SNOHOMISH COUNTY—Snohomish County Public Works Department honored 11 standup individuals during its 8th annual Employee Excellence Award Ceremony held on Thursday, May 15, at the Snohomish County Campus.
The award ceremony coincided with the, County-recognized, 65th annual National Public Works Week which runs from May 18 through May 24. The Snohomish County Council unanimously approved a resolution (25-021) at its meeting on Tuesday, May 13, recognizing National Public Works in Snohomish County. This year’s theme is “People, Purpose, Presence.”
The Public Works Employee of Excellence Award program was inspired by the contributions of former Public Works Deputy Director/County Engineer Owen Carter who tragically passed away from his battle with cancer in 2017. Since then, the Public Works has ceremoniously held its annual award ceremony in his honor.
Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers opened Thursday’s ceremony by sharing a few words, recalling what Snohomish County used to be like years ago when he worked as a Park Ranger stationed in Granite Falls. At that time he said he could drive from Kirkland, where he was living at the time, to Granite Falls in just 20-minutes because “there was only one stop sign.”
“We were a County of only about 250,000 people. We’re more than 850,000 people now going on one million. The work that [Public Works] does makes that all possible and helps sustain our quality of life. Even with all that growth we continue to be a wonderful place to live and work, and we’ll continue to be, but it’s the work you all do that makes that possible,” said Executive Somers. ”I’m deeply appreciative to each and everyone of you and I know the public is too. Critical to that is caring for each other and caring for where we live.”
Also in attendance was Snohomish County Councilwoman Megan Dunn.
While most years the Public Works Department honors just five employees (one for each division) this year’s ceremony was unique in that, for the first time since the ceremony’s inception, a total of 11 individuals were recognized.
The recipients of this year’s awards are as follows.
Misty Terry, Human Resource Specialist – Administrative Services
Misty Terry has served Public Works Human Resources (PWHR) for almost 10 years, beginning her career as a Secretary in the Transportation and Environmental Services division. She later went on to become HR Coordinator then Recruitment Coordinator and has spent the last five years as an HR Specialist supporting leaves and accommodations.
Terry was honored with the Employee Excellence Award for paying attention to every detail, working tirelessly, demonstrating kindness, and overcoming challenges, the Department said.
“Misty is reliable, high-performing and cares about Public Works employees. Her dedication and support can be felt by employees when they need it most,” said Kelly Snyder, Public Works Director.
Melissa Vonaschen-Cook, Engineer – Engineering Services
As the Materials Documentation Engineer for Engineering Services, Melissa VonAschen-Cook consistently demonstrates an outstanding blend of professional expertise, collaborative spirit, and dedication to team success, the Public Works Department said.
She was honored with the Employee Excellence Award for exceeding expectations, providing one-of-a-kind service, excelling in time management and productivity, and working for all.
“Melissa’s work ethic, inclusive style and can-do attitude inspire others to do better. She uplifts the division’s culture for continuous improvement and social justice. Her many contributions offer hundreds of reasons why she deserves to be named a 2025 Public Works Employee of Excellence,” said Snyder.
Angie Jones, Road Maintenance Worker – Road Maintenance
For more than 34 years, Angie Jones has served the Road Maintenance Division and Snohomish County residents. As a Road Maintenance Worker II, she pitches in wherever help is needed, including her current temporary assignment as a class IV brush cutter operator. Angie also plays a key role as advocate and mentor to new and seasoned employees.
Jones was honored with the Employee Excellence Award for delivering work of exceptional quality, facilitating open communication, advocating for employees, and acting in the public’s best interest.
“Over the years and in many ways, Angie’s duties and responsibilities have extended beyond her work schedule at Road Maintenance. Angie is an empathetic team member and a go-to source for information and emotional support. We are grateful for her influence and dedication,” said Snyder.
Stephen Littrell, Road Maintenance Worker – Road Maintenance
Stephen Littrell started as a Road Maintenance Worker I in November 2018 and has worked his way up to a class V worker with equipment certifications and training. He currently serves as a Surface Water Crew Chief maintaining the county’s drainage facilities.
Littrell was awarded the Employee Excellence Award for excelling at every task, uplifting his team, strategically approaching challenges, and striving to make a difference.
“Stephen’s unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with his proactive approach and ability to inspire others, make him a well deserving winner of the 2025 Employee Excellence Award,” said Snyder.
Carlos Sevilla, Transfer Station Operator – Solid Waste
Carlos Sevilla joined the Solid Waste Division in 2018 as a Laborer I, and currently serves as a Transfer Station Operator at the Southwest Recycling and Transfer Station. His approach to serving the public and his staff aligns with Public Works vision to promote a healthy, connected, safe and resilient community for all who live, work or play in Snohomish County.
Sevilla was recognized for going above and beyond (even administering CPR to a customer experiencing a medical emergency while they awaited response), performing under pressure, making a positive difference, and offering exceptional customer service.
“Carlos Sevilla is a great role model for staff. His customer service, communication skills and willingness to help shine through all his work. He consistently demonstrates what it means to be an employee of excellence. We feel fortunate to have him on our team,” said Snyder.
Program Planning Comprehensive Planning Team – Transportation and Environmental Services
The next award went to, not one, but five individuals who collectively make up the Program Planning Comprehensive Planning Team. The members of that team include Jay Larson, Joseph Bervell, Nathan Howard, Aaron Lee, and Eric Walters. Together these employees make up more than 60 combined years of experience with Snohomish County Public Works.
The team was recognized Thursday for going “above and beyond” – completing the multi-faceted, multi-year 2024 Transportation Element (TE) update which includes policies that will guide the County’s transportation system in the coming years. They completed this project on time all while developing a sub area plan for light rail stations.
The team was also recognized for consistently raising the bar, delivering under pressure, and working together to make things better. The 2024 TE Update, for example, was especially challenging given an accelerated Environmental Impact Study (EIS) process and several deadlines pushed back from the pandemic.
“Jay, Joseph, Nathan, Aaron and Eric prove the adage that the team is greater than the sum of its parts. Together, they show what Employees of Excellence can accomplish together,” said Snyder.
Mariah Kendall, Litter Control Crew Leader – Solid Waste
Last but certainly not least, Mariah Kendall was posthumously awarded an Employee Excellence Award for giving her all, never shying away from a challenge, putting the public first, and being a fair-minded problem solver.
Kendall tragically passed away on January 18, 2025 after losing her battle with cancer. She leaves behind her fiancé, sisters, and mother who accepted her award on her behalf Thursday.
“Mariah made it her mission to better serve the public by gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities to help achieve her goal to make the community a safe, beautiful place to live. She made a difference that will be felt by the Solid Waste family for many years to come,” said Snyder.
Nearly 600 full-time, part-time, and seasonal Snohomish County Public Works employees continue to commit themselves to maintaining over 1,600 miles of roads, more than 210 bridges, and more than 200 traffic signals, processing in excess of 670,000 tons of garbage and more than 8,000 tons of recyclable material, while serving a county of more than 840,000 residents and thousands of businesses. In 2024, staff completed two large capital projects and numerous smaller projects that improve the quality of life for residents, businesses, visitors, and wildlife.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
