The Secretary’s Award for Excellence 2014

The Secretary’s Award for Excellence recognizes achievement or innovation by an individual or team engaged in work to advance the mission of the Department of Homeland Security. The work of the nominee(s) may have resulted in superior performance, significant operational improvements or notable innovation in support of DHS missions.

This year's winners are listed below, along with a description of their contributions and achievements:

For successfully leading a multi-agency task force to enhance comprehensive border security:

Walter Adams, Aerostat Team, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
John Beck, Aerostat Team, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Edwin Cooke, Aerostat Team, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Michael Hanson, Aerostat Team, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Michael Jeng, Aerostat Team, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Pat Lorzing, Aerostat Team, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Shawn McLemore, Aerostat Team, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Tobin Ruff, Aerostat Team, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Richard Stairs, Aerostat Team, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

For exceptional leadership and innovative law enforcement in thwarting 9.1 million in illegal maritime activity along California's coastline:

Petty Officer 3rd Class Jarin Cobb, ASPEN Law Enforcement Team, U.S. Coast Guard
Lt. Cmdr. Thomas D'Arcy, ASPEN Law Enforcement Team, U.S. Coast Guard
Lt. Lisa De Pace, ASPEN Law Enforcement Team, U.S. Coast Guard
Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph P. Gonzales, ASPEN Law Enforcement Team, U.S. Coast Guard
Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher M. Gonzales, ASPEN Law Enforcement Team, U.S. Coast Guard
Petty Officer 1st Class Joshua T. Graham, ASPEN Law Enforcement Team, U.S. Coast Guard
Petty Officer 2nd Class Peter Hernandez, ASPEN Law Enforcement Team, U.S. Coast Guard
Lt. j.g. Robert Johnston, ASPEN Law Enforcement Team, U.S. Coast Guard
Fireman Dennis Monahan, ASPEN Law Enforcement Team, U.S. Coast Guard
Petty Officer 3rd Class Francisco Perez, ASPEN Law Enforcement Team, U.S. Coast Guard
Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Salsman, ASPEN Law Enforcement Team, U.S. Coast Guard
Lt. j.g. Sarah Sapiano, ASPEN Law Enforcement Team, U.S. Coast Guard
Petty Officer 2nd Class Taylor Sweeney, ASPEN Law Enforcement Team, U.S. Coast Guard
Ensign Rita Walter, ASPEN Law Enforcement Team, U.S. Coast Guard

For exceptional effort in implementing the first automated immigration information sharing initiative between the U.S. and Canada:

Mark Becker, Biographic Visa and Immigration Info-Sharing Team, Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Janie Brown-Harris, Biographic Visa and Immigration Info-Sharing Team, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Mary E. Cook, Biographic Visa and Immigration Info-Sharing Team, Office of Policy
Keith T. Devereaux, Biographic Visa and Immigration Info-Sharing Team, Office of Policy
Mallory J. Hurteau, Biographic Visa and Immigration Info-Sharing Team, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Ben Jacob, Biographic Visa and Immigration Info-Sharing Team, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
James Joseph, Biographic Visa and Immigration Info-Sharing Team, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Timothy K. Kamphaus, Biographic Visa and Immigration Info-Sharing Team, Office of Policy
Julie Koller, Biographic Visa and Immigration Info-Sharing Team, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Cherie A. Lombardi, Biographic Visa and Immigration Info-Sharing Team, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Deborah Meyers, Biographic Visa and Immigration Info-Sharing Team, Office of Policy
Lauren Saadat, Biographic Visa and Immigration Info-Sharing Team, Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Nicole M. Sanchez, Biographic Visa and Immigration Info-Sharing Team, Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Margaret Schaefer, Biographic Visa and Immigration Info-Sharing Team, Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Elizabeth B. Schmelzinger, Biographic Visa and Immigration Info-Sharing Team, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Suzanne M. Sheperd, Biographic Visa and Immigration Info-Sharing Team, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Akbar A. Siddiqui, Biographic Visa and Immigration Info-Sharing Team, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Bradd Skinner, Biographic Visa and Immigration Info-Sharing Team, Office of Policy
Jill St. John, Biographic Visa and Immigration Info-Sharing Team, Office of Policy
Jerald H. Walters, Biographic Visa and Immigration Info-Sharing Team, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

