Community Outreach Assistant Kiel Ortiz is the Town of Wake Forest “2023 Jon Ray Employee of the Year.” Town Manager Kip Padgett made the announcement Wednesday morning during the Senior Leadership Team’s Holiday Breakfast.
The Jon Ray Employee of the Year (EOY) Award is named after former Street Supervisor Jon Ray who passed away in November 2013. Padgett, along with a committee comprised of former EOY award winners, selects the Employee of the Year from nominations submitted by Town staff. Submissions must include a written narrative explaining why the nominee is deserving of the award.
A Wake Forest employee since 2020, Kiel sits at the Information Desk in the lobby of Town Hall. As a result, he is widely recognized as “the face of Wake Forest” because he is often the first person Town Hall visitors see when they come through the door.
He was nominated for the EOY award by several co-workers who commended his commitment to the Town’s core values of caring, commitment, character, and collaboration.
“Kiel is the face and embodies the values of the Town of Wake Forest,” wrote one co-worker. “He always provides residents with great ‘care’ by making sure they get the answers that they have come to get. Kiel has shown great ‘commitment’ by dedicating himself to helping his coworkers when they need it. Kiel not only is a character, he always exudes great ‘character’ when he perseveres through tough situations. I have a great level of trust in Kiel and know that he acts in a moral and ethical manner in the in the workplace. If it wasn’t for Kiel’s level of ‘collaboration,’ everyone’s job would be so much harder.”
“Kiel always demonstrates a great attitude,” wrote another. “He always asks how I’m doing and is always willing to help out however he can. He is very committed to our Town.”
A native of Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, Kiel was raised in Isabela, Puerto Rico and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Science from the University of Puerto Rico. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two children. When he’s not working, he enjoys playing his guitar and fixing cars.
Previous Employee of the Year Award recipients include Urban Forestry Program Manager Luke Devores (2022), Public Works Director Tim Baily (2021), Police Sgt. Brandon High (2020), Telecommunications Shift Supervisor Bryan Bloodworth (2019), Athletics & Aquatics Superintendent Edward Austin (2018), Graphics Coordinator Bess Martinson (2017), Recreation Program Superintendent Monica Lileton (2016), Public Facilities Specialist Joseph Pennington (2015), Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Crew Supervisor Randy Hoyle (2014), Street Supervisor Jon Ray (2013), Senior Code Enforcement Official Tim Edwards (2012), Senior Planner Candace Davis (2011), Construction Worker Lance Pontrelli (2010), Police D.A.R.E. Officer Scott Graham (2009), Assistant Public Works Director John Thrift (2008), Maintenance Worker Gennie Williams (2007), Accounting Services Manager LaVerne Harding (2006), Inspections Administrator J.J. Carr (2005), and Human Resources Director Tammy Moody (2004).
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