Employee Service Awards
February 25, 2014
Board of County
Commissioner’s
Today’s honorees are recognized for
outstanding service and dedication
Administrative
Services
Facilities Management
Stephen S. Poorman
25 Years
• Steve was born in Cincinnati, OH and moved
to Central Florida in 1968.
• He graduated from Oak Ridge high School
and enlisted in the US Marines in 1976, and
served one year on active duty before
transferring to the reserves.
• Steve was hired by Orange County in 1989
as a Carpenter I with Facilities Management.
• He has received the following promotions: Carpenter II,
Operations Technician IV, and is now a Senior Operations
Technician.
• Steve was awarded Employee of the Quarter in 2001.
Steve Poorman - 25 Years
• Steve has been involved in the following projects: Renovation
of the Administration Building, and the County Commissioner
Chambers, including the custom built dais; renovations of the
Housing Authority; Juvenile Court Building; Parks facilities;
Supervisor of Election’s Office; Sheriff’s Department Offices;
Service Centers; and Mark’s Street Senior Center.
• He was involved in building the mock courtrooms in the
County Courthouse.
• Steve has been married to Mary for 35 years and they have
one daughter: Jennifer, 30; and one son: Matthew, 27, now
serving on active duty in the US Navy as a Hospital
Corpsman, currently attending school at Ft. Sam Houston,
Texas.
• Steve played softball until breaking his hip on a home plate
tag out.
• He has taken his family on some interesting vacation trips:
North Carolina whitewater rafting, Hawaii, and cruising.
*
Community,
Environmental, and
Development
Services
Housing & Community
Development
Julia Sabrina Kindell
20 Years
• Julia was born and raised in
Orlando, graduated from Evans
High School, Orlando College,
and is currently attending
Columbia College.
• In 1994, she was hired as an Administrative
Assistant with Real Estate Management.
• She was promoted and transferred to Housing and
Community Development as a Housing
Development Assistant.
• Julia has conducted and assisted with Homebuyer
Seminars.
Julia Kindell - 20 Years
• Julia was married to Donald, who passed away
three years ago, and they had two sons: Kelvin,
who also passed away; Donald; and two
daughters: Yashika, and Sha’va; and one
granddaughter: Juliann.
• She volunteers her time with her Homeowner’s
Association.
• Julia enjoys reading, watching TV, and spending
time with her family, and any place she hasn’t
visited before is interesting to her.
*
Convention
Center
Facility Operations
Sean Seldon Hallett
20 Years
• Sean was born in Ft.
Lauderdale and moved to St.
Cloud in 1983 and
graduated from St. Cloud
High School.
• In 1994, he was hired to work at the Convention
Center on the Event Set-Up crew, and a few years
later transferred to Event Utilities.
• Sean was promoted to Technician I thru Technician
IV, where he was responsible for installing all utilities
for show set-up, including: electric, water,
compressed air, and natural gas.
Sean Hallett - 20 Years
• Sean recently obtained a new position as
Maintenance Coordinator in the Convention
Center’s Facility Operations Department.
• He now has a greater appreciation for what it takes
to run a 7 million square foot building.
• Sean has been married to Stacey for 15 years, and
they have two sons: Ryan, 12, and Connor, 8.
• In his spare time, he is involved with his son’s
sporting activities.
*
Convention
Center
Guest and
Community Relations
Marina K. Butler
20 Years
• Marina was born in Kalihi, Hawaii,
and moved to Orlando in 1979 to
join her brother, an entertainer at
Disney’s Polynesian Resort.
• She graduated from Kalani High
School, and attended Valencia
Community College.
• Marina started as a Vista United Telecom long distance toll
operator, and then became a communications network
administrator for Martin Marietta for 13 years before joining
Orange County.
• In 1994, Marina was hired as an Administrative Specialist to
work in the Corrections’ Work Release Center’s Vocational
Placement Office.
Marina Butler - 20 Years
• She was promoted to Administrative Specialist with the
Planning Department, Executive Assistant to the Director at
the Historical Museum, Administrative Assistant with
Emergency Medical Services, transferred to the Convention
Center’s Information Systems and Services Division, and is
currently assigned to the Guest and Community Relations
Division with the Convention Center.
• She was recognized with the Convention Center’s Heart of the
Center Award.
• Marina has one daughter: Kanoa, who will be relocating to
Hawaii next month to work with Hawaiian Airlines as a Senior
Recruiting Manager.
• In her spare time, Marina volunteers with Meals on Wheels,
her church, and is a Polynesian Cultural Dance instructor.
