4.22.2022 Gaithersburg Staff Recognized with Employee Awards

Gaithersburg, MD – (April 20, 2022) At the Mayor and City Council meeting on Monday, April 18, 2022, Economic Development Manager Sharon Disque and the Elections Support Team were recognized with Employee Recognition Awards for the fourth quarter of calendar year 2021. In recognition of outstanding work in the Department of Public Works, new department-level Employee and Team of the Year awards were presented to Watershed Restoration Specialist Michael Weyand and the Ballot Box Team.

Made up of peers from each department, Gaithersburg's Employee Recognition Committee (ERC) reviews nominations for individuals and teams on a quarterly basis. These winners are then eligible for the annual Employee and Team of the Year Awards.

Sharon Disque, Economic Development Manager with the City Manager's Office, was named Employee of the Fourth Quarter for her service as Interim Chief of the Housing and Community Development Division since the retirement of the former manager in October 2021. While continuing to serve as Economic Development Manager, Sharon ensured that City clients were served without delay, deadlines were met, and reporting requirements were satisfied. As a result, affordable housing tenants and those seeking rental assistance were served quickly and effectively. With Sharon's guidance, the City continues to participate in the Council of Government's fair housing analysis and to meet Community Development Block Grant deadlines. Sharon has served with dedication, professionalism, patience, and the same level of expertise she always displays in serving the public.

The Elections Support Team, was named the Team of the Fourth Quarter for its extraordinary effort in developing and implementing the City's new hybrid election process in 2021. Despite the pandemic, this new system led to the highest voter turnout since 2007 and required extra hours of work prior to and on Election Day. Team members include Lauren Klingler, Wes Rhodes and Aishah Mills-Pherigo of the City Attorney's Office, Mark Kober, David Arthur, Charles Reed, Sean Sorandes, Mark Shaffer, George Smith, Jeffery Sirk, and David Outman of the Department of Public Works, Michelle Betancourt and Doris Stokes of the City Manager's Office, Chief Mark Sroka, Lt. Chris Vance, Lt. Shawn Eastman and Lt. Ray Campbell of the Gaithersburg Police Department, Brian Helms, Andrew Barnes, Mike Hober and Rick Rowles of the Department of Information Technology, Britta Monaco of the Department of Community and Public Relations, and Tam Castillo of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture. City Attorney Lynn Board was recognized for her leadership and guidance in developing and successfully implementing this new model for the City Election.

Michael Weyand, Watershed Restoration Specialist, was named the Department of Public Works 2021 Employee of the Year. Michael is recognized for his ongoing environmental outreach work and partnering and collaborating with the Gaithersburg Parks, Arts and Recreation Corporation on the Storm Drain Art Contest and Snow Plow Painting event, and with the Izaak Walton League on the Citywide Salt Watch program. The latter program has received accolades throughout the region. With Izaak Walton League staff, Michael has presented on the City's stormwater outreach at the Maryland Water Monitoring Council's annual conference, the Alliance for the Chesapeake's annual forum, and a winter salt webinar hosted by the Interstate Committee on the Potomac River Basin, as well as to an informal regional salt watch group. Michael has completed a doctorate degree and is now a Doctor in Organizational Leadership, allowing him even more insight as he provides these services.

The Ballot Box Team, comprised of Mark Kober, David Arthur, Charles Reed, Sean Sorandes, Mark Shaffer, George Smith, Jeffery Sirk, and David Outman, was named the Department of Public Works 2021 Team of the Year. The Team checked secure drop-off boxes placed throughout the City on a day-to-day basis for several weeks before the November 2021 City Election. The Team's continued efforts provided essential assistance in allowing other City staff to handle mail-in ballots, and the work was completed without error and always with a supportive attitude and in good cheer. 

For more information about the Employee Recognition Awards please contact the Office of the City Manager at 301-258-6310 or visit the City's website at www.gaithersburgmd.gov.