News Release

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 04, 2006
Contact: Elaine Kanellis
Voice: (703) 588-3265
Email: elaine.kanellis@hq.dodea.edu

2006 Linda Brooks Award for Excellence

ARLINGTON, VA, December 4, 2006 – Mabel Pettrie and Patty Lesjak-Davis were awarded the Department of Defense Education Activity's (DoDEA's) 2006 Linda Brooks Award for Excellence in a ceremony held here today.

The award has been presented annually since 1996 to DoDEA Personnel Center employees who achieve outstanding customer service goals. Its namesake, Linda Brooks, achieved excellent customer service by being proactive, responsive and accountable, particularly at a time in the early 1990s when the personnel center was in transition.

Paul Wolfe, DoDEA's Human Resources Director, commented on Brooks' legacy to the organization.

"It's hard to believe we're celebrating the 11th Anniversary of the Linda Brooks Award," he said. "We continue to rely on and celebrate her legacy of customer service."

The same sentiment was echoed by Leonard Bransford, Deputy Director for DoDEA's Human Resources Directorate.

"It is very critical for us to carry on Linda's commitment to customer service – now is the time we should give that pledge Linda did when she was here with us," he said. "We should do the best we can as long as we can for Linda," he added.

Both award recipients know the value of service, dedication, and people. Pettrie, who has been working for DoDEA since September 2005 when she came from the U.S. State Department, is grateful and proud to serve others. She manages pay and allowances for a number of regions DoDEA serves.

"I feel so grateful for this award," she said. "It shows that people recognize what we do for them and receiving the award today gives me strength to do better every day."

Lesjak-Davis, whose brother is a DoDDS graduate, has been with DoDEA since 1991, when she started out as a staffer in the licensure unit. She rose through the ranks to become the chief of that unit today. Brooks' enthusiasm and commitment to customer service is exemplified in Lesjak-Davis' feelings about receiving the award.

"I love my job and I love coming to work," she said. "People contact me about anything and everything and I am determined to get answers for them, no matter what it is. When people say ‘thank-you,' to me that's just my job – it's all about customer service."

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