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Administration; Education; Wildlife; Law-Enforcement
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 13, 2025) — The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources presented more than 30 employee awards for outstanding service in 2024 to staff across the agency at an employee awards luncheon at the Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm in Frankfort on July 22, 2025.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Rich Storm and Deputy Commissioner Gabe Jenkins were on hand as directors from all six agency divisions presented awards to deserving staff, including Administrative Services; Engineering, Infrastructure and Technology; Fisheries; Information, Education and Marketing; Law Enforcement; and Wildlife.
NOTE: To assist news outlets interested in localizing this material, each employee's total years of service in state government is included along with county of residence.
Administrative Excellence Award
Amy Akers, Administrative Branch Manager, 25 years (Shelby)
This award honors an employee who demonstrates highly effective performance in numerous areas including professionalism, operational excellence, innovation and initiative, customer service and positive impact in the division and for the agency.
Engineering Excellence Award
Jason Smith, Highway Superintendent, Retired/27 years (Franklin)
Awarded to an employee who has demonstrated a sustained level of excellence in their job performance.
Engineering, Infrastructure and Technology Initiative Award
Joe Cook, Highway Superintendent, 8.5 years (Franklin)
Awarded to an employee who, without provocation, demonstrates willingness to perform duties above and beyond those that are required.
Director's Award
Marcy Anderson, Fisheries Program Coordinator, 20 years (Pulaski)
Awarded by Fisheries Division Director to an employee who has performed at a high level over the past year.
Initiative Award
Meghan Obermeyer, Fisheries Program Coordinator, 3 years (Scott)
Awarded to the employee who has shown outstanding initiative in project planning or implementation, public service or division innovation.
Kerry Prather Award of Distinction
Pete Besant, Fisheries Biologist IV, 27.5 years (Rowan)
Awarded to the employee who has shown excellence in performance, going above and beyond in their job duties.
Sustained Excellence Award
Tom Timmerman, Fisheries Program Coordinator, 18 years (Rowan)
Awarded to an employee who has shown a high level of performance along with dedicated service of at least 10 years with the Fisheries Division.
Team Player Award
Brian Watson, Fish and Wildlife Management Foreman, 2.5 years (Fayette)
Awarded to an employee who has taken extra effort to go out of their way to help other sections or divisions.
Technical and Administrative Employee Award of Distinction
Ryan Causing, Fisheries and Wildlife Technician III, 16.5 years (Franklin)
Devon Stivers, Web Content Specialist, 3 years (Shelby)
This award honors an employee who the Director’s Office feels has performed at a high level over the past year.
Educator of the Year Award
Jessie Nelson, Conservation Education Program Coordinator, 19.5 years (Greenup)
This award honors a conservation educator who has shown excellence in performance, going above and beyond in their job duties.
Rachel Cummings, Graphic Design Coordinator, 3 years (Fayette)
This award honors an employee who has shown outstanding initiative in project planning or implementation, public service or division innovation.
Manager of the Year Award
David Beck, Conservation Camp Superintendent, 24.5 years (Wayne)
This award honors an employee who has shown excellence in performance, going above and beyond in their job duties.
Michael Gray Award
Leah Graham, Tourism Marketing Specialist II, 8.5 years (Franklin)
This award honors an individual who has demonstrated excellence in marketing and communications.
Technical Employee of the Year Award
Adrienne Yancy, Graphic Design Coordinator, 24.5 years (Anderson)
Kentucky Game Warden Life Saving Award
Derick Creech, Game Warden, 2.5 years (Harlan)
Dylan Martin, Game Warden Sergeant, 7.75 years (Laurel)
Keith Young, Game Warden II, 5.5 years (Adair)
Presented by the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commissioner or the Law Enforcement Division Director, this award is bestowed upon game wardens who distinguish themselves by performing a lifesaving act.
MAFWA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
Cody Fox, Game Warden, 3.5 years (Warren)
Presented by the Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, this award is presented to the individual who in the past year has shown superior leadership, initiative, and dedication in their duties.
Mississippi Flyway Waterfowl Protection Officer of the Year
Tyler Wildharber, Game Warden II, 5.75 years (Ballard)
Presented by the United States Fish and Wildlife Mississippi Flyway Council, this award honors a law enforcement officer who exhibits exceptional dedication and service to protecting the waterfowl populations of the Mississippi Flyway.
National Wild Turkey Federation Officer of the Year
Paul Sorrell, Game Warden II, 5.25 years (Kenton)
Presented by the National Wild Turkey Federation, this award is given to individuals who have excelled and demonstrated exceptional performance in the following areas: teamwork and innovation, attitude and leadership, and achievements and accomplishments.
SEAFWA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year
Presented by the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, this award is presented to a member state’s law enforcement officer recognized for their exceptional contributions to conservation and public service.
Shikar Safari Officer of the Year
Dylan Fields, Game Warden, 3.5 years (Pike)
Presented by the Kentucky Chapter of Safari Club International, this award is presented to a law enforcement officer for exemplary performance in their duties in the protection of wildlife, enforcement of game laws and implementation of conservation programs.
United Bow Hunters of Kentucky Officer of the Year
Kyle Clark, Game Warden II, 7.75 years of service (Bullitt)
Presented by the United Bow Hunters of Kentucky, the Bud Reinizan Award is given to a Kentucky Fish and Wildlife law enforcement officer with a proven performance record for protecting wildlife and enforcing game laws, and a history of working with the sportsmen and clubs of their community.
Director’s Leadership Award
Dr. Christine Casey, Veterinarian, 6 years (Franklin)
This award is given by the Wildlife Division director to an individual providing outstanding leadership at the manager level.
Wildlife Biologist of the Year Award
Pat Hahs, Wildlife Biologist IV, 32.5 years (Calloway)
Awarded to an individual who is highly effective in their position, thinks creatively and works well independently or as a member of a team.
Rookie of the Year Award
Kate Williams, Wildlife Biologist II, 3.5 years (Fayette)
Given to a newer employee who exhibits enthusiasm and a go-getter attitude, who is willing to take on new projects and works well as a member of a team.
Technician of the Year Award
Drew Van Cleve, Wildlife Technician III, 10 years (Hopkins)
Thinking Outside the Box Award
Tommy Apostolopoulos, Wildlife Biologist III, 3.5 years (Jefferson)
Awarded to an individual who develops new approaches, innovative ideas and creative solutions in their position.
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