Employee of the Month – Daris Watkins

On any given work day – rain or shine, snow or gusty winds – Daris Watkins can usually be found outdoors tending to the grounds around the Tawes state building complex in Annapolis. The complex includes quite a few buildings: the Department of Natural Resources, the Court of Appeals, the daycare center at the Tawes District Court, Sweeney and the Maryland Archives. Daris is also responsible for the grounds at Crownsville.

“He’s polite, personable and well-liked by his colleagues,” said Joe Altemus, Maintenance Chief Supervisor at the Annapolis Complex for Facilities Operation and Maintenance and Daris’s supervisor. “Anything you ask him to do, he does. He’s always enthusiastic.”

As lead for the grounds, Daris makes sure leaves are raked, litter is picked up, branches are trimmed, and fallen branches are removed. He’s in regular contact with the building coordinators at Sweeney and Tawes. If there are any problems with the grounds, he moves quickly to address them. For the most part, Daris does this work by himself. When it snow’s, he arrives early to help with clearing it from walkways and building entrances.

There’s a saying that there are no second chances when it comes to first impressions. Upon entering Annapolis from Rowe Boulevard, with the majestic State House at the far end, the first state buildings that come into view are those where Daris maintains the grounds. Thousands of people having business with the state and many more thousands visiting the seat of Maryland’s government see the grounds before they enter the buildings. It requires attention to detail to ensure that those grounds are litter-free and well-maintained. First impressions count!

The pride Daris takes in his work is reflected in what visitors say about it. “One of the most important compliments you can get is from a visitor to one of our buildings,” he explains. “When a visitor walks by and says it looks nice or thanks me for the work, it means a lot.”

Not surprisingly, Daris applies that same attention to detail to his studies. Having already earned a bachelor’s in psychology, he is currently pursuing his master’s in global management online. He said that between work and school, he doesn’t have much free time, but when he does, he spends it with family and friends.

For his commitment to his work and a job well done everyday, Daris Watkins is our employee of the month for March.