane at Northside exit to improve roadway communication. This under very focused local media coverage. ________________________________
I just had to write to tell you of the selfless, gracious efforts of one of the HERO guys, #452, Joe, who helped me a few weeks ago. I was driving on I-85 happily on my way, when one of my tires blew. It's one of the scariest things to ever happen to me! I was able to safely move my car onto the shoulder and was prepared to sit there for hours waiting on AAA, but I barely had my phone out of my purse when the big yellow truck pulled up behind me! This guy was a complete angel. He didn't hesitate to change my tire for me and would not accept a tip. In this day and age I am truly amazed at the generosity of others. You may insist that this sort of response is in the job description, but Joe could have simply driven past and waited for another motorist in trouble or taken an early dinner break. I will never forget his kindness and his efficiency. You should be extremely proud to have this man on your team.
Angela Owens, College Park, GA

The folks who staff the overweight/ oversize permit office are always wonderful to work with. We very much appreciate their professionalism & efficiency. They're consistently shining examples of how government is supposed to work.
Sharon Barnhart Atlanta, GA _________________________________
On Friday, June 12 my husband and I had a flat tire while driving on 285. We pulled onto the dirt shoulder as far as we could but unfortunately were still close to the road. We were concerned about our safety as we had to change the left, back tire which was near the traffic. As soon as we began jacking up our car Robert Devane of HERO unit 438 pulled up behind us and put his blinkers on to warn the cars on the highway, in effect protecting my husband as he was changing the tire. Mr. Devane was courteous and efficient as he began to immediately help us. What a wonderful experience he gave us in that difficult situation. We felt he truly was a Road Hero. Thank you for this wonderful service. Mr. Devane is an excellent employee. Please thank him again for us.
Best regards, Don and Ann Green __________________________________
I would like to thank the Team at GDOT District 7 for their help in working with Georgia Building Authority and others to secure a permit for some construction work at the old DOT site in Atlanta. Your team members were friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and courteous. It was great working with each of them listed below: Eric Boone, Jonathan Walker, Christopher McKinney, Katie Mullins and Calvin Duncan.
Bob Satterfield

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to my e-mail. I would also like to thank you for addressing each of my questions and for explaining them in such detail. I can honestly say I wasn't expecting such a response. I would appreciate it if you would forward this e-mail to your manager or supervisor. I am a manager in my professional position and it is always too often that people only take the time to let people know about bad experiences. I would like to complement you for your service.
You are an asset to the GA DOT for apparently caring about your job and the service your provide. I am very impressed at the correct spelling and punctuation in your reply...very refreshing! Something you don't see very often anymore in e-mails!
Thanks again! Holly Grace __________________________________
I want to commend these gentlemen plus their crews for the outstanding work-zone set up that provided a safe environment for the crews and the traveling public. This was very difficult work and assignment due to night time installation and the need for coordinated effort to properly place these complicated markings. Without full cooperation of the crews and their hard work this project would have not been completed in time for start of AM rush hour traffic. M.A.U. is outstanding and dedicated.
Steven Garren Acworth, GA

CONNECTOR | Summer 2009 3

Former State Representative Appointed to Lead the Department
Vance Smith Jr. takes helm of 5400employee agency at critical time

Transportation Board Elects New Officers for 2010
Kuhlke to lead Board as New Commissioner Arrives

F ormer State Representative Vance Smith, Jr., R-

T he State Transportation Board at its June meeting re-elected Bill

Pine Mountain, chairman of

Kuhlke, Jr., of Augusta, as its

the House Transportation

chairman for the coming year.

Committee, assumed the

Board Member Rudy Bo-

Department's top position

wen, of Suwanee, was chosen

on June 25, following a

to serve as vice chairman.

unanimous appointment

Kuhlke represents the 10th

by the State Trans-

Congressional District; Bowen

portation Board.

the 7th.

"I am honored and hum-

"It's certainly a privilege to

Vance C. Smith, Jr., Commissioner bled to have been chosen and excited to start work,"

Bill Kuhlke, Board Chairman

serve another term as chairman of this Board for this

Smith said. "There are great challenges facing the Depart-

distinguished agency. As my colleagues and I concentrate our

ment; I see these challenges more as opportunities to make a

efforts towards a singular focus - providing the best, fiscally-

good transportation system the best it can be. I look forward

sound transportation system in the United States - I'm optimis-

to working with the Board, the Governor, the General

tic," Kuhlke commented. "We have many challenges, but over-

Assembly, our partner agencies and the experienced Georgia

all, I believe the future is bright for transportation in Georgia."

DOT staff to make these opportunities reality."

