September Honorees

George Mitchell has shouldered a tremendous weight in the implementation of the State’s new eProcurement system – eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA). As one of the most knowledgeable persons about the previous eProcurement system, he worked through challenge after challenge in the data migration strategy and implementation. He did much of the “grunt” work himself! George also played a critical role in developing eMMA’s organizational structure.

George offered tremendous support and provided valuable training for the eMMA Helpdesk personnel. He has even assisted with resolving Helpdesk tickets. George did all of this as he transitioned from his previous role as …. to a new one within the new Office of State Procurement, not letting anything fall through the cracks during this time. Through it all, he kept a smile on his face, reflecting his positive attitude and determination to do his best.

eMMA has been a team effort, and with George leading it, we are in the best place we can be. For these reasons, George was caught Caught DGSing!

There’s little about Cathy Marzola, eMaryland Marketplace Advantage Helpdesk Coordinator, and her dedication to customer service that hasn’t already been said countless times. All of those compliments deserve repeating. Cathy makes courteous customer service her mission in every interaction, every day she is in the office. Even on her days off, she still goes the extra mile if that’s what is needed to make a very satisfied customer. To maintain the continued exceptional customer service she is renowned for, Cathy took it upon herself to learn the eProcurment technology (using materials from the iValua and Nitor contractors) that powers the new eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) system so she could be conversant in its layout and functions. This is why Cathy has once again been Caught DGSing!

Fari Farokhi, Project Manager with the Facilities Engineering Division, has been with DGS for just over 8 months. She was recently recognized by a co-worker from Facilities Operations & Maintenance who wrote:

“Over the past few months I have had the pleasure of working Fari Farokhi currently serving as a PM for the DGS construction group.  Fari really has DGS top of mind as it pertains to the projects she manages.  She has a well rounded knowledge of her projects.  She represents DGS well when dealing with various contractors.  I know, ..even though it should not be this way, she faces challenges other male PM’s might not face.  She really handles herself well in the field.  I feel very fortunate to have Fari as the PM for a number of projects within Region 6.  I have no doubt she will deliver the best outcome for DGS on each.”

Being recognized by others for effective and efficient project management is awesome and for this reason, we nominated Fari Farokhi for being CAUGHT DOING GREAT SERVICE!!

In Alicia Sweeney’s six months with FOM Annapolis, she has shown exemplary customer service and dedication to her work. She has played an integral part in the greatly-improved use of our Emaint system. Alicia assists with Emaint training when needed, and she assists with parking fin Annapolis and Baltimore. Whenever there is a task to be done, Alicia is usually the first to volunteer her services, which allows us to be more responsive to our tenants’ needs. Her drive to improve our customer service is greatly appreciated by all in Annapolis. Alicia is also active in her Annapolis community, volunteering her time in the evenings and on weekends.

Mayland Capitol Police Baltimore Detachment: Capt. Eric Yealdhall, Lt. Norman Anderson, Sgt. Larry Barnes, Sgt. Kevin Press, Sgt. Kevin Perry, Sgt. Eric Mejia, Sgt. Carlos Gomez, PO Alvin Tayree,PO Dominic Elsezy, PO Vincent Kurek, PO Roderick Handy, PO Derrick Layton, PO Sharnell Darling

K-9 Unit: Champ/ Sgt. Larry Barns, Dawson/ Ofc. Steven Deal, Rylo/ Ofc. Guevara

Baltimore Police Communication Operators: PCO Audrey Hinton and PCO Monique Taylor

Shortly after 11 a.m. on September 9, Baltimore City Police Department (BCPD) received a call about a suspicious vehicle in the parking garage of 100 E. Pratt St., home to T. Rowe Price, one of
the city’s largest private employers. A four-block area was cordoned off north of where the Inner Harbor meets downtown as police and fire investigators conducted a sweeping search of surrounding parking garages. MCP PCO’s monitored the call and dispatched officers to assist with the evacuation and pedestrian/traffic control of cordoned off areas. PCOs monitored MCP and Baltimore City radio frequency, dispatching units where requested. They were a life line for the officers.

K9 officers responded at the BCPD request and assisted in secondary sweeps for any further suspicious vehicles/devices. Meanwhile, several officers assisted BCPD in responding to calls for service in the areas adjacent to State Center during the height of the investigation to allow BCPD to redeploy officers.

The combined hours of assistance and coordinated efforts of all MCP personnel involved were observed on a national scale. The professionalism and commitment to service during this incident were well received and appreciated.