The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Galveston District (SWG), named two “Administrative Professionals of the Year” for 2024, in a ceremony at the Jadwin Building, April 23, 2024.
Six administrative professionals were nominated by their offices: Mellissa Delehanty, Office of Counsel (OC), Mostafa Elsaka, Contracting, Leilani Gonzalez, Southern Area Office, Kelvin Harrison, Houston Project Office, Susan Martin, Project Management (PM-J), and Shari McDonald, Port Arthur Resident Office.
Col. Rhett A. Blackmon, USACE, SWG Commander, officiated the ceremony and thanked all the nominees for the dedicated support they provide to their sections, because the work they do contributes greatly to mission success.
“The common theme in all six award nomination narratives was, ‘The folks who make all the stuff happen, behind the scenes’,” Blackmon said.
“Thank you for all the things you do,” the commander continued. “Thanks to all our other administrative staff who do a lot of the same things, and lastly, thanks to your teams who took the time to acknowledge all your contributions to the day-to-day activities.”
More than 100 people attended the ceremony in person.
“Thanks for all the folks who are here in the room,” Blackmon said. “Take that as an acknowledgement of folks who want to say they appreciate how much work you put in each day.”
The award presentation was timed to coincide with National Administrative Professionals’ Day, April 24, 2024.
“To these individuals who were the nominees for our annual award, and to all the other individuals who do likewise tasks to keep us on track, we certainly do appreciate it, and we give all of you a round of applause,” Blackmon concluded.
Delehanty and Martin were both surprised by the honor.
“It’s amazing,” Martin said. “I’m just in shock, they’re some great people.”
Martin began her USACE career 14 years ago, as a contract employee and Delehanty started with USACE in the Galveston Resident Office in January 2023, and she joined the OC in September 2023.
“It is very surprising, but it is an honor and I appreciate it,” said Delehanty. “I’m honored even to be grouped with these great people, because they’ve all helped me.