Novi Names Two Employees of the