Employee Service Awards
April 22, 2014
Board of County
Commissioner’s
Today’s honorees are recognized for
outstanding service and dedication
Administrative
Services
Fiscal and Operational
Support
Anne M. Kulikowski
20 Years
• Anne was born in Niagara Falls, NY,
graduated from Lewiston Porter High
School, Syracuse University, moved to
Orlando in 1989, and earned a MBA
from the University of Central Florida.
• She was hired by Orange County in 1994 as a Financial
Analyst with the Utilities Department, promoted in 1995 to
Finance Coordinator for the Administrative Support
Department.
• Anne was promoted to Assistant to the Director in 1997,
Manager of the Fiscal and Human Resources in 2005, and is
now the Manager of Fiscal and Operational Support.
• Anne has served on various committees, including: Rewards
and Incentives; Performance Measures, Internet Re-Design,
and Orange County Statistics.
Anne Kulikowski - 20 Years
• She successfully renegotiated all the parking leases with the
City of Orlando for the next 5 years to save taxpayer’s money,
and earning the nickname: “Parking Girl”.
• Anne co-chaired committees and coordinated fundraisers for
Juvenile Diabetes, and has always helped with the County’s
annual food drive around the holidays.
• She was a member of the County’s 1999 Leadership Institute,
and is currently a member of the Florida Government Finance
Officers Association.
• Anne will be married to Kevin for 20 years this May, and they
have two children: Nathan, 12; and Gabby, 9.
• She enjoys watching her children play sports, tutoring math,
and Co-Chairing the Arty Facts Committee at her children’s
school.
• They are planning a trip to the United Kingdom this summer.
*
Administrative
Services
Purchasing and Contracts
Teresa C. Miller
20 Years
• Teresa was born in Highpoint, NC
and moved to Orlando in 1967,
graduated from Boone High School
and attended Valencia Community
College.
• She was hired in 1993 by the Orange County Comptroller as
a temporary land records coordinator in Records
Management.
• Teresa accepted a full time position with Social Services in
1994 as an Accounting Clerk, and later promoted to Fiscal
Coordinator.
Teresa Miller - 20 Years
• Teresa was promoted to Senior Fiscal Coordinator in 1998.
• She completed the Employee Academy in 1999, and the
Supervisory Development Program in 2001.
• She was promoted to Buyer Supervisor at Purchasing and
Contracts in 2010.
• Teresa became a Certified Professional Public Buyer in
2013, and she is member of the Florida Association for
Public Procurement Officials, and the National Institute of
Governmental Purchasing.
• She has two daughters: Katrina Danielle, and Lauren
Michelle; and three granddogs: Kila, Hank and Beau.
• Teresa has played in a 9 ball pool league for many years,
and has won a trip to Las Vegas to compete in 2000.
• She has taken 14 cruises and looking forward to many,
many more.
*
Dorothy Marie Gordon
20 Years
• Dorothy was born in Hayti, Missouri
and moved to the Orlando area in
1971, and moved to Miami for a short
time, graduating from Miami Carol
City Senior High School.
• She earned an Associate’s Degree from Valencia in 2001.
• Dorothy started with Orange County in 1994 in Corrections’
Medical Department as a Medical Clerk.
• She transferred to Utilities in 1996 as an Administrative Clerk,
and to Purchasing and Contracts in 1997 as an
Administrative Assistant, then to Business Development in
2006, as a Senior Contract Administrator, and back to
Purchasing in 2007 as a Senior Purchasing Agent.
Dorothy Gordon - 20 Years
• Dorothy has assisted with the annual Hispanic Expo, and
has been an integral component of the ESF-7 Emergency
Response team.
• Each election year, she has worked as a precinct clerk.
• She has one daughter: Chundra, an Assistant Principal.
• Dorothy is a member of the Florida Association of Public
Procurement Officials, and the National Institute of
Governmental Procurement.
• In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, and has been
active in her church for the past 15 years.
• She traveled to Germany in 2008 to visit old churches and
castles.
*
James Eugene Schell Jr.
20 Years
• Jim was born in Tampa, and moved to
Orlando in 1958, he graduated from
Boone High School, Valencia
Community College, and the University
of North Florida with a degree in
Political Science.
