Environmental Progress - Summer 2000

Employees of the Month

Editor's Note: Each month the Illinois EPA recognizes outstanding employees for making quality part of every job they do.

Frank Novak, Bureau of Air, was Employee of the Month for March. Frank works for the Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance program at Elk Grove Village. He served as a team leader during the Accepted Test Procedures, coordinating certification of 35 vehicle emissions testing facilities which opened as scheduled and were certified. He was instrumental in developing and implementing an e-mail system for the customer service area, wrote and developed a program making the Motorist Assistance area more efficient in processing customer inquiries, saving time and money and making tracking of customer inquiries more efficient. Frank, the field offices' computer expert, was responsible for providing guidance for implementation of a new PC system.

Karen Cox, Bureau of Water, was Employee of the Month for April. Karen was directly involved in all preparation and administration of the Governor's Environmental Forum on Emerging Water Issues held in Springfield in January. She worked with the Director's Office on conference preparations, maintained a tracking system of registrants, made sure everyone had needed information for "mid-course corrections," and notified participants when it was necessary to change the planned site. She worked to ensure speakers' needs were met, gathered and organized Forum handout materials, and coordinated assembly of binders for nearly 400 Forum participants. She worked at the registration desk and panel sessions, and facilitated work sessions, assuring that the Forum was a success. Karen carried out all special projects while handling her normal job responsibilities as the Bureau Chief's secretary, a demanding job in itself.

Beth Kirman, Office of Public Information, Director's Office, was EOM for May. Beth was recognized for her graphics skills, eye for color and layout, teaching herself the latest advanced graphic software programs and understanding the complete production process. She worked on the redesign of the Agency's web site, created the new home page and regularly builds sophisticated files for the Agency's web site, saving Agency funds by not having to hire outside contractors. Beth improves the Agency's public image by making Agency documents and other materials look good.