Public Facilities Specialist Joseph Pennington is the Town of Wake Forest’s “2015 Jon Ray Employee of the Year.” Town Manager Kip Padgett made the announcement during the town’s annual employee Christmas luncheon on Dec. 11.
A native of Franklinton, NC, Pennington has worked for Wake Forest since 2013. He was nominated for the award by his supervisor, Mickey Rochelle, who praised Pennington’s work ethic and unfailing willingness to helping others.
In his nomination narrative, Rochelle wrote of Pennington: “Joe has been a great asset to (the Facilities) department. Whenever he receives calls from town staff in other departments, he always asks what he can do to help. Joe participates in all tasks either by leading or as a team player. He is always early and ready for his shift to begin. He is willing to stay late or work weekends. He goes the extra step to make sure the job gets done on time and done correctly.”
For his part, Pennington says he experienced a mix of emotions upon hearing his name announced.
“I was very surprised and very humbled when my name was called,” said Pennington. “I love my job and it means a lot to me to be recognized by the town for the job I do.”
The Jon Ray Employee of the Year Award is named after former Street Supervisor Jon Ray who passed away in November 2013. Padgett 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.
Recent Employee of the Year Award recipients include 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).