• He served in the US Navy for four years as an Aviation
Maintenance Administration petty officer, primarily at Cecil
Field Naval Air Station near Jacksonville with VA-174
• While in the Navy, Jim earned the National Service and Good
Conduct Medals.
James Schell - 20 Years
• Jim was hired by Orange County in 1994 as a Buyer in
Purchasing and Contracts, and promoted to Purchasing Agent
in December of the same year.
• His entire career has been with the Procurement Division.
• Jim holds the following certifications:
 Purchasing Manager from the Institute for Supply Management
 Professional Public Buyer from the Universal Public
Procurement Council
 Purchasing Agent from the State of Florida
• Jim has been married to Donna for 17 years, and he has two
children: Lindsay, and Jamie, and one granddaughter: Lyla
Rae; and two step children: Brandon, and Robert.
• Jim and Donna travel throughout the Southeast and collect
antiques, and own several small collections of eye cups, yard
sticks, masks in a variety of media, and thermometers.
*
Community,
Environmental, and
Development
Services
Building Safety
Alan C. Plante
30 Years
• Alan was born in Providence, RI,
and moved to Orlando when he was
9 years old.
• He graduated from Oviedo High
School, and Valencia Community
College.
• Alan has several academic accomplishments:
- Mid Florida Tech – Commercial & Industrial Electrical
Inspections
- University of Florida – Inspection Installation Process of
Pollution, and Storage Tank Inspection
- National Fire Protection Association – Life Safety Code
Training
- State of Florida – Installation Standards for
Manufactured/Mobile Homes
Alan Plante - 30 Years
• Alan began his career with Orange County in 1984 as a
Residential Plans Examiner, and shortly thereafter promoted
to Commercial Plans Examiner.
• In 1989, he was promoted to Chief Plans Examiner, where he
is the liaison between the Building Safety Division and the
construction industry; provides technical assistance to local
advisory boards; and assistance to inspectors.
• In 2003, he was promoted to Acting Deputy Building Official,
providing assistance in the coordination of all construction with
the County, and administrative and technical code guidance,
and engaged in construction inspections and plans review.
• Alan was appointed as the Orange County Building Official.
• He holds several Licenses and Certification:
Certified Building Official
Building Plans Examiner
Mechanical Plans Examiner Plumbing Plans Examiner
Chief Building Inspector
Legal & Management
Alan Plante - 30 Years
• Alan has received numerous Awards, including the
following:
- 2010: Building Official of the Year – CFC Building Officials
Association of Florida
- 2010: President’s Award, CFC Building Officials Assn.
- 2011: Building Official of the Year, Florida Senate
• He has held many official appointments with the CFC
Building Officials Association, the Southern Building Code
Congress International, Florida Association of Plumbing,
Gas, Mechanical Inspectors, Building Officials Association
of Central Florida (Local and State).
• Alan has been married to Cindy for 27 years, and they have
one son: Christopher, 23.
• In his spare time, he enjoys water sports, and any type of
outdoor activity.
• The most interesting places he has visited were Virginia
*
City, and Sedona.
Community,
Environmental, and
Development
Services
Code Enforcement
Michael Scott
20 Years
• Mike was born in Valdosta, GA, moved to
Central Florida, and graduated from Oak
Ridge High School.
• He obtained an AA degree from Valencia
Community College, and a Bachelor’s
Degree from UCF in Public Administration
with a minor in Criminal Justice.
• He holds the following licenses and certifications:
-Auto Mechanic Technician
-SCCCI Housing Rehab Inspector
-Florida Assn. of Code Enforcement – Level 1 and 2
-Animal Cruelty Investigator I and II.
• Mike started with Orange County in 1993 as a Research
Technician intern in the Zoning Department.
Mike Scott - 20 Years
• Mike was hired in 1994 as a Code Enforcement Officer, and in
2003 promoted to Program Manager with Animal Services.
• He designed the logo and the new truck that allows the field
officers to keep animals cool during transport.
• In 2007, he returned to Code Enforcement as an Animal
Control Officer, and has been instrumental in demolishing
numerous crack houses in Orange County in partnership with
other Orange County agencies.
• Mike has been married to Kathy for 29 years and between the
two of them have seven children, ages 30 to 20, and 8
grandchildren.
• He is heavily involved with his church: House of God Saints in
Christ, where he is an ordained deacon.