Kuhlke's and Bowen's one-year leadership terms began

Board Chairman Bill Kuhlke, Jr., said the $2.4 billion-

July 1. Kuhlke is also beginning his second five-year term as a

per-year, 5,400-employee agency is fortunate to gain the

member of the Board, which is the governing body of the

leadership and perspective of Smith. "Vance knows

Georgia Department of Transportation; Bowen is midway

transportation and no one is more committed to improving

through his first Board term.

it than he is. He understands this Department's greatest need

"I'm honored and grateful to have been selected to assist Bill

is to have adequate resources to build and maintain a multi-

as his vice chairman," Bowen said. "We have a great deal

modal transportation system that will help alleviate

of work to do, but like him, I'm optimistic and look forward to

congestion, promote safety

the next chapter in Georgia's

and pave the way for the "Vance knows transportation and no

transportation history."

infrastructure and mobility necessary to promote economic development.

one is more committed to improving it than he is."

In nominating Kuhlke to lead the Board, then-Vice Chairman Larry Walker praised him as "a

He worked tirelessly for

Bill Kuhlke, Jr., Board Chairman

smart person who understands

additional and much-needed

transportation and what's going on.

transportation funding, and his legislative acumen will help us

He's a man of great integrity who is

secure it."

dedicated to this job."

Smith succeeds Gerald Ross, who has served as interim

Kuhlke is the founder of an Augusta-based construction com-

commissioner since February, and who now returns to his

pany and served on the Richmond County Commission from

previous position as the Department's chief engineer. "I can't

1996 to 2003. Other notable organizations on whose boards

say enough about the magnificent job Gerald has done under

Kuhlke has served include the Richmond County Coliseum

very difficult circumstances," Kuhlke commented. "We're

Authority, the Georgia Department of Industry/Trade and

very much indebted to him."

Tourism (now known as the Department of Economic Devel-

A 17-year veteran of the Georgia House of Representatives

opment), where he served as board chairman, and the World

(the past five as transportation committee chairman), the 57-

Congress Center Authority.

year-old Smith operated a family-owned construction business

Bowen, the founder of a Gwinnett County-based nation-

in Pine Mountain for 30 years. He is a graduate of Columbus

ally recognized home building firm, previously has served on

State University. He and his wife, Michele, have three

the Lake Lanier Recreational Authority, the Gwinnett Airport

children and five grandchildren.

Authority, the Gwinnett County Board of Appeals and on the

boards of several banks.

4 CONNECTOR | Summer 2009

Flournoy Recognized for Superior
Customer Service

By Carla Murphy

W hen scores of state employees gathered at the Capitol recently to receive awards for Excellence in Customer Service, GDOT's Assistant State Construction Engineer was among them. Monica Flournoy, a longtime GDOT employee, was the Department's representative cited for her outstanding service to customers and for the efficient and effective manner in which she performs her job.
The 16-year employee received the Commendation for Excellence in Customer Service and was recently honored in a special ceremony. She and other state employees also were recognized for their outstanding service by Governor Sonny Perdue.
When nominating Flournoy for the award, State Construction Engineer Randall Hart praised her for more than simply "doing her job." "Monica's proficient communication and problem solving abilities set the standard for excellent customer service; she is highly respected by colleagues, contractors and customers alike."
As Assistant State Construction Engineer, Flournoy's duties are varied. In addition to overseeing contract modifications, let projects statewide and final acceptances on federal projects, she manages the budget for her office and works to establish processes and procedures to ensure efficiency.

Governor Perdue with Monica Flournoy at the Capitol during a special award ceremony that honors state employees for their outstanding customer service.

During Fiscal Year 2008, Flournoy processed over 500 contract modifications, while also taking the lead in developing a contract amendment tracking process to ensure payments are made to contractors in a timely manner. "She routinely takes on special assignments while accomplishing her normal duties as required. Many times this means working beyond normal hours to accomplish all her tasks," Hart notes.
And while Flournoy says she appreciates the praise, her initial response to receiving the honor was consistent with the modesty in which does her job.

"My response was, `why did you all do this?' I appreciate being nominated, but I was just trying to do my job and get the modifications executed as expeditiously as possible.'"
She also points out that others in her division work equally hard and have taken on additional duties. "I'm not the only one," she says.
But as state employees stood with Governor Perdue in the rotunda of the Capitol, it was Flournoy who represented her Division and the Department for a job very well done.

Long Appointed New GDOT Planning Director

By Monica Luck

T odd Long has been appointed GDOT's new Director of Planning by Governor Sonny Perdue. The position was created by the General Assembly this spring with the passage of Senate Bill 200.

"Todd's qualifications and knowledge of the DOT planning process make him the perfect

candidate to take on this new role," said Governor Perdue. "I think all Georgians want a state-

wide transportation plan that provides value for our tax dollars, and we are taking a big step in

that direction."

Long previously spent 18 years in various positions at GDOT, including serving as Direc-

tor of both the Preconstruction and Administration divisions. He also spent seven years at the

District 1 office in Gainesville, rising to the position of District Engineer. In August 2008, Long

was appointed director of all engineering, IT and business-related projects for the Georgia

Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA). He is a registered professional engineer and a registered professional traffic operations engineer.

Todd Long

Long has a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and a master's degree in civil engineering

transportation, both from Georgia Tech.

