ATLANTA – Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner Robyn A. Crittenden has honored outstanding staff and team members with the second annual Commissioner’s Staff Excellence and Rookie Awards.

“DHS is fortunate to have thousands of extraordinarily hardworking, talented employees, so to be recognized as doing the best work of 2018 among a field like this is a great honor,” Crittenden said. “I applaud their efforts going above and beyond what is expected of them as we build stronger families for a stronger Georgia.”

The two most prestigious awards are the DHS Employee of the Year and Rookie of the Year. This year’s recipients are:

Candace Mockabee, of Lawrenceville
Division of Family and Children Services / Child Welfare
Employee of the Year Award, for extraordinary service, ingenuity and dedication

Mockabee also won the Positive Impact Award, for extraordinary dedication to the department and community. She began her employment with the agency in September 2016 and finds pleasure in cooking and traveling with her two daughters.

Giana Herndon, of Atlanta
Office of Information Technology
Rookie of the Year Award, for extraordinary service, ingenuity and dedication

Herndon also received the Individual Contributor Rookie of the Year Award, in recognition of outstanding achievements and contributions. She has been with DHS since May 2018, and enjoys cooking, collecting candles and interior decorating.

Other awards and recipients were:

  • Administrative Support Rookie Award, for outstanding achievements and contributions
    Angelique Shelby, of Senoia
    Division of Child Support Services
     
  • Distinguished Staff Award, for outstanding commitment to service
    Janet Jones, of Baconton
    Division of Child Support Services
     
  • Excellence in Innovation Award, for exceptional problem-solving and implementation
    Tekesha Sanders-Edmonds, of Athens
    Division of Family & Children Services / Office of Family Independence
     
  • Exceptional Customer Service Award, for superior service to clients
    Tiffany Vining, of Buckhead
    Division of Family & Children Services / Office of Family Independence
     
  • Outstanding Organizational Leadership Award, for exceptional guidance and engagement
    Alvin Riggs, of Atlanta
    Division of Family & Children Services / Project Management Office
     
  • Outstanding Supervisor Award, for exceptional leadership and accountability
    Marlene Autry, of Gainesville
    Office of Inspector General
     
  • Outstanding Team Award, for exceptional, results-driven collaboration
    ​Division of Child Support Services, Camilla Office
    • Cindy York
    • Shonda Taylor
    • Ga-Qui Jones
    • Angela Bullard
    • Cindy Nelson
    • Gloria Haywood
    • Janet Jones
    • Carolyn White
    • Felichia Marcus
    • Carrie Hurst
    • Barbara Thomas
    • Justin Allegood

The recipients were nominated for their 2018 accomplishments by supervisors, direct reports, peers and others. They were evaluated by a panel of DHS directors.