• Mike has traveled extensively throughout the Southern US, and
there are many more places he still wants to see.
*
Corrections
Administrative Command
Robert Michael Davies
20 Years
• Mike was born in Atlantic City, NJ and
graduated from Absegami High School in
Mays Landing, NJ.
• In High School, he won the 3D National
Archery Championship of the National
Field Archery Association.
• Mike also achieved a world record by shooting bow and
arrow longer than anyone else – 33 hours, 50 minutes with
5,600 arrows, and 560 Portsmouth rounds.
• He joined the US Air Force while in high school, and served
for 12 ½ years, where he was awarded Airman and Sergeant
of the Month/Quarter.
• He received two Air Force Commendation Medals, and won
the Rocky Mountain Regional Video competition by
completing an instructional video for volunteers at the base
TV Station.
Mike Davies - 20 Years
• Mike earned three degrees while in the military: AA with
Community College of Aurora; AS in Logistics from the Air
Force’s Community College; and a degree in Theology from
St. Leo’s College.
• He has worked with Disney for 23 years, starting as a full time
employee on Main Street, and has transitioned to a part-time
employee running the EPCOT Illumination Specialty Fireworks
Cruise boats.
• Mike started with Orange County in 1994, working in the video
production office with ISS, and Corrections, and currently
supports the Communications Office as well as the Mayor’s
Office assisting with photo support.
• In 1995, he created a Community TV Program that used
volunteers to video tape and edit over 90 episodes and
received 26 national honors and awards.
• In 1998, he became the Supervisor of the Corrections Imagery
Services Unit.
Mike Davies - 20 Years
• In 2010, Mike was directed to create a Corrections Yearbook to
document the history of the facility, that included photos and
documentation from the creation of the facility in 1873.
• In 2012, he was reassigned to the Training Division to make
internal videos, and provide audio/visual support.
• As part of the Chief’s Public Awareness Initiative, Mike is
re-creating the Corrections TV Program to inform our citizens
how tax payers dollars are spent at Corrections.
• Mike has received several team and individual awards, and 44
national honors, including two National Association of County
Information Officer (NACIO) awards; the American Jail
Association Civilian of the Year award; and letters of
appreciation from Florida’s Attorney General Charlie Crist, and
State Attorney Pam Bondi.
• Mike is married to Kathy, and has two sons: Robert & Michael.
• In his spare time, he plays trumpet, string guitar, and keyboard;
and takes his sons to Disneyworld as often as possible.
*
Corrections
Fiscal and Operational
Support
Edwin F. Johnson
25 Years
• Edwin was born in Winter Park, a
native Floridian, graduated from
Winter Park High School and spent
two years at Columbia College and
served in the US Army.
• He was hired by Orange County in 1989 as a Control
Desk Monitor at Central Booking.
• Edwin has worked at the old downtown Central
Booking Facility, and is now on the Property Team.
• He received an Outstanding Service Award for his
commitment and service from then Chief of
Corrections: Jerry Demings.
Edwin Johnson - 25 Years
• Edwin received a Meritorious Service Award for
apprehending an inmate as he attempted to escape from
Central Booking’s sally port.
• Edwin is married to Jennifer, and he has three daughters:
Krystal, Grace, Patisha; and three sons: Christopher, Edwin,
and Andre.
• He is an active member of his church-Mount Moriah
Missionary Baptist, where he serves as the Assistant
Secretary of the Brotherhood.
• He is also in the male choir, and president of the Mass
Choir.
• In his spare time, Edwin enjoys shooting pool.
*
Ivon Rodriguez
25 Years
• Ivon was born at Ft. Sill, OK, and
moved to Orlando in 1982.
• She graduated from Mt. Diablo
High School in California.
• Ivon was hired as a cashier in 1989 to work in
Corrections.
• She was promoted to Senior Accounting Clerk, then
Fiscal Coordinator.
• Ivon has worked in the Main Facility, Booking and
Release Facility, and Administration.
Ivon Rodriguez - 25 Years
• Ivon earned a Customer Service Certificate, and an award
for Leadership Development.
• She is currently serving on the County’s Employee Leave
Bank Committee, that provides paid time to employees
with critical or life-threatening health conditions who do not
have leave time available.