CONNECTOR | Summer 2009

5

Georgia DOT
DRisOcoCveKry S!
By Crystal Paulk-Buchanan
Construction was underway on the Rome Bypass last October when GDOT's staff geologists discovered rare fossils in the rock uncovered by recent blasting. "I was inspecting the rock to ensure it would meet specifications for Rip Rap when I looked at a large boulder and basically flipped out," recalled Loren Petruny.
"She just started screaming, `Stop! Stop! Stop!'" agreed coworker Mandi Reinshagen, also on site that day along with Maurice Jones, a technical services engineer for District 6.
The bare rock revealed a four- to five-inch wide band of grayish, somewhat circular indentions extending across the rock face. Petruny immediately recognized them as stromatolites, the fossilized remains of blue-green algae that formed more than 500 million years ago 300 million years before the dinosaurs.
Petruny had seen similar fossils in field excursions in upstate New York and later as a post-graduate student, even waded through similar live organisms on a trip to the
From left to right, GDOT geologists Loren Petruny, Jerry German and Mandi Reinshagen at the site where Petruny discovered ancient fossils.
6 CONNECTOR | Summer 2009

Bahamas but never imagined she might come across Earth's oldest of fossils on a construction site in northwest Georgia.
Upon discovery, the geologists asked contractor E.R. Snell to move several specimens away from the work area, including the original four-ton boulder. The find did not halt ongoing work on the $65 million bypass just north of Rome, which is targeted for completion in fall 2011. Then they contacted Jerry German, Branch Chief for Pit and Quarry Branch at the Office of Materials and Research (OMR).
"I've been a geologist for 30 years, 11 years with GDOT, and I've never seen stromatolites in the field," German said. "This is an extraordinary find in an unlikely location."
"To find (these fossils) in Georgia is very rare I've only heard of one other case and these are some of the best I've seen."
Julian Gray, Tellus Museum Curator

In June, GDOT

donated several

fossil specimens

to the Tellus

Northwest Georgia

Science Museum

in Cartersville for

its permanent

collection. The

original boulder

will be placed

on the museum

grounds near a

picnic area.

"I was just

floored when I

got the call," said

museum curator Julian Gray. "To

Georgia DOT donated a four-ton boulder containing stromatolites to the Tellus Museum in Cartersville.

find (these fossils)

in Georgia is very rare I've only heard of toxic gasses, but the algae essentially

of one other case and these are some of poisoned the atmosphere with oxygen,

the best I've seen."

enabling complex animals to evolve and

Gray said the find is scientifically

breathe air."

significant because stromatolites can

Since October, Petruny and Reinsha-

only thrive on the seabed in tropical

gen continued to visit the site for regular

climates. The discovery of these

inspections and identified additional

fossilized organisms in Floyd County is fossils, some of which will be housed at

another indicator that the tectonic plate OMR. The area where they originally

shifted over millions of years from its

made the discovery will soon be covered

beginnings near the equator to its

by the new bypass.

current location. Additionally, Gray

"It's a little hard to see it go away,"

said some scientists believe stromato-

Petruny said. "But we're the DOT. We

lites are the building blocks of life.

build roads, and if we weren't building

"The Earth's atmosphere was a stew this road, then I never would have found

them. It's one of the reasons I became

a geologist."

A stromatolite (above) is the fossilized remains of blue-green algae.

CONNECTOR | Summer 2009

7

Small ITS Maintenance Team Gets
BIG Results
By Monica Luck

Outside of the transportation industry, most people don't know the meaning of the acronym "ITS." But many, many people count on ITS functioning properly to help them get where they're going.
ITS is an acronym for "Intelligent Transportation System." Georgia's ITS is the NaviGAtor system, developed in time for the 1996 Centennial Olympics in Atlanta. From just a few closed-circuit TV cameras, video detection cameras, changeable message signs, the Transportation Management Center (TMC) and the NaviGAtor Web site, the system has expanded to include over 2,500 individual devices, the 511 travel information service, and GDOT's Highway Emergency Response Operators, or HEROs, who patrol 280 miles of metro Atlanta interstates.
Who knew that a team of only seven GDOT employees were dedicated to keeping the cameras, signs, computers, and miles of fiber-optic cable working? The GDOT ITS Maintenance Team works tirelessly to make sure the system feeds traffic information continuously from the field, so that 511 operators, HEROS, the news media, and the traveling public have the information they need regarding traffic incidents and other road hazards.
"We have 119 changeable message signs (CMS) within our system, with 12 under construction," said

511 Operator Robert Okonek monitors cameras at the Transportation Management Center.

" The NaviGAtor system is one of the most comprehensive and integrated in the country, and it takes all of us to keep it operating."
Anthony Bradford, TMC Manager

The ITS Maintenance Team is comprised of the following employees: Marcus Rolling, Manager Stevie Shugart, Supervisor William "Randy" Gorman, Supervisor Abayomi Babalade, Technician Todd Conley, Technician Willie LeGrand, Technician Derrick Wilcox, Technician