• She is a member of the Sister Study, Hoike Hawaii Cultural
Awareness Organization, the Florida Hawaiian Civic Charter,
and the Hui Na Aikane Hawaii Historical Group.
*
Corrections
Inmate Administration
Margaret Janis Hughes
30 Years
• Meg was born in Evanston, IL and
graduated from Seton Hill College
in Pennsylvania with a degree in
Social Work.
• She moved to Orlando in 1982, and joined Orange
County in 1984 as a Corrections Officer.
• Meg was promoted to Classification Officer in 1986,
and in 1994 transferred to Community Corrections to
work in Central Intake.
• She then transferred to the Home Confinement Unit.
Margaret Hughes - 30 Years
• In 2013, Meg transferred to Inmate Administration and
Professional Services.
• She has won the Orange Award, taught the Citizen’s
Academy, and is a member of the Critical Intervention
Team.
• Meg has been recognized for her outstanding Customer
Service skills on many occasions, and has received
Letters of Commendation.
• She is married to Dennis, and they have two daughters:
Jamie, and Lindsey; two grandchildren: Jake and Hailey.
• In her spare time, Meg likes to work out, bike ride, travel,
and ride her horse: Agro.
*
Fire Rescue
Operations
Richard A. Gunter Jr.
25 Years
• Richard was born in Sasebo,
Japan, and moved to Central
Florida in 1970.
• He graduated from Boone
High School.
• Richard is State certified as a firefighter/EMT and
Firefighter Instructor I.
• He started with Orange County in 1989 as a
Firefighter/EMT in 1989.
• Richard received the Medal of Heroism from the
Sons of the American Revolution.
Richard Gunter – 25 Years
• Richard received a Certificate of Commendation
from Sheriff Demings; a Fire Chief’s Award from Fire
Chief Plaugher; and various personal and unit
citations from Orange County.
• He has served as an Instructor for Technical Rescue
at the Central Florida Fire Academy; served as a
member of the Extrication Team, and with the
Special Operations Candidate School.
• Richard has been happily married to Diana for 31
years, and they had two children: Richard III, who
passed away last year; and Samantha, 23.
• In his spare time, he enjoys camping, golf, fishing,
and kayaking.
*
Rodolfo Prado
25 Years
• Rodolfo was born in Santa Clara,
Cuba; emigrated to Madison, TN
in 1965, and settled down in
Altamonte Springs in 1973.
• He graduated from Forest Lake Academy in Apopka, and
completed three years of Theology at Southern Adventist
University in Collegedale, TN.
• He received his Emergency Medical training and certification
from Broward Community College, and his fire standards from
Miami-Dade North.
• Rodolfo worked with Rural Metro Ambulance Service for one
year while seeking a job in the fire service.
• Rodolfo was hired by Orange County in 1989, and in 1991
completed his paramedic training with Valencia College.
Rodolfo Prado – 25 Years
• He has received two letters of commendation, a Meritorious
Service Award, and three Unit Citations.
• In 2005, he was promoted to Lieutenant.
• During his career he has been deployed to South Florida for
Hurricane Andrew recovery, a member of the bike patrol, and
now serves on the Critical Incident Stress Management Team.
• Rodolfo volunteers his time with World Vision, and has served
in the Caribbean and South American, serving under the
direction of Pastor Canther.
• He has been married to Millie for 33 years, and they have two
daughters: Jocelyn, a Chaplain; and Roselin, working on her
Bachelor’s Degree in Spain.
• Rodolfo enjoys singing spiritual music and performs with an all
male chorus at this church.
• He is humbled, and honored to have served the citizens of
Orange County during his career as a firefighter.
*
Jonathan A. Race
25 Years
• Jonathan was born in Norfolk,
VA, and in 1975 moved to
Cocoa Beach, when his father
retired from the US Coast
Guard.
• He graduated from Cocoa Beach High School, and
Brevard Community College.
• Jonathan attended the US Merchant Marine
Academy, but decided to become a
paramedic/firefighter instead.
• He earned his Florida Paramedic and firefighter
standards and was hired by Orange County in 1989.
Jonathan Race – 25 Years
• Jonathan became a Paramedic Preceptor in 1992, promoted
to Lieutenant in 2000, and to Captain in 2005.
• He received the National Association of Counties Award
(NACO) for implementation of Orange County’s first In-House
Paramedic Program.
• Jonathan has been assigned to Stations 71, 41, 80, and 83.
• He wrote the first five versions of the EMS Documentation
Standards; managed the first on-line anatomy and physiology
class through Brevard Community College; and has taught
in-house re-certification and training classes.