• Ivon has been married to Jesus for 25 years, and she has
three children: Gustavo, Ricardo, and Elisa; and nine
grandchildren; and 4 step-children, and nine more
grandchildren. She says they are the Hispanic “BradyBunch”.
• She loves to ride with Jesus on their “Goldwing”
motorcycle; enjoys fishing, and cruising.
*
Annel L. Holmes
25 Years
• Annel moved to Central Florida in
1987, she graduated from Miami
Northwestern High School.
• She was hire by Orange County Corrections in
1989 to work in the Money Room as a
cashier/fiscal clerk.
• Annel was promoted to Senior Accounting Clerk in
1999, and then to Fiscal Coordinator.
Annel Holmes - 25 Years
• Annel has one son: Anton; and two grandsons:
Anton Jr., and Jontarious.
• In her spare time, she enjoys thrift shopping for
antiques, listening to jazz and gospel music, and
watching cooking shows for new and exciting
recipes.
*
Linda A. Farrell
25 Years
• Linda was born in Buffalo, NY,
and moved to Orlando in 1987.
• Graduated from Bennett High
School in Buffalo.
• Linda was hired in 1989 as a Cashier for the Inmate
Commissioner at the Main Jail.
• In 1999, she was promoted to Senior Accounting Clerk
with Probation Community Corrections.
• In 2003, Linda was promoted to Fiscal Coordinator
with Fiscal Services.
Linda Farrell - 25 Years
• In 1999, Linda received a Teamwork Award for
her work on the Community Corrections Division
transfer to an Automated Probation System.
• She received recognition for her assistance with
the Tiburon Y2K Project.
• Linda was married for almost six years to
Joseph, who after a brief illness passed away.
• She has two sons: Joseph, and Jason; and three
grandchildren: Natalie, Ashleigh, and Joshua.
• In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with
her grandbabies, reading, and going to the
beach.
*
Family Services
Citizen Resource
and Outreach
Luz Eneida Fernandez
20 Years
• Lucy was born at Fort Brooke
Army Hospital in San Juan,
Puerto Rico.
• She moved to East Chicago,
and later Central Florida, and
graduated from Notre Dame
High School
• Lucy was hired by Orange County in 1994 to work in
the Medical Division of Corrections as an Accounting
Clerk.
• In 1996, she transferred to Family Services.
Luz Fernandez – 20 Years
• Lucy was a Spotlight Award winner in 1997 for
the “Best Attitude Towards the Job”.
• She assisted in helping a family who had lost
everything in a fire.
• In 1998, she planned and organized the “Let’s
Help the Kids” golf tournament.
• Lucy has two daughters: Frances and Vanessa;
and one son: Andy.
• In her spare time, Lucy enjoys ceramics, sewing,
traveling, cooking, music, and reading.
*
Fire Rescue
Operations
Terrance B. Darby
25 Years
• Terrance was born and raised in
Orlando, graduated from Oak
Ridge High School, and MidFlorida Tech with a certification in
Engine Diagnostic/Tune-Up.
• He graduated from Valencia Community College in
1993 with the Paramedic Program.
• In 2001, he was promoted to Lieutenant, and is
currently serving at Station 43.
Terrance Darby - 25 Years
• Terrance has served as a field trainer for the
Department’s first computer writing program.
• He has participated in multiple teach-ins.
• Terrance has been married to his queen: Sondra
for 26 years, and they have one son: Terrance,
16.
• Terrance is an active Minister, ordained in 2005.
• He enjoys golf, traveling, roller-coaster riding,
and DJ-ing.
*
Daniel Cabrera
25 Years
• Daniel was born in Arecibo,
Puerto Rico, graduated from Lino
Padron Rivera High School, and
Valencia Community College.
• He served 4 years in the US
Army, and 26 years in the Florida
National Guard.
• Daniel served 3 deployments in combat operations,
including Iraq and the Balkans, and is currently a
member of the Sergeant Major’s Academy.
• He joined Orange County in 1989 under the NonCertified Program, and attended Paramedic School
in 1993.
Daniel Cabrera – 25 Years
• Daniel has served as a Paramedic Preceptor, Peer
Fitness Trainer, Honor Guard Member, Chase
Paramedic with Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and
with the Fire Star Helicopter Team.