Mark Demidovich, assistant state traffic operations engineer. "Hundreds of thousands of motorists count on those signs to let them know what's going on up ahead, and how long their travel times will take. The ITS Maintenance Team keeps every single one of these signs working."
James Gordon, NaviGAtor Systems Engineer, says anyone wishing to join
the team needs a special skillset. "You have to be able to handle a wide variety of assignments, and you cannot be afraid of high places," Gordon explained. "Many of our
cameras are on poles that reach 80 to 100 feet

over the interstate. You have to be comfortable working in a tiny bucket with traffic rushing under you, or on the side of a highway with tractor-trailers speeding by you." The current team members are able to maintain their focus on the job at hand, he added.
The TMC staff appreciates the hard work of the ITS Maintenance Team, because they hear from the media and motorists when signs and cameras are not working. "The crew is very responsive, and we appreciate their efforts," said Anthony Bradford, TMC Manager. "The NaviGAtor system is one of the most comprehensive and integrated in the country, and it takes all of us to keep it operating. However, when the devices go offline, and we can't monitor certain road segments, that makes our job that much more difficult. And the public depends on the system as well."

8 CONNECTOR | Summer 2009

New myGDOT Office Web Sites Under Development
By Ron Battle
T he Division of Communications and the Office of I.T. Applications have begun the process of migrating the old internal office Web sites into myGDOT. This migration is part of the Department's effort to enhance employees' online experience by providing better access to internal services and information through myGDOT.
These sites have been developed with user-friendly features that allow customers to access internal office information easily and quickly. Each site has been set up with an informational section that will display the name of the office's administrator, contact information and location at a quick glance. Sites also will have an event/announcement section that displays upcoming Monica Johnson works at her computer station. meetings, scheduled activities and events entered into the office's Web calendar. Another feature allows users to view and download pictures placed in the site's photo library.
In addition to meeting the needs of our internal customers, the new myGDOT format will make it simple for offices to maintain their internal information. Office Web Content Providers will now have access to make updates and maintain their content in one central location. Content providers also will be able to upload files into a document library that can be sorted by the end user. Links to other office or external GDOT Web sites will be maintained and displayed in one list.
The new internal office sites will be rolled out on myGDOT during Summer 2009. The Web project team encourages employees to submit any questions or comments regarding the development of your office site to sharepointprojectteam@dot. state.ga.us.
One Georgia Center Gallery Features Displays
One Georgia Center's 4th floor is known mainly for its series of conference rooms and the technologically well-appointed State Transportation Board Room. However, GDOT employees are invited to visit the gallery outside the board room. Equipped with glass cases and tables, the gallery provides a space for offices and divisions to display their activities and accomplishments.
Currently, the Office of Environment/Location is showing an informational display in the gallery. This display showcases the Department's environmental review process and the special studies that go into preliminary engineering for each project.
Please stop by to learn about reviews for Air and Noise, Archaeology, Ecology, History. This display will be followed by an exhibit of material from OEL-Location.
If you have any questions or comments on the display or if your office/section is interested in presenting a display, please contact Pamela Johnson at pamjohnson@dot.ga.gov.

CONNECTOR | Summer 2009

9

Births

Sympathies

Congratulations to...

Our Condolences to...

Division of Procurement
Randy Walker on the birth of his granddaughter, Ava.
Selena Helms on the birth of her son, Ryland.

Division of Communications
Mark McKinnon on the loss of his father-in-law.
Monica Luck on the passing of her father.

Division of Human Resources
Bobby Vaughn on the birth of his granddaughter, Olivia.
Office of General Accounting
Jessie Boulware on the birth of her son, Malachi.
Ruth Diggs on the birth of her twin grandchildren, Bakari and Hannah.
Office of Equipment Management
Steve Maddox on the birth of his grandson, Luke.
Rafael Borrero on the birth of his daughter, Marissa.
District 1
Rodney Gilreath on the birth of his daughter, Gracie Ann.
Ana Ammons on the birth of her son, Jaxon David.
District 2
Nathan Smith on the birth of his daughter.
District 3
Christine Batten on the birth of her grandchild, Alexi.
Clarence Gibson on the birth of his grandchild, Maliah.
Jan Hamby on the birth of her grand daughter, Peyton.
District 6
Jennifer Bramlett on the birth of her daughter.
Chad Roberts on the birth of his daughter.
Brandon Griffin on the birth of his daughter.

Division of Human Resources
Bobby Vaughn on the loss of his brother.
Adele Samuel on the loss of her father.
Division of Procurement
Charles Ivey on the death of his mother.
Maintenance Activities Unit
The family of Greg Gordon.
Office of Equipment Management
The family of Gar y Martin.
Office of Right Of Way
Rhonda Barnett on the loss of her father.
Dan Langston on the loss of his father.
Office of Utilities
Allen Ferguson on the loss of his brother.
District 1
The family of Richard Palmer. The family of Harr y McKinzie.
District 2
The family of Victor Gene Rogers. Brenda Moment on the loss of
her brother. Dale Copeland on the loss of
his brother.

