April 5, 2018 marked the date for the Aeronautical Center’s 16th Annual Pathfinder Awards Program. The program was held in the Headquarters auditorium with Kim Sheppard, Manager of the Quality Systems & Business Resources Staff (AMC-3) serving as the mistress of ceremonies, greeting everyone and helping to present awards. Ahmad Kennedy from the Aerospace Medical Certification Division (AAM-300) performed the National Anthem while the opening remarks were provided by Michelle Coppedge, Director of the Aeronautical Center, talking about how everyone at the Aeronautical Center has the capabilities of being a pathfinder.
The keynote speaker for the event was Oklahoma City’s 35th Mayor, Mick Cornett. Holding office for only 6 more days, Mayor Cornett expressed, “I talk about the FAA so often, I am embarrassed to say how infrequently I’m actually here, but I’m saying all sorts of great things about your work and about this Center and how important it is to the United States and our efforts around the world.” During his speech, Mayor Cornett described what his four terms in office have been like, recounting his accomplishments and struggles, the growth of the City and his determination to make OKC more culturally relevant. Since 2004, 100,000 jobs have been created in the City, the population has increased, and new businesses are continually being developed. Cornett noted, “We have diversified our City, OKC is deemed the 7th most diversified economy in the country; we have expanded in aviation more than any other sector. When persuading engineers at Boeing to relocate from Long Beach, CA to Oklahoma, besides offering them lower home prices,” he pitched the notion of less traffic congestion, “you can get a speeding ticket during rush hour in Oklahoma!,” the audience roared with laughter. He went on to explain, “When it comes to fresh water and clean air, we are the largest city in the country in compliance with the Clean Air Act. It is said that our water supply will sustain us until the year 2100. We have an abundant water supply and it earns taste test awards around the country.” We’re scoring well in lots of areas….best place to visit, best place to get a job, … to retire, … for a military person, etc.” As the Mayor concluded his presentation, Aeronautical Center employees gave him a standing ovation. Michelle Coppedge presented Mayor Cornett with an FAA historical book “The FAA: A Historical Perspective, 1903-2008” and a Director’s coin.
The Pathfinder awards program, although held in 2018, celebrates the accomplishments achieved by employees during the previous year (2017). Twenty-eight nominations were submitted among 8 different categories. As the nominations of each category were recognized, the winning name was announced while a video segment of their nominator was shown, describing why they were chosen as a Pathfinder. The winners received a miniature engraved globe and had their photos taken with Michelle Coppedge, Director of the Aeronautical Center and Kevin O’Connor, Deputy Director of the Aeronautical Center.
If you missed the 2017 Pathfinder Awards Program and would like to see it, please visit: https://www.faa.gov/tv/?mediaid=1828
Congratulations to all the 2017 Pathfinder Award Winners!
Axis of Excellence FG-9 or F Pay Band and Lower: Laurie Wichryk, AMC-3
Axis of Excellence FG-10 or G pay Band and Higher: Brian Boster, AML-4010
Mastering the Mission, Manager/Supervisor: Amy Helm, AML-4040
Above and Beyond Customer Service Individual and Team: Individual – Amber Hoffman, AMK-343
World Class Software, Process or Service Team: Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Team, AMA – Comprised of – Wendy Latta, Phil Bowmaker, and Robert Posar.
Making a Difference in the Workplace Award Individual and Team: Individual -Lisa Uzzle, AML
Team - FAA Relocatable Tower Team, AML – Comprised of Brian Boster, Craig Fishbein, Brandon Brumley, Robert Raymond, Kevin Oaks, Patricia Berry, Braven Dyer, Ray Griffin, Mark Cowan, Jim Green, Chris Robinett, Amy Helm, and Curtis Malone.
World Class Maintenance, Installation, Repair or Product Development Team: FAA CBP Surveillance System Improvement Team, AML – Comprised of Jennifer Seymour, Ray Griffin, Chris Robinett, Gary Miller, Rob LaFollette, Kevin Oaks, Robert Raymond, Craig Fishbein, Bryan Scagnetti, and Amy Helm.
Team – OSH Continual Improvement Team, AMP – Comprised of Stephanie Schroeder, Luis Rosa-Berrios, Lindsey Claunch, John Korr, Charles Brandon, Susan Sprinkle, Bill London, Ty Battles, William Farrar, Ken Saylors, Amanda Sims, Jared Sollars, Bryan McGolden, Steve Goodson, Matthew Foreman and Angela McCoy.
Thanks to everyone who chose to nominate a peer, and remember the importance of recognizing those who go above and beyond to make our work life better.