• Jonathan has been married to Anita for 20 years, and one
spoiled dog – Molly.
• He is a motorcycle enthusiast, collects pre-World War I
American made Elgin pocket watches.
• In his spare time, he and his wife travel the southeastern US
in their travel trailer.
*
Wayne Richard Dorminey
20 Years
• Wayne was born at Loring Air Force Base in
Maine, and graduated from High School in
Okinawa, Japan.
• He was hired by Orange County in 1994 to work with Parks
and Recreation as a maintenance technician at Ft. Gatlin
taking care of the pool, and later promoted to train lifeguards,
coordinate CPR Classes, and set up recreation programs.
• In 1997, Wayne was promoted to Event Coordinator, and in
1999, transferred to Communications.
• Wayne was involved in various press events, including county
functions and ceremonies, and served as the County’s Social
Committee Chairperson.
Wayne Dorminey – 20 Years
• He finally achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a
firefighter when the County instituted the Non-Certified
Training Program in 2003.
• Wayne was promoted to Engineer in 2009, and now serves
at Station 70 in Pine Castle/Belle Isle/Edgewood areas.
• He is on the 2014 Lieutenant’s Promotion list.
• Wayne serves on the Firefighter’s Benevolent Association as
the Vice-President.
• He has been awarded several unit citations.
• Wayne spends most of his off-duty time with his three
children: Nathan, 9; Oliver, 3; and Delaney, 1.
• His brother: Tom, works as the Parks and Recreation’s
Aquatics Coordinator, and his sister-in-law: Tricia works at
the South Econ Community Park.
• His hobbies include: SCUBA diving, traveling, and jogging.
*
Fire Rescue
Operations/Training
Michael J. Wajda
25 Years
• Mike was born in Summit, NJ, and
moved to Central Florida in 1979.
• He graduated from Lake Mary High School, holds an
AS in Emergency Medical Services from Valencia, a
Bachelor’s in Public Administration, and a Master’s in
Public Administration from UCF along with a
Certificate in Emergency Management.
• Mike was hired in 1989 as a firefighter, promoted to
Paramedic in 1994, Lieutenant in 2000, Captain in
2005, Battalion Chief in 2006, Assistant Chief in
2009, and in 2011- Division Chief.
Michael Wajda – 25 Years
• Mike is a founding member of the Paramedic Bike Patrol
established in 1995.
• In 2001, he managed the installation of the first mobile data
computers in fire rescue vehicles.
• Since 2005, he has been an instructor with the Fire Rescue
Command School.
• In 2001, he worked on the Mayor’s Citizen’s Involvement
Committee to develop the new Orange County Experience.
• He has partnered with the UCF Institute for Simulation and
Teaching to develop a state of the art virtual reality incident
command simulator.
• Mike has four children: Daniel, Ozzy, Michael, and Adam; and
one grandson: Darien.
• In his spare time, he enjoys UCF Football, mountain biking,
reading, and cruising in the Caribbean.
*
Office of
Accountability
Information Systems
and Services
Mark A. Tomlinson
20 Years
• Mark was born in Jamaica, and
moved to Orlando in 1991.
• He graduated from Elizabeth
Tech High School in Jamaica.
• Mark served in the US Air Force at Homestead Air
Force Base from 1987 to 1991.
• He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
Technologies from UCF, and audio technologies from
Valencia Community College.
• He joined Orange County in 1994, in Construction
Administration with Capital Projects, and transitioned
to Information Systems and Services in 2000.
Mark Tomlinson – 20 Years
• Mark has been involved with the Exchange Team, Integrated
Criminal Justice Information System Project, and Enterprise
Security.
• He started as an AutoCAD specialist, promoted to PC LAN
Coordinator, and is now the Wide Area Network
Administrator.
• Mark has been married to Maxine for 26 years, and they
have one son: Stephen, 13.
• Mark has been serving as a mentor for 2 years at Ivey Lane
Elementary School.
• He is a songwriter, performer, and participates in local
charity events.
• He has traveled to most of the Caribbean Islands, and
Central and South America.
*
Kyrsis M. Cruz
30 Years
• Kyrsis was born in Santurce,
PR, and graduated from
Escuela Libre de Musica in
Hato Rey.
• She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the
University of Puerto Rico.
• Kyrsis joined Orange County in 1984 when
Information Systems and Services was known as
the Division of Information Technologies (DoIT) as
a Programmer Analyst.
Kyrsis Cruz – 30 Years
• Kyrsis was promoted to Senior Programmer Analyst, to
Systems Analyst, and is now the Information
Technologies Project Leader.
