December Honorees

Security Officer Gwenda McGowan celebrated 18 years of service on January 18; she was hired in 2000 as a temporary building guard trainee. In her determination to expand her knowledge and improve her skills, Officer McGowan has earned three different certificates from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from courses she participated in that are designed to train personnel on how to operate safely and efficiently during an emergency incident or event.

During the last months of 2017, Security Officer McGowan worked 200+ hours of overtime, including some 16-hour shifts, to help the Maryland Capital Police cover unexpected vacancies and events. If you work in Annapolis, you probably saw her last September and October securing the damaged Senate parking garage doors to ensure that security at this building would not be breached. While waiting for the parts for the garage to be delivered and repaired, she also ensured that the employees who park in this garage were not inconvenienced.

Officer McGowan is extremely dedicated to her job and on occasion has to be told to take vacation time before she loses it! She consistently receives favorable job observation reports and high scores on her performance evaluations for her work ethic, team-work and customer service. Chief Wilson and her supervisors have commended her performance over the years, with Chief Wilson stating his sincere appreciation for her outstanding attendance. Here are some comments from her supervisors:

“Security Officer McGowan did an excellent job all during Session and on Sine-Die. Everyone knows what a busy time that is and that there’s a lot of interaction with state employees, elected officials, contractors and visitors, but S/O McGowan always remains courteous and professional.”

“Security Officer McGowan is very personable and tries to help whenever she can.”

“Security Officer McGowan is a very caring employee. She is always looking out for the well-being of others.”

“S/O McGowan does a great job securing the many buildings at night, and she is always willing to work overtime.”

Ken Klepsig, a project manager in the Facilities Engineering Division of Facilities Planning, Design & Construction, has been with the state for 16 years, two of those with DGS. He manages maintenance projects for the Maryland department of Health, Maryland State Police, Maryland Department of Agriculture DGS FOM (Annapolis and DC/MSC). He travels throughout the state working with the departments to design, procure and manage their maintenance projects. Some of his projects have included water infiltration, office renovations, HVAC, exterior light upgrades, plumbing, sprinkler replacement, etc., along with any emergency projects assigned to him.

Ken is currently working on a project to replace the heating and cooling at RIC Baltimore, a residential mental health treatment facility for children. One of the units has not been functioning properly. Ken has been on site almost daily to resolve the problem. He has even come in on days he was scheduled off to make sure this project is moving forward, prompting numerous compliments from the Department of Health’s Office of Capital Planning, Budgeting and Engineering Services.

An unselfish and dedicated state employee, Ken always puts the needs of his customers first. He is dependable and completes all projects assigned to him expeditiously and within budget. He works cooperatively with others to achieve the division’s goals.

George Richards, a Maintenance Mechanic, Sr., works at the Rockville District Court/Multi-Service Center. Honest, dependable and responsible, he works well with coworkers, tenants and contractors, always giving 110%. Not long ago, there was an elevator issue where bailiffs got stuck. George sat outside the elevator and talked with them until the contractor arrived.

He is always looking for ways to cut costs and save taxpayer dollars. For example, he determines if he can make needed repairs before calling a contractor. Proactive and eager to learn, he googles videos on how to complete various repairs.

George puts smiles on the tenants’ faces as he does his rounds, and he doesn’t hesitate to go out of his way to assist them in any way. He can be counted on to come in early, stay late or adjust his shift to make sure the building has coverage when coworkers are on leave.