James (B.J.) Rockmore on the loss of his father.
Tonya Burden on the loss of her sister. Ronnie Sanders on the loss of
his grandson. Nathan Johnson on the loss of
his sister. Roosevelt Atkins on the loss of
his wife. Lorenzo Jenkins on the loss of
his father. The family of Harold Allen
Goldman, Sr. The family of George Robert Jukes. The family of Eddie Elroy May, Sr.
District 3
The family of Charlie Kendrick. The family of Eddie Matthews. The family of Joe Sweat. Marcia Phillips on the loss of
her brother. Greg Brantley on the loss of
his brother. The family of Jay Acuff. Cherie Spillers on the death of
her father. Wesley Wilkerson on the loss of
his mother.
District 5
Glenn Durrence on the passing of his father-in-law.
District 6
Kent Sager on the death of his father. Harr y Maddox on the death of
his father. William S. Brock on the death of
his father. Sandra Adams on the death of
her mother.

10 CONNECTOR | Summer 2009

Award Winners Office of Utilities Receives AASHTO/FHWA Award

GDOT's Office of Utilities received a national award this spring at the AASHTO/FHWA Right-of-Way and Utilities Conference in Oklahoma City. GDOT's Utility "Redline" Project won the top award in the Innovation Category at the 2009 Excellence in Utility Relocation and Accommodation Awards. The award-winning team included Jun Birnkammer, State Subsurface Utilities Engineer, Glenn Robertson, IT System TEAM Lead, and Glenn Williams, State Permit Program Engineer.
Jeff Baker, State Utilities Engineer, explained, "Our Utility Redline Project is an innovative enhancement to Bentley Redline's computer application that greatly facilitates the transmitting of utility plan mark-ups in electronic format for GDOT construction projects. This application makes use of the electronic CADD (Computer Assisted Design and Drafting) files and FTP (File Transfer protocol) to communicate highway project status to affected utility owners in GDOT's electronic format. The GDOT Redline has user-friendly menus which allow its users to draw the utility information to GDOT's Electronic Data Guidelines (EDG)."
The benefits of this new software are: Saves both GDOT and Utility Owners printing costs

Jeff Baker, State Utilities Engineer, accepts the FHWA Award from Dwight A. Horne, FHWA Director of the Office of Program Administration.

Significantly increases construction plan quality
Facilitates project utility coordination efforts
Speeds up project plan development
Aids Utility Owners and GDOT in the implementation of GISbased applications

GDOT is the first state in the nation to provide such a helpful and innovative tool. This new software has made a definite impact on project delivery in the state and, if adopted by other states, this innovative technology could influence project delivery nationwide.
This is the GDOT's Office of Utilities' third national award in two years in the categories of Leadership, Project Management and Innovation. Congratulations to the team!

Division of Communications Receives NAGC Award of Excellence

GDOT's Division of Communications won a Blue Pencil Award at the 2009 NAGC Communications School in Orlando, Florida. The Division was recognized with an Award of Excellence for "The Road Ahead," its public awareness program for the Downtown Connector repaving and 14th Street Bridge reconstruction projects in 2008.
The campaign team of Melany Reynolds, Public Affairs Project Manager, Cr ystal Paulk-Buchanan, Media

Projects Manager, and Laurie Scott, Public Relations Specialist, was one of three Award of Excellence winners for the Promotional Campaigns category. Blue Pencil Awards are presented in recognition of superior writing, editing, photography and published products. More than 575 entries in 49 categories were received and judged from 69 federal, state and local government agencies in the U.S. and Canada.

Based in Falls Church, Virginia, the National Association of Government Communicators is a national not-forprofit professional network of federal, state and local government employees who disseminate information within and outside government. Its members are editors, writers, graphic artists, video professionals, broadcasters, photographers, information specialists and agency spokespersons.

CONNECTOR | Summer 2009

11

Public Employee Recognition Week (PERW) Activities

Tony Robertson: GDOT's first "Everyday Hero"

By Teri Pope

A s part of Public Employee Recognition week, Tony Robertson of District 1 was selected GDOT's first "Everyday Hero." Robertson, who works in Maintenance

for the Area 6 office, was honored for performing his normal job

duties at the highest level and for going above and beyond his

job description.

District Engineer Russell McMurry explained, "Tony works as an Equipment

Operator on the Interstate 85 litter crew in Jackson County. Daily, he picks up litter

before it becomes a hazard to motorists. Twice in the last year, Tony has found

valuables lost by motorists that were returned to their rightful owner."

The first time it was a lock box and its contents were strewn along the interstate.

Among the valuables were a valid passport, original birth certificates, insurance poli-

cies, matured certificates of deposit and antique coins. The contents were valued at

over $60, 000. The second time, Robertson found a wallet containing current credit

cards, a driver's license and other important documents. We've been able to find the

owners and return the valuables in both cases."

Tony Robertson

Robertson is a 13-year veteran of GDOT. Interim Commissioner Gerald Ross said,

"Public Employee Recognition Week is an opportunity for us to honor state workers.

