DENVER — Today, Governor Polis announced the Tom Clements Award winners, recognizing hardworking state employees who dedicate their time and energy to deliver real results to Coloradans, elevate the standard of excellence in government, and adapt systems and processes to most efficiently and effectively serve Coloradans.

“Colorado’s dedicated, innovative, creative state employees go above and beyond every day to serve the people of Colorado, and we are proud to congratulate the winners of this year’s Tom Clements Award. Each year, we come together to honor Tom’s legacy and love of public service by celebrating state employees whose terrific work builds a culture of excellence that benefits all Coloradans,” said Gov. Polis.

These awards honor Tom Clements, a dedicated public servant who was tragically killed in March of 2013 during his tenure of service to the state as Executive Director of the Department of Corrections. To honor his legacy, the Tom Clements Better Government Award recognizes the work of individuals and teams who, like Tom, enhance the performance and outcomes of state government.

This award honors individuals and teams whose work embodies Colorado's commitment to building a lasting culture of excellence. The award categories include: Outstanding Innovation in Government and Outstanding Service in Government. In addition, the Chief of Staff Recognition for Operational Excellence was also awarded.

Award winners were nominated through their Departments and submissions were judged by a panel of nonprofit partners and business leaders in Colorado. Judges reviewed submissions to understand how data was used to drive outstanding service and innovation, and how an individual or group’s work aligns with the Administration’s goals.

The winners of this year’s awards are:

Outstanding Innovation in Government:

Winner: Department of Corrections -“Department of Opportunity Initiative”: Recruitment, Retention, and Motivation.

Awardees: Eric Strumpf (Budget & Operations Director), Lonnie Weaver (Budget/Policy Analyst), Laurie Spear (Budget/Policy Analyst), Scott Trapp (Budget/Policy Analyst), Charles Gilbert (Budget/Policy Analyst).

Honorable Mentions:

    CDHS: Suzanne Martin: Mandatory Direct Deposit for Child Support Programs

    CDLE: Disability Program Navigator (DPN)

    HCPF: Tom Leahey: Pharmacy Prescriber Tool

Outstanding Service in Government:

Winner: Health Care Policy & Finance (HCPF)-Medicaid Operations Office: Operational initiatives for innovation and modernization of Medicaid members & providers.

Awardee: Ralph Choate  (Medicaid’s Chief Operations Officer)

Honorable Mentions:

    CDPHE: COVID Vaccine Response Team

    DOLA: Emergency Rental Assistance Program Team:

    CEO: Community Access Enterprise

    CDA: David Rohrer: Pesticide residue treatment work

Chief of Staff Operational Excellence Award:

Winner: Division of Insurance (DOI): Property & Casualty Consumer Services Team: Marshall Fire Response and Consumer Assistance

Awardees:  Bobbie Baca (Director), Tracy Garceau (Team Lead), Vince Plymell (Assistant Commissioner for Communications), and Consumer Service Analysts: Shawna Bailey, Ann Brannan, Angela Cirignano, Steve Lopez, Sharon Rahne, Juan Melendez, and Peg Brown.