Eleven New Hanover County employees were recognized with the organization’s highest distinction as Hall of Honor awardees during the county’s Stellar Awards Banquet in May.

Each of the team members who earned the accolade have previously received Stellar Awards based on nominations from their colleagues or community members in all six of the county’s shared values – professionalism, equity, integrity, innovation, stewardship and accountability, according to a news release.

“The six shared values shape every decision for our county, from the policies we enact as commissioners to the services staff provides across more than 30 departments,” said Board of Commissioners Chair Bill Rivenbark in the release. “As a commissioner, I’m proud to honor these individuals who have gone above and beyond in serving our community in alignment with these values.”

The county’s employee recognition program, known as Reach for the Stars, was established in 2014.

"Citizens and colleagues are encouraged to nominate county employees for their outstanding work on the county's website," the release stated,

In addition to Hall of Honor recipients, 259 employees were also recognized with Stellar Awards over the course of the past year, bringing the number of Stellar Award honorees since 2014 to 2,329, according to the release.

“One of the things I always tell our commissioners is we hire the best and brightest to carry out the mission of service here in New Hanover County and these recognitions are a direct reminder of that,” said County Manager Chris Coudriet in the release. “These Stellar Awards and Hall of Honor selections are something that must be truly earned as nominations must come from others who notice the work that is being done. It speaks to the impact these individuals have made and how they represent our organization.”

Employees honored with the Hall of Honor distinction for 2023 were:

• Teresa Bishop, Public Library
• Joshua Chambless, Fire Rescue
• Daniel Checovich, Sheriff’s Office
• Bo Dean, Human Resources
• Sean Dwyer, Health and Human Services
• Kayleigh Green, 911 Communications Center
• Roscoe Harris, 911 Communications
• Steve Konieczny, Information Technology
• Angela McGovern, Sheriff’s Office
• Panza McNeill, Health and Human Services
• Carla Turner, Health and Human Services