• He is working towards certification on the Special
Operations Squads.
• Daniel has two sons: Daniel, 18; and Darian, 15.
• He holds a private pilot’s license, SCUBA Diver
certification, and has completed the Auxiliary Deputy
Course.
• In his spare time, he enjoys working out, martial arts,
military history, assisting with Veterans’ Programs,
the Wounded Warrior Program, and helping others in
*
decision-making and mentoring.
LaRon S. Graham
25 Years
• LaRon was born in Miami, and
moved to Orlando in 1987.
• He graduated from Miami Norland
Senior High School.
• He attended Florida A&M University, studied Medical
Records Administration, and Military Science, and
marched in the world renown Marching 100.
• LaRon attended ROTC at Fort Bragg, NC, graduating
in the top 5%; received an AS Degree in Emergency
Medical Technology from Valencia Community
College, and a Bachelor’s Degree from Barry
University in Professional Studies.
LaRon Graham – 25 Years
• LaRon was hired with Orange County in 1989 as a
firefighter/EMT, and was certified as a paramedic in 1991.
• He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1994 with Public Education
and Public Information Division.
• He created the first fire service television show: “Safety
Matters” that aired on Orange TV.
• In 2001, he was promoted to Battalion Chief in Public
Education and Recruitment.
• In 2008, he transferred to Field Operations; and in 2011, to the
Training Bureau, where he currently oversees recruit
orientation, and the new Incident Command Simulation
School.
• LaRon has received numerous Letters of Commendation, unit
citations, and is a Medallion Level Contributor to United Way.
• He has been married to Mildred for 26 years, and they have
one daughter: LaRondra.
*
Public Works
Storm Water Management
Yvette Caldwell
25 Years
• Yvette was born and raised in
Orlando, graduated from
Evans High School, attended
Valencia Community College,
Southern College, and
graduated from Columbia
University.
• She was hired by Orange County in 1989 as an
Administrative Specialist with Corrections, later that
same year was promoted to Customer Service
Representative with Utilities.
• In 1999, she was promoted to Human Resources
Technician.
Yvette Caldwell – 25 Years
• Yvette was promoted to Fiscal Coordinator in 2002, then to
Senior Fiscal Coordinator, and is now a Contract
Administrator in Storm Water Management.
• She has received the Employee of the Month Award with
Utilities, awarded several letters of appreciation, has
volunteered with Great Oaks Village, Black History Month,
United Way, and Junior Achievement.
• Yvette completed the Supervisory Development Program in
2005.
• She has been married to Darryl for 21 years, and they have
three children: Shayla, Shanelle, and Deion; and two dogs:
Winston, and Chester.
• Yvette states she has learned to watch football, yet says:
“Go Marlins”.
• She loves spending time with her family, and says it has
been a pleasure working for Orange County where she has
met a lot of great people.
*
Michael L. Church
25 Years
• Michael was born in Orlando,
and now lives in St. Cloud.
• He graduated from Colonial High
School.
• Michael started his career with Orange County in
1989 as a Maintenance Person I with Public Works.
• He has since been promoted to Equipment
Operator III, IV, Engineering Inspector II, and is
currently a Contract Administrator.
Michael Church – 25 Years
• Michael is a certified Stormwater Management
Inspector, and an Asphalt Paving Technician –
Level I.
• He just celebrated 24 years with his wife, Donna,
and they have two children: Aaron, 23; and
Matthew, 14.
• In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, hunting,
watching Georgia DAWGS football, and spending
time with his family.
*
Utilities
Water Reclamation
Robert B. Boyd
35 Years
• Robert was born in Jacksonville,
FL, and moved to the Space Coast
in 1961 when his father won the
contract to build the inner portion of
the Kennedy Space Center.
• He graduated from Cocoa High
School, and attended Brevard
Community College.
• Robert was hired by Orange County in 1979 to work with
Fleet Management.
• He was transferred in 1982 to the Sewer and Water
Department, and has worked at almost every Water
Reclamation Facility, including the start up of 4 new
facilities.
Robert Boyd – 35 Years
• Robert was a member of the Operation Challenge
Team from 2004 to 2007, and competed with other
Utilities from around the State in confined space
rescue, laboratory, and maintenance routines.