Often their work is overlooked. In both instances, when we located both owners they were thrilled and amazed that their valu-

ables were returned. Tony is our first Everyday Hero because he exemplifies an outstanding work ethic, and strong character.

We are proud to call him our colleague and friend."

Congratulations to Tony Robertson, GDOT's first "Everyday Hero!"

Scenes from Public Employee Recognition Week 2009

12

Employees joined interim-Commissioner Gerald Ross (left) in karaoke, a talent show, participated in golf activities, built bridges, received free popcorn, played Bingo, and posed with the HERO truck during PERW at GDOT.
13

Promotions

Office of Planning
Kelvin H. Mullins to Preconstruction Planning &
Programs Engineer

Office of Road Design
Raymond Christopher Rudd to Group Assistant Manager Design Engineer
Samuel A. Woods to Group Assistant Manager Design Engineer

Office of Traffic Operations
Tamiko Katherine Cobb to Office Assistant
Sue Anne Harris Decker to Traffic Design Supervisor

Office of Transportation Ser vices Procurement
Robert T. Adams to Transportation
Accounts Administrator

Office of Utilities
Stenley K. Mack to Railroad Crossing Engineer

Office of Materials and Research
Alyce D. Barnett-Matchett to Testing Management
Operations Supervisor

Office of Transportation Data
Scott Robert Susten to Statistics Team Leader

Office of Environment/Location
Christopher J. Coppola to Transportation Environmental Plan Manager 2
Amber Leigh Phillips to Transportation Environmental Plan Manager 1
Office of Budget Ser vices
Garrett Wendell Skelton to Transportation Accounts Assistant Administrator
Office of Engineering Ser vices
Daniel M. Chastain to Construction Estimator Liaison Anthony S. Cook to Construction Estimator Liaison David R. English to Lead G.O. Estimator Lisa L. Myers to Transportation Engineering
Assistant Administrator Darin Glenn Pur vis to Construction Estimator Liaison David M. Robbins to Construction Estimator Liaison Ronald Edward Wishon to Transportation Engineering Administrator
Office of General Accounting
Christopher Drew Pittman to Transportation Accounts Assistant Administrator
Office of General Support
Amina Nicole Borrero to Accounting Supervisor Timothy A. Swink to Purchasing Operations Supervisor
Office of Maintenance
Jerr y T. Brantley to Bridge Inspection Engineer Benny R. Lomineck to Bridge Inspection Supervisor LeJalem Gemechu Mergia to Bridge Inspection Technician 2 Robert Monroe O'Daniels to State Bridge Inspection Engineer

Department of Program Deliver y
J. Matt Bennett to Assistant Project Manager Chandria Lynnette Brown to Associate Project Manager Jeremy T. Busby to Assistant Project Manager Peter B. Emmanuel to Assistant Project Manager Clinton B. Ford to Assistant Project Manager Aghdas Sootodeh Ghazi to Assistant Project Manager Brandon W. Kirby to Associate Project Manager David Gerald Moyer to Associate Project Manager Hiral P. Patel to Associate Project Manager Ernay L. Robinson to Associate Project Manager Charner Lynn Rodgers to Associate Project Manager Albert V. Shelby III to Senior Project Manager Adam G. Smith to Assistant Project Manager Michelle O. Wright to Assistant Project Manager
District 1
Jimmy R. Murphy to Highway Maintenance Superintendent Blake Jonathan Wood to Maintenance Equipment Operator
District 4
Amanda F. Merritt to Procurement Officer 1
District 6
Alvin Levon Hames to Traffic Signal Tech Trainee
District 7
Bobby Cartez Br yant to General Trades Craftsman Luke A. Carman to Highway Maintenance Foreman Gene M. Cranford III to District Planning &
Programming Engineer Dale H. Ferris to Assistant Area Engineer Corey Lerom Hardy to Highway Maintenance Foreman Gerald Gerard Stovall to Highway Maintenance Foreman Ruby Favors Williams to Highway Maintenance Foreman

14 CONNECTOR | Summer 2009

Discount Atlanta Falcons Tickets Available to Employees

T hanks to the State Employees Credit Union (SECU) and the Atlanta Falcons, fans may now purchase discount tickets to select 2009 home games.
Beginning July 1 through August 1, SECU members and Atlanta Falcons football fans may go online to purchase discount tickets for the September 13 game with the Miami Dolphins and the September 20 game against the Carolina Panthers. While these are the only two games available through this offer, other games will be available at a later date. Proceeds raised by SECU will benefit the local Children's Miracle Network.
To purchase tickets, visit www.secuga.org and click on the

Falcon's Web banner. Enter the special code: STAT and regster. Choose the date and seat level you want, enter your form of payment and print your ticket.
Ticket costs Upper level endzone seats are $35, regularly $55 Lower level corner seats are $89, regularly $110
Available seats Upper and lower level seats and upper level endzone seats are available for purchase. Members may select the type of seat/price that they want; and Ticketmaster will randomly select seats from that section.

