22nd Annual Director's Recognition Awards

Director's Recognition Awards  |  Award Categories & Descriptions

2002  |  2003  |  2005  |  2006  |  2007  |  2008  |  2009  |  2010  |  2012  |  2013  |  2014

2015-2016  |  2017  |  2018  |  18th Annual  |  19th Annual |  20th Annual  |  21st Annual

22nd Annual Director's Recognition Award Program

Climate Adaptation Award

Recognizes those who have taken remarkable steps in preparing for and protecting against the adverse and imminent consequences of climate change, including wildfires, flooding, erosion, air pollution and droughts, as well as threats to park habitats, ecosystems and people.

Calaveras Big Trees State Park South Grove Project Team – Central Valley District

Compass Award

Recognizes remarkable long-term visioning, innovative thinking and mentorship that fosters talent and provides support to staff at all levels.

Lori Turner – District Facilities Management Program

Equity and Diversity Award

Recognizes those who have made an exceptional contribution to ensuring all Californians have access to the outdoors and cultural sites and have significantly contributed to the department’s values of equity and inclusion.

Genomé Rodriguez – Sierra District

Innovation Award

Recognizes those who have demonstrated the remarkable ability to complete tasks and projects or address park problems through creative and innovative means.

ServiceNow Team – Administrative Services (Human Resources) and Information Technology divisions

Inspiration Award

Recognizes those who have achieved a major public objective while emphasizing community involvement.

Dos Rios Inaugural Team - Central Valley District

Leadership and Vision Award

Recognizes staff with the ability to motivate and inspire others to positive action and who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to the ideals and values of the department.

Kevin Pearce – Oceano Dunes District

Partnership Award

Recognizes partners who have demonstrated a high level of commitment over a substantial period toward accomplishing the department’s mission.

River Partners, the Tuolumne River Trust, and the Lyons Family

Professional Integrity Award

Recognizes employees who demonstrate a high degree of honesty, integrity and idealism in the face of adverse pressure.

Judy Russo – Capital District

Resilience Award

Honors an individual or team who tirelessly and valiantly rose to enormous challenges during an emergency response situation and/or recovery effort.

Post Fire Response Team – Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area

Trailblazer Award

Recognizes those who have introduced new ideas or methods to accomplish the mission of State Parks or pioneered new ways to introduce the public to California’s outdoors.

Teri Pope – Inland Empire District

Tribal Partnership Award

Recognizes exceptional and outstanding dedication to fostering meaningful relationships with California Native American tribes. The award was established in honor of former Park Archeologist Kate Green for her leadership in building trust and developing partnerships with tribes.

Mike Grone – Santa Cruz District

Special Commendation Awards

Recognizes employees who have made a significant contribution by going above and beyond the norm and made a substantial impact.

Bidwell Mansion Fire Investigation Team – Northern Buttes District

State Parks:

Partners:

Big Sur Sector State Park Peace Officers – Monterey District

Brian Baer

Communications and Marketing Division

Special Act or Service Awards

Recognizes employees who have performed an extraordinary act of heroism extending far above the normal call of duty or service and who performed at great risk to their own safety in an effort to save human life and/or property.

Elias Richter – Santa Cruz District

Santa Cruz Wharf Collapse Response Team – Santa Cruz District

Zoe Chait – Santa Cruz District

Santa Cruz District Lifeguards Rescue Team – Santa Cruz District

Joel Dinnauer – Administrative Services Division

Michael Moses – Angeles District

If you have any questions regarding the ceremony or Director’s Recognition Awards Program, please connect with Jo Biswas from the Communications and Marketing Division via email at DirectorRecognitionAward@parks.ca.gov.