For contributions to the joint investigation of an illegal distribution network of counterfeit U.S. currency:

Charles Brand, Counterfeit Currency Investigation Team, U.S. Secret Service
Cleveland Brown, Counterfeit Currency Investigation Team, U.S. Secret Service
Jenny Contardi, Counterfeit Currency Investigation Team, U.S. Secret Service
Marybeth Dellibovi, Counterfeit Currency Investigation Team, U.S. Secret Service
Farrell Dolan, Counterfeit Currency Investigation Team, U.S. Secret Service
Matthew Fishler, Counterfeit Currency Investigation Team, U.S. Secret Service
Adam Gaab, Counterfeit Currency Investigation Team, U.S. Secret Service
Michael Giovanniello, Counterfeit Currency Investigation Team, U.S. Secret Service
Timothy W. Gray, Counterfeit Currency Investigation Team, U.S. Secret Service
Daniel Knaub, Counterfeit Currency Investigation Team, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Trevor McDonough, Counterfeit Currency Investigation Team, U.S. Secret Service
Robert O'Donnell, Counterfeit Currency Investigation Team, U.S. Secret Service
Alan Wilson, Counterfeit Currency Investigation Team, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

For establishing the Criminal History Information Sharing initiative to provide regional partners with limited criminal history of foreign nationals, enhancing cooperation and security:

Mark A. Aguirre, Criminal History Information Sharing Working Group, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
James W. Buckley, Criminal History Information Sharing Working Group, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
David L. Cloe, Criminal History Information Sharing Working Group, Office of Policy
John Duncan, Criminal History Information Sharing Working Group, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Cynthia Echeverria, Criminal History Information Sharing Working Group, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Regina Hart, Criminal History Information Sharing Working Group, Office of the General Counsel
Jason A. Henry, Criminal History Information Sharing Working Group, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Michael D. Huston, Criminal History Information Sharing Working Group, Office of Policy
Adam S. Klein, Criminal History Information Sharing Working Group, Office of Policy
David Lemek, Criminal History Information Sharing Working Group, Office of Policy
Farrah Rajabi, Criminal History Information Sharing Working Group, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Ricky Rivera, Criminal History Information Sharing Working Group, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Samford A. Scharpf, Criminal History Information Sharing Working Group, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Michael Warner, Criminal History Information Sharing Working Group, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

In recognition of exceptional service and performance in developing the DHS Data Framework to assist with information sharing across DHS:

Charles Aaron, DHS Data Framework Team, Office of Intelligence Analysis
Tom Bush, DHS Data Framework Team, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
John Dermody, DHS Data Framework Team, Office of the General Counsel
Kelly Fahey, DHS Data Framework Team, Management Directorate
Andrew Fausett, DHS Data Framework Team, Office of General Counsel
Michael Freeman, DHS Data Framework Team, Office of Intelligence Analysis
Michael Frias, DHS Data Framework Team
Darryl Gingles, DHS Data Framework Team, Office of Intelligence Analysis
David Hong, DHS Data Framework Team, Office of Intelligence Analysis
Victoria Lester-Saura, DHS Data Framework Team, Office of Policy
James McNeely, DHS Data Framework Team, Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Soldenise Medina, DHS Data Framework Team, Office of Intelligence Analysis
Miriam Moore, DHS Data Framework Team, Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Jennifer Murray, DHS Data Framework Team, Office of Privacy
Paul Reynolds, DHS Data Framework Team, Management Directorate
Rebecca Richards, DHS Data Framework Team, Office of Privacy
Kellie Riley, DHS Data Framework Team, Office of Privacy
Donna Roy, DHS Data Framework Team, Management Directorate
Tony Sanchious, DHS Data Framework Team, Office of Intelligence Analysis
Clark Smith, DHS Data Framework Team, Office of Intelligence Analysis
Benjamin Stefano, DHS Data Framework Team, Office of Intelligence Analysis
Gil Woodard, DHS Data Framework Team, Office of Intelligence Analysis

For significantly enhancing veterans hiring across the Department, while also being recognized as a leader in these efforts across the federal government:

Joseph Arata, DHS Veterans Employment Coordinators Team, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Ginny Berry, DHS Veterans Employment Coordinators Team, Management Directorate
Shelly Campbell, DHS Veterans Employment Coordinators Team, U.S. Coast Guard
Shirelle Green, DHS Veterans Employment Coordinators Team, Management Directorate
Jeffrey Jack, DHS Veterans Employment Coordinators Team, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Darrett Lomax, DHS Veterans Employment Coordinators Team, Transportation Security Administration
Nimesh Patel, DHS Veterans Employment Coordinators Team, Management Directorate
Sean Robinson, DHS Veterans Employment Coordinators Team, Management Directorate
Cindee Smith, DHS Veterans Employment Coordinators Team, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Gina Street, DHS Veterans Employment Coordinators Team, Office of the Inspector General
Jacqueline Thomas, DHS Veterans Employment Coordinators Team, U.S. Secret Service
David E. Thompson, DHS Veterans Employment Coordinators Team, National Protection and Programs Directorate
Shenandoah Titus, DHS Veterans Employment Coordinators Team, Management Directorate
Catherine Walker, DHS Veterans Employment Coordinators Team, Management Directorate
JoAnn Way, DHS Veterans Employment Coordinators Team, Federal Emergency Management Agency

For continued dedication to the development, implementation, and oversight of law enforcement training through accreditation services for 180 federal law enforcement programs:

Robert L. Bruton, Federal Law Enforcement Training Academies Accreditation Team, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
Christiana M. Halsey, Federal Law Enforcement Training Academies Accreditation Team, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
Jimmy L. Hill, Jr., Federal Law Enforcement Training Academies Accreditation Team, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
Gary B. Mitchell, Ph.D., Federal Law Enforcement Training Academies Accreditation Team, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
Patricia M. Perry, Federal Law Enforcement Training Academies Accreditation Team, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
Carroll J. Ross, Federal Law Enforcement Training Academies Accreditation Team, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center

For unparalleled dedication, leadership and contributions in support of FEMA's efficient and effective response and recovery activities in Region VI following the tornados in Moore, Oklahoma:

Joe E. Bearden, FEMA Region 6 Team, Federal Emergency Management Agency
John E. Bordeau, Jr., FEMA Region 6 Team, Federal Emergency Management Agency
Danielle E. Brown-Rainwater, FEMA Region 6 Team, Federal Emergency Management Agency
Jacqueline S. Chandler, FEMA Region 6 Team, Federal Emergency Management Agency
Sandra L. Coachman, FEMA Region 6 Team, Federal Emergency Management Agency
Charles R. Cook, FEMA Region 6 Team, Federal Emergency Management Agency
Jamie L. Dake, FEMA Region 6 Team, Federal Emergency Management Agency
Melinda G. Dunn, FEMA Region 6 Team, Federal Emergency Management Agency
Gregory W. Eaton, FEMA Region 6 Team, Federal Emergency Management Agency
Michael D. Hamm, FEMA Region 6 Team, Federal Emergency Management Agency
Roland W. Jackson, FEMA Region 6 Team, Federal Emergency Management Agency
David W. Pointon, FEMA Region 6 Team, Federal Emergency Management Agency
Mark D. Price, FEMA Region 6 Team, Federal Emergency Management Agency
Wayne H. Rickard, FEMA Region 6 Team, Federal Emergency Management Agency
Brian C. Slie, FEMA Region 6 Team, Federal Emergency Management Agency
Tommie Ann Styons, FEMA Region 6 Team, Federal Emergency Management Agency
Jerry S. Thomas, FEMA Region 6 Team, Federal Emergency Management Agency
Donetta P. Walsh, FEMA Region 6 Team, Federal Emergency Management Agency
Ronald C. Wanhanen, FEMA Region 6 Team, Federal Emergency Management Agency

For fielding new technologies to strengthen first responder safety and effectiveness:

William D. Deso, First Responderz R-Tech Group, Science and Technology Directorate
Christine J. Lee, First Responderz R-Tech Group, Science and Technology Directorate
D'Arcy R. Morgan, First Responderz R-Tech Group, Science and Technology Directorate
Milton W. Nenneman, First Responderz R-Tech Group, Science and Technology Directorate
Gregory D. Price, First Responderz R-Tech Group, Science and Technology Directorate
John B. Price, First Responderz R-Tech Group, Science and Technology Directorate
William R. Stout, First Responderz R-Tech Group, Science and Technology Directorate
Jose A. Vasquez, First Responderz R-Tech Group, Science and Technology Directorate
King P. Waters, First Responderz R-Tech Group, Science and Technology Directorate