Ticketmaster fee Members will be charged a flat rate of $1.25 to print ALL of the tickers purchased at one time. This represents a significant reduction in the fee typically charged by Ticketmaster.
For additional information, please contact Warren Par, Atlanta Falcons Group Sales Manager at 404.223.8034.

Committing to Better Health
GDOT Employees Lace Up for Downtown 5K Run/Walk
By Carla Murphy

G DOT employees will lace up their running shoes on September 10 and join thousands of other workers participating in the Largest Workplace-Organized Fitness Event the 2009 Kaiser Corporate 5K Run/Walk.
This marks the second year that GDOT will join some 25 other state agencies in the event, forming one team that will make the trek through downtown Atlanta. The race begins at 7:00 p.m. at Turner Field. The cost is $25, and state employees who register early online will receive a $5 discount.
The run/walk, along with an 8-week Get Fit Atlanta fitness program produced by U.S. Olympian and running expert Jeff Galloway, are designed to promote health, wellness and fitness among metro Atlanta companies and government agencies.

" This 5K is an excellent opportunity for employees who are looking to kick off their own fitness program."
Kelly Johnson, Human Resources Operations Specialist
Proceeds benefit the Atlanta Braves Foundation and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta.
"This 5K is an excellent opportunity for employees who are looking to kick off their own fitness program," says Human Resources Operations Specialist Kelly Johnson. "They can start with the 8-week Galloway training and then complete the 5K run/walk with other employees throughout state government who are interesting in wellness and fitness."

Historically, the event has attracted approximately 15,000 participants of all levels of fitness (walkers, joggers and competitive runners) from more than 400 Atlanta companies as well as hundreds of individual participants. As part of the Get Fit Atlanta fitness program, participants receive a free 8-week training membership, in addition to monthly fit tips, personal health assessment tools, healthy recipes, and more.
To register for the event and fitness program, visit www.kpcorporate runwalk.com. GDOT employees should enter the code State1 for an early registration discount.
For more information about joining the state employees team, email Kelly Johnson at Kelly.johnson@dot.ga.gov or visit the MyGDOT intranet site and click on the 2009 Kaiser 5K Corporate Run/Walk link.
CONNECTOR | Summer 2009 15

Making News
Mullins Named Transportation Enhancement Program Manager
Kelvin Mullins has been named Program Manager for GDOT's Transportation Enhancement Program. Employed with the Department since 1997, Mullins is the former District 1 State Aid Coordinator.
In his new position, Mullins will oversee the program that focuses on community-oriented projects, such as the addition of bicycling facilities and neighborhood beautification initiatives that offer transportation alternatives and complement cultural and scenic elements of the statewide transportation network.
With more than 10 years of experience at GDOT, Mullins began working with the Department in the District 1 Athens Area Office in Construction. He also has worked as a Construction Project Manager, Construction Project Engineer and as an Assistant Area Engineer in Construction.
He is a graduate of Georgia Southern University, where he received a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering Technology.
Kelvin Mullins

Rushing Coordinates Department's Bicycle/Pedestrian Program

GDOT has tapped Byron Rushing to lead its Bicycle/ Pedestrian Program. He replaces Amy Goodwin as the Program Coordinator. With a life-long passion for bicycling and other non-motorized transportation, Rushing works with project managers and local planners to get miles of bike facilities included in GDOT's roadway construction projects. He also works with local governments, state and regional transportation organizations, public health and safety agencies, non-profit groups, and other stakeholders to promote bicycling and walking as healthy, non-polluting, and efficient modes of transportation.
Rushing comes to the Department after several years of working for consulting firms specializing in bicycle and pedestrian transportation, community development, environmental protection, and public involvement.
He is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and holds a master's degree in City and Regional Planning from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Byron Rushing

16 CONNECTOR | Summer 2009

Service Anniversaries

10 Years
Allen, Virgil S. Arafa, Mohamed M. Atwater, Clarence Batts, Margaret Victoria Baughcum, Linda McDaniel Beacham, Robert D. Beckham, Nicholas B. Blocker, Billy Lenual Brown, Ernest L. Brown, Jason M. Buchanan, Teague C. Burrell, William Nmn Carr, Bryan D. Casteel, David Rodney Cleveland, William B. Colton, Hugh D. Cook, Anthony S. Daggett, Leroy Dahman, Basil Davis, Charlie L. Davis, Rebecca M.E. Dunham, James W. Edwards, Rosa M. Ellerbee, Carey Byron Engel, Kelly M. Faulk, Kenneth C. Folsom, Carol Tracey Greenway, Mary S. Guy, John Mark Hairston, Benjamin Kelly Harris, Michael R. Hilton, Larry Howard, Eric T. Jackson, James Earl Keadle, David Anthony Kidd, Shane M. Kirkpatrick, John F. Lian, Guohua Lindsey, Chris Dean Martin Jr, William E. Martin, Jerry Eugene Moody, Quinton Nelson III, Russell H. Nesbitt, Kimberly Wells Parrish, Mark Anthony Quinn Jr., Joseph V. Reed III, Andrew Jackson Reeves, Viol Miller Richardson, Ricky Clark Ruff, Anthony L. Scott, Donna S. Sentmore, Laura A. Sliter, Deborah E. Sullivan, James D. Taylor, David Ronald Tillman, Rotenia Townson, Lisha D. Truitt, Deborah Louise Underwood, Gregory R. Upshaw, Bryon M.