• She has been instrumental in creating application
systems for Finance, the Building Division, Health and
Family Services, Human Resources, and smart phone
applications.
• Kyrsis has been married to Hector for 39.5 years, they
have two sons: Hector Luis Jr. and Nomar Enrique; and
one grandson: Hector William.
• She takes care of her 96 year old Mother, and volunteers
at her local church.
• She has traveled to Italy, France, Switzerland, London,
Canada, and Alaska.
*
Public Works
Roads and Drainage
Gloria D. King
20 Years
• Gloria was born and raised in
Orlando, she graduated from
Evans High School.
• She completed the Rollins
College Leadership Program.
• Gloria’s first job with Orange County in 1994 was as
a Bus Driver with the Head Start Program.
• In 2002, she was promoted to Equipment Operator
III with the Shoulder Crew with Public Works.
Gloria King – 20 Years
• Gloria has received several team awards.
• She was transferred to the Zellwood Maintenance Facility
where she is currently assigned.
• She has been actively involved in the Annual Black History
Program for the past five years.
• Gloria is the proud mother of two sons: Peeples, who
passed away in 2006; and Dominique, 20.
• She has two grandchildren: Lil Joshua, 6, and Lil
Dominique, 4.
• In her spare time, she enjoys singing, sports, and most of
all being around people.
*
Donald Joseph Neihoff
25 Years
• Donald was born in Paducah,
KY, and moved to Florida in
1970.
• He graduated from MiamiJackson High School and served
for four years in the US Navy.
• After moving to Orlando, Donald worked as a Krispy
Kreme Doughnut driver for 12 years.
• Donald was hired by Orange County in 1988 as a
pipe sealer with Roads and Drainage.
Donald Neihoff – 25 Years
• At the beginning of his career, during the course of his work
repairing and sealing pipes, it wasn’t uncommon to come
across an unfriendly critter lying in wait for him in the pipe.
• He assisted with the 2004 Hurricane
recovery efforts.
• Donald is an avid poker player and
golfer, winning five 1st Place, two 2nd
Place, and One 3rd Place Trophies.
• Donald was married to Elsie for 45
years, who recently passed, and they
have one son: Darin, and one
granddaughter: Kayla
*
Utilities
Water Reclamation
Theresa L. Seligman
20 Years
• Terri was born and raised in
Orlando, graduated from Oak Ridge
High School.
• She earned an AA degree from
Valencia, and a Bachelor and
Masters Degree from Ashford
University.
• She holds certifications as an Orange County Public School
District Teacher, EMS Level A & B Instructor, Basic Life
Support Instructor, and as a Florida Water and Pollution
Control Association Technician A.
• Terri was hired in 1994 with Orange County to work in the
Utilities Water Distribution Division as a Senior Clerical
Specialist.
Terri Seligman – 20 Years
• Terri has been promoted to Customer Service
Representative, Utilities Services Specialist, Engineering
Technician III, and is now the Senior Utilities Maintenance
Coordinator for Training in Water Reclamation.
• She helped to develop the training materials for the Maximo
7.5 upgrade.
• Terri is engaged to Chuck and they are planning an October
wedding.
• She has one son: Joshua, and three grandchildren: Lillian, 5;
Aubrey, 7; and Matthew, 9.
• In her spare time, she enjoys quilting.
• Terri has traveled to Joshua Tree National Park in California,
Mt. St. Helen and Mt. Ranier.
• She is a member of a number of Florida Water Associations,
a Notary Public, and the Water Environment Federation. *
Awards Presentation
Administrative Services:
Facilities Management:
• Stephen Poorman
25 Years
Community, Environmental &
Development Services:
Housing and Community Development:
• Julia Kindell
20 Years
Awards Presentation
Convention Center
Facility Operations:
• Sean Hallett
20 Years
Guest and Community Relations:
• Marina Butler
20 Years
Corrections:
Inmate Administration:
• Margaret Hughes
30 Years
Awards Presentation
Fire Rescue:
Operations:
• Richard A. Gunter
• Rodolfo Prado
• Jonathan Race
• Wayne Dorminey
25 Years
25 Years
25 Years
20 Years
Awards Presentation
Fire Rescue:
Operations/Training:
• Michael Wajda
25 Years
Office of Accountability:
Information Systems and Services:
• Mark Tomlinson
• Kyrsis Cruz
20 Years
30 Years
Awards Presentation
Public Works:
Roads and Drainage:
• Gloria King
• Donald Neihoff
20 Years
25 Years
Utilities:
Water Reclamation:
• Theresa Seligman
20 Years
Employee Service Awards
February 25, 2014