For outstanding contributions to improve FEMA response, implementing lessons learned from Hurricane Sandy:

Christine Alvarez, OIG Emergency Management Office Team, Office of the Inspector General
Oscar Andino, OIG Emergency Management Office Team, Office of the Inspector General
Chris Dodd, OIG Emergency Management Office Team, Office of the Inspector General
Moises Dugan, OIG Emergency Management Office Team, Office of the Inspector General
David Fox, OIG Emergency Management Office Team, Office of the Inspector General
Nigel Gardner, OIG Emergency Management Office Team, Office of the Inspector General
Heather Hubbard, OIG Emergency Management Office Team, Office of the Inspector General
William Johnson, OIG Emergency Management Office Team, Office of the Inspector General
David Kimble, OIG Emergency Management Office Team, Office of the Inspector General
Kaye McTighe, OIG Emergency Management Office Team, Office of the Inspector General
Trudy Powell, OIG Emergency Management Office Team, Office of the Inspector General
Nadine Ramjohn, OIG Emergency Management Office Team, Office of the Inspector General

For cross-government efforts to comply with the Prison Rape Elimination Act:

Holly Allen, Prison Rape Elimination Act Rulemaking Team, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Lindsey Braden, Prison Rape Elimination Act Rulemaking Team, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Monica Burke, Prison Rape Elimination Act Rulemaking Team, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Amy Butler, Prison Rape Elimination Act Rulemaking Team, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Ivy Cheng, Prison Rape Elimination Act Rulemaking Team, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Amy Cucinella, Prison Rape Elimination Act Rulemaking Team, Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Timothy Dodd, Prison Rape Elimination Act Rulemaking Team, Office of General Counsel
Danny Fischler, Prison Rape Elimination Act Rulemaking Team, Office of General Counsel
Constantina Glover, Prison Rape Elimination Act Rulemaking Team, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Alex Hartman, Prison Rape Elimination Act Rulemaking Team, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Adam Loiacono, Prison Rape Elimination Act Rulemaking Team, Office of the General Counsel
Marie Martinez, Prison Rape Elimination Act Rulemaking Team, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Paul Minton, Prison Rape Elimination Act Rulemaking Team, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Xavier Rios, Prison Rape Elimination Act Rulemaking Team, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Thomas Sharp, Prison Rape Elimination Act Rulemaking Team, Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Cynthia Sheriff-Parker, Prison Rape Elimination Act Rulemaking Team, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Rebekah Tosado, Prison Rape Elimination Act Rulemaking Team, Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Manny Vega, Prison Rape Elimination Act Rulemaking Team, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Gila Zawadzki, Prison Rape Elimination Act Rulemaking Team, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

For successfully leading a multi-agency task force targeting drug and weapons smuggling, resulting in reduced criminal activities in Puerto Rico:

Donna Bisignano, San Juan Caribbean Resilience Operation Group, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Jose Calderon, San Juan Caribbean Resilience Operation Group, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Janice Caraballo, San Juan Caribbean Resilience Operation Group, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Alberto Delucca, San Juan Caribbean Resilience Operation Group, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Jose F. Garcia, San Juan Caribbean Resilience Operation Group, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Carlos Martinez, San Juan Caribbean Resilience Operation Group, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Benjamin Moyeno, San Juan Caribbean Resilience Operation Group, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Angel Ortiz, San Juan Caribbean Resilience Operation Group, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Jose Puig, San Juan Caribbean Resilience Operation Group, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Martin Reyes, San Juan Caribbean Resilience Operation Group, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Jose Turell, San Juan Caribbean Resilience Operation Group, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

For designing a more user-friendly intranet site for employees to find training and advancement opportunities:

Ruth Britt, Success U Team, Transportation Security Administration
Lori Fields, Success U Team, Transportation Security Administration
Daniel Kuhns, Success U Team, Transportation Security Administration
Anita Israel, Success U Team, Transportation Security Administration