FLORIDA PARK SERVICE ANNOUNCES EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

For Immediate Release: August 26, 2011 Contact: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us FLORIDA PARK SERVICE ANNOUNCES EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR ~Central Florida employee among many honored for outstanding and dedicated service~ Florida Park Service Director Donald Forgione presents Bill Allman with the Employee of the Year Award with District Three Chief Larry Fooks. APOPKA - The Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida Park Service recently presented the 2010 Florida State Parks Employee of the Year Award to Bill Allman, Operations and Management Consultant for the Florida State Parks District Three Administration. Allman was selected out of the more than 1,000 full time staff who manage and operate Florida’s 160 state parks. “Bill’s commitment and willingness to help others is clearly shown by his ability to wear many hats throughout his busy day,” said DEP’s Florida Park Service Director Donald Forgione. “Having worked directly with Bill in the past, I know he is often the first person to tackle a tough obstacle or get his hands dirty when needed.” Bill began his career with the Florida Park Service in 2004 as an accountant in District Three. In August 2006, he was promoted to Operations and Management Consultant. Nominated by a coworker, Bill is a highly respected and well-liked individual who uses his creativity and years of knowledge to answer any question or need that may arise in his district office, which oversees 29 state parks from St. Johns to Indian River counties along the east coast. Versatile, problem-solver, reliable and organized are terms often used to describe Bill’s consistent and helpful work ethic. Beyond the qualities of a seasoned professional, he is widely commended on the level of respect he pays to each individual he encounters every day. “Being honored as the Florida Park Service Employee of the Year is a humbling experience as there are so many deserving staff in the state park system,” said Allman. “I just do my job the best I can, what I expect of myself every day.” Each year, the Florida Park Service formally recognizes full and part-time employees and volunteers for outstanding contributions and for noteworthy personal achievement or actions. The Florida Park Service Employee of the Year Award honors the employee who continually exhibits an attitude of dedication to the state park system, enthusiasm for the job, self motivation and cooperation in dealing with others. The recipient must have satisfactory service with the park service and routinely contribute to the accomplishment of the mission, objectives, goals and responsibilities of the Florida Park Service. Other awards presented by the Florida Park Service to staff statewide include: Joe Kenner Award for Interpreter of the Year Michelle Waterman, Park Ranger, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Hank Smith Award for Excellence in Research Elizabeth Gandy, Environmental Scientist, District Four Administration Division Team Award District Four Administration CPR/First Aid Training Team Public Service Award Tricia Fowler, Park Ranger, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park Betty Baust, Park Ranger, Stump Pass Beach State Park Distinguished Service Award Dale Kendrick, Operations and Management Consultant II, District Two Administration Dylan Gavagni, Assistant Park Manager, Tomoka State Park Brian Polk, Manager, De Leon Springs State Park Patrick Potts, Park Services Specialist, Hillsborough River State Park Thelma Proctor, Education and Training Specialist, District Four Administration Gail Baxley, Park Planner, Office of Park Planning Lifesaver Award David Hramika, Waterpark Manager, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park Jeffrey Fox, Park Ranger, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Joseph Hayes, Maintenance Mechanic, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Danny Turbet, Park Ranger, Jonathan Dickinson State Park Jay Mann, Park Ranger, Jonathan Dickinson State Park

About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails The nation’s best state parks and trails have joined forces. Now a part of the Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service, the award-winning Office of Greenways and Trails manages the 110-mile Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, eight state trails and more. Florida’s award-winning state parks have inspired residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that helps to strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With 160 parks, 700,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 600 miles of multi-use trails, visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. For more information on visit www.FloridaStateParks.org or www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/. Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

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