In a prestigious event in February 2024, fifteen esteemed employees from the Department of Energy were honored with the renowned Secretary of Energy Excellence Award. This esteemed accolade is a testament to their exceptional achievements that exemplify superior performance and extraordinary leadership traits contributing positively to public service. The individuals who receive this award have demonstrated a significant level of accomplishment beyond their regular duties, offering considerable advantages to both the Department’s mission and the nation.
An Array of Distinguished Awardees
The Secretary of Energy’s annual Honor Awards represent the highest level of internal accolades available to DOE’s Federal and contractor workforce. These awards applaud the exceptional dedication and profound impacts made by the recipients, who go the extra mile in serving the country.
Extraordinary Achievement in Human Capital and Financial Management
Erin S. Moore, Chief Human Capital Officer, strived relentlessly to attract the finest talent to the Department. Her successful initiatives have seen a remarkable 42% reduction in hiring timeframes. Erin has been pivotal in the establishment and recruitment for the Clean Energy Corps.
Bruce Martin, Financial Manager, has been recognised for his supreme management of federal funds. His creative pension solutions at the Savannah River Site have saved American taxpayers in excess of $400 million while making sure that employees’ financial futures are secure.
Leadership in Contract Negotiation and Implementation
Cynthia T. Strowbridge, Lead Contract Specialist, played an instrumental role in the negotiation and administration of major contracts at DOE’s Savannah River Site, with task orders valued at over $1.8 billion.
Samantha N. Ruiz, Chief of Staff for the Office of Energy Justice and Equity, has been credited for her significant involvement in developing the Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit Program, part of President Biden’s robust clean energy investment incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Advancing Safety, Technology, and Environmental Stewardship
Rizwan A. Shah, Organizational Culture Advisor, markedly enhanced team dynamics and operational efficiency at the Los Alamos National Lab, thereby improving numerous facility functions including pit production and equipment upgrades.
Brian J. Lally, Assistant General Counsel for Technology Transfer & Intellectual Property, championed the first-ever Partnership Intermediary Agreement Pilot, streamlining collaboration between DOE and various external partners.
Ann McManamon, a pioneer Hydrologist at the Bonneville Power Administration, transformed risk management by introducing innovative forecast methodologies that are now widely adopted in the Columbia River system’s water management.
Bart McManus, an Electrical Engineer, contributied significantly to the integration of renewable resources into the grid while maintaining consistent and reliable power across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Aaron C. Siemers, Environmental Physical Scientist, significantly reduced blackout risks caused by overgrown vegetation without infringing on environmental norms, cutting down the previous wait times for tree trimming to zero.
Pioneering the Clean Energy Future
Howard E. Dickenson, Deputy Director for Operations and Management, held responsible for assembling a competent team for the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, ensuring that clean energy technologies are scalable to make a genuine difference for the planet and Americans’ pocketbooks.
Sarah B. Zaleski, once a program manager, carved a niche by developing the Renew America’s Schools Team, mobilizing over a thousand funding applications – far surpassing initial expectations. Additionally, she was instrumental in creating an environmental justice mapping tool targeted at schools.
Scott R. Lund, guiding the Desert Southwest region, played a critical role in expanding the Sun Zia project, thus bringing renewable energy to the fore and reducing costs for regional ratepayers.
Amy R. Sweeney, recognized for her expertise in environmental and regulatory issues pertinent to natural gas, enabled the DOE to undertake critical regulatory actions across various areas, including natural gas exports and methane emissions mitigation.
Mark H. Dickinson, Director of Acquisition Division, modernized nuclear industrial base procurement processes, and significantly contributed to amplifying production of the COLUMBIA Class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, a vital naval construction priority.
Kirk W. Waldron, a Nuclear Engineer with the resolve to challenge convention, was instrumental in the USS George Washington’s return to service for the Navy, showing excellent leadership and a hands-on approach to project obstacles.
These outstanding achievers in the Department of Energy exemplify a pervasive spirit of innovation, responsibility, and integrity. Their accomplishments illuminate the vast spectrum of contributions that are imperative for the advancement of the Department’s goals and the betterment of the United States.