Webb, Clifford C. Williams, Doris Celina Wilson, James G. Winsky, Tracy Caprice Worley Jr, Dexter Lee Worthy Jr, Mitchell Wright, Cornelius D. Yung, Thomas K. W.
15 Years
Ahmed, Nasim Baxter, William H Blount, Joanna D. Bowman, Shirley Gaynell Braswell, Robbie Burton, Walter L. Calhoun, Diane W. Carver, Jack Cobb, Richard Allen Collins, Kraig A. Copeland Sr, Jerry Dale Davis, Shane K. Dills, Christopher Thomas Franklin, Jeffrey D. Grizzle, John Walton Hibbitts IV, Josiah Benjamin Hooks, Pamela D. Hudson, Alvin Jared, David M. Jones, Greg L. Kaspereen, Paul Kenneweg, Julie A. Lawrence, Bobbie Renae Marsh, Cherie Lee Marshall, Tonya W. Mason, Betty C. McManus, Michael B. Moody, Heustis E. Powell, Kenneth J. Roberson-Flournoy, Monica Rouse, Arthur James Rowan, John G. Sellers, Mary Ann Shaw, Marie S. Smith, Mikell Smith, Nancy F. Sparks, David F. Spivey, Amy Joann Taylor, Calvin Jock Thomas, Michael David Tucker, Troy Allen Withers, Anita M. Young, Jeffery Roosevelt
20 Years
Albritton, Tommy R. Auge, Dan Raymond Bowers, Joel Patrick Brantley, Timothy Dale

Brown, Lorenzo Thomas Buie, Terri H. Carroll, Carolyn Faye Castellana, Frank Andrew Cochran Jr, Allen Ernest Coney, Lonzie Dover, Michael Dennis Evans, David W. Felts Jr, Edward Cecil Frye, Ethel M. Grizzle, Lamar J. Hall, Kirby Dewayne Hammonds, Toby N. Highfield Jr, Ernest W. Hooks, Henry Lee Jackson Sr, Jerome Johnson, Melvin E. Johnson, Thomas R. Jordan, Willie Curtis King, Johnny Wayne Nicholson, Gerald B. Norris, Larry W. North, Stevens Greer Philpott, Mark Lee Poole, Harvey G. Purvis, Howard Franklin Shugart, Stevie A. Smith, Jeremiah Smith, Michael Anthony Taylor, Mark Tharpe, George Robert Thompson, Sonja L. Tucker, James Craig Tuten Jr, James E. Washington, Elmira Rochelle West, Bobby Gene
25 Years
Abbott, Tony A. Agnew, Kenneth Neil Ballard, John W. Baxter, Mary Colley Brown Jr., Clyde A. Brown, Garry Brown, James Lorenzo Buckner, David S. Cogburn, James D. Corbitt, Leonard Cullins, Cornell Deal, Kevin J. Dickens, George L. Duggan, Marvin Wayne Goober, Ricky L. Graddy, Henry L. Gray, Howard Griffin, Margaret Mary Gunder, Bobbie Hale, Billy Joe Hamby, Jan Hardenbrook, Roger G.

Henry, Michael E. Howard, John Willie Jinks, Riley F. Johnson, Gregory J. Kish, Steven J. Lindsey, Fred A. McCollum, Catherine McCook, Jason L. McCord, Johnny Ell Mock, Norman A. Napier, Elijah R. Owens, Michael Poindexter, Paul A. Poole, Bryant R. Quarles, Karen L. Rutledge, Terry F. Shaw, Richard Wilson Shorter Jr, Smith Sikes, Lisa S. Slaughter, Shannon Foley Swann, Robin H. Whisnant, Danna H. White Jr, Doyle M. Williams, Glenn Allen Wilson, Joseph E.
30 Years
Allen, Felix Bolen, Nancy L. Brown, Stanley J. Bryant, Ricky D. Campbell, Leroy Castle, Frances M. Cleveland, Tommy H. Collins, Keith D. Crown, John Danford, Willie L. Davis, Lloyd R. Dean, Scott W. Devane, Susan H. Digsby, Pamela G. Franklin, John N. Garrard, Marlene Glass, Sue W. Griffin, James T. Ingalsbe III, William E. Kitchens, Keith L. Morris, Annette Payne, Jeff T. Queen, Thomas C. Raye, Vivian B. Silvers, Danny L. Sullivan, Byron K. Swanger, Mildred Angelin Tillman, Charlie White, Lory E. Wiley, Donald E. Young, Larry W.

CONNECTOR | Summer 2009

17

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