Since 2018, the EERC has annually recognized five employees who embody our Core Values: Be Safe, Be Ethical, Be Engaged, Be Effective, and Be Professional. These values guide our actions and define our culture. Be Safe promotes safe practices; Be Ethical encourages care, stewardship, and responsibility; Be Engaged fosters innovation and clear communication; Be Effective emphasizes pride in our work and teamwork; and Be Professional upholds integrity, responsibility, punctuality, and effective interpersonal skills. Nominated by their peers for embodying these values, the following individuals were honored at the EERC’s 2024 Annual Meeting.
Be Safe Award: Tom Hennessy, Master Electrician/Senior Instrument Technician
Tom embodies unwavering commitment to safety and excellence. He champions improvements in work environments, halting activities when conditions are unsafe and mentoring colleagues to echo high safety standards. He rose to the challenge of obtaining his master electrician’s license under tight deadlines, showcasing resilience and professionalism. Tom earned the Be Safe Core Value Award because under his guidance, a culture of safety flourishes among the electricians. His attention to safety is vital to the success of EERC projects, and his dedication and leadership are appreciated.
Be Ethical Award: Dawn Zahradka, Building Services Technician
Dawn’s colleagues describe her as kind, thoughtful, and compassionate. Working tirelessly behind the scenes, from meticulous cleaning to promptly responding to special requests, she ensures our workplace is both functional and welcoming. Dawn performs these tasks because they’re the right thing to do, making it easy to reward her with the Be Ethical Core Value Award. Her work at the EERC highlights her ethical nature as she bestows the proper care, respect, and consideration to people and their offices, workspaces, and bathrooms. Dawn brings the “shine” to EERC property.
Be Engaged Award: Agustinus Zandy, Principal Operations Specialist
Zandy’s active participation in EERC affairs and community engagement reflects our commitment to collaboration. He gets involved and takes part as an ambassador and representative of the EERC, helping others feel connected. With a great attitude, a smile on his face, and a generous spirit, Zandy embodies that can-do attitude that engenders the EERC’s culture. While completing projects related to the complex field of petroleum engineering and geomechanics, he maintains an infectious enthusiasm that fosters a sense of belonging and inspires others to strive for excellence, earning Zandy the Be Engaged Core Value Award.
Be Effective Award: Amanda Livers-Douglas, Assistant Director for Integrated Subsurface Projects
Amanda makes the EERC a better place by helping others to rise along with her. She is an effective leader who communicates with all team members their duties, the expectations, and the possible outcomes of the work assigned. She has efficient time management skills, an impeccable work ethic, and tremendous problem-solving abilities. Her commitment to continuous improvement and mentorship uplifts and empowers her colleagues, making her an invaluable asset. Amanda is the definition of an effective team player and the recipient of the Be Effective Core Value Award.
Be Professional Award: Lauren Kagan, Communications Coordinator
Lauren’s reliability, professionalism, and innovative mindset set a high standard for excellence. She carries herself with a confident, professional, and respectful demeanor and excels at communicating with clients and colleagues. She excels in community building, fostering collaboration among remote and in-person employees. Lauren exemplifies the Be Professional Core Value Award for her poise and ability to represent the EERC, her capacity to communicate technical language to the ordinary person, and her commitment to building an internal EERC community.
Congratulations to our Core Value Award winners! Your dedication to our values is truly commendable, and we are grateful for your contributions to the EERC.