• In 2005, Robert was on the restoration team that
assisted Harrison County, Mississippi with
Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts to remove
contaminated water, and re-establishing treatment
plants.
• Robert has two children: Emily, and Jonathan.
• He enjoys traveling, and has visited the Bahamas,
Mexico, Jamaica, Central American, and Europe is
next.
*
Office of
Accountability
Human Resources
Sally Lassalle - 20 Years
• Sally was born in Bay City, MI, graduated
from St. James High School, and entered
the US Navy shortly after graduation.
• She left the military to raise a family and when her children
were older re-entered the US Navy, where she completed 20
years of service as an Air Traffic Controller.
• Sally was stationed in Puerto Rico, California, Spain, Florida
and Diego Garcia (a small island in the Indian Ocean).
• While in the Navy, she received two Navy Achievement
Medals for her exemplary service, earned an AA degree from
Florida Junior College, a BS from Southern Illinois University,
and a Master’s in HR From Chapman University, and was AllNavy Bowler (top 6 women bowlers) for 15 years.
• Sally started with Orange County in 1994 as a Training
Specialist working with the Human Resources’ Training and
Employee Relations Section.
Sally Lassalle – 20 Years
• She has been promoted several times, and is currently the
Special Programs Manager for Human Resources.
• During her time with Orange County, she has been
instrumental in the development of the original Supervisory
Development Training Program, the Leadership Institute, that
developed the Employee Academy, and managing Orange
County’s High School Summer Hire Program that impacted
over 500 students.
• In 1995, she was tasked with heading up the Emergency
Support Function 15, and during the 2004 hurricanes she
managed over 1,500 Orange County Employees, and 5,000
citizen volunteers serving in numerous response positions,
including: Shelter Manager, Call Taker, POD Manager, and
the Community Action Response Teams.
• Early in the 2004, Sally was selected to assist with the
International Olympic Committee’s Security Team and traveled
to Athens twice to assist with training and security exercises.
Sally Lassalle – 20 Years
• For the past 12 years, she has been greatly involved with the Supervisor of
Elections’ Office in placing qualified individuals in the Oath Person position
at each of the County’s 267 precincts.
• Sally was on the original team that created our intranet, and is instrumental
in coordinating information, and providing cost saving opportunities for our
employees to enjoy.
• In partnership with Hands on Orlando, our local volunteer center, she has
saved the County over half a million dollars using volunteer services and
donated goods, including a complete revitalization of Moss Park.
• She has received the following awards:
* Presidential Jefferson Award for Community Service
* State of Florida Distinguished Service Award
* Orange County Fire Rescue’s Meritorious Award
* Points of Light Foundation Award
• Sally has been married to Fermin for almost 45 years and they have three
children: Marc, Associate Director of the Mechanical Contractors Association
of Kansas City; Michelle, and Adam; and three grandsons: Omar, Hayden,
and Spencer.
• But, the best reward, in Sally’s opinion, has been making the lives of our
employees enriched, but also fun.
*
Awards Presentation
Administrative Services:
Fiscal and Operational Support:
• Anne Kulikowski
20 Years
Purchasing and Contracts:
• Teresa Miller
• Dorothy Gordon
• Jim Schell
20 Years
20 Years
20 Years
Awards Presentation
Community, Environmental, and
Development Services:
Building Safety:
• Alan Plante
30 Years
Code Enforcement:
• Mike Scott
20 Years
Corrections:
Administration Command:
• Mike Davies
20 Years
Awards Presentation
Corrections:
Fiscal and Operations Support:
•
•
•
•
Edwin Johnson
Ivon Rodriguez
Annel Holmes
Linda Farrell
25 Years
25 Years
25 Years
25 Years
Awards Presentation
Family Services:
Citizen Resources and Outreach:
• Lucy Fernandez
20 Years
Fire Rescue:
Operations:
• Terrance Darby
• Daniel Cabrera
• La Ron Graham
25 Years
25 Years
25 Years
Awards Presentation
Public Works:
Storm Water Management:
• Yvette Caldwell
• Michael Church
25 Years
25 Years
Awards Presentation
Utilities:
Water Reclamation:
• Robert Boyd
35 Years
Office of Accountability:
Human Resources:
• Sally Lassalle
20 Years
Employee Service Awards
April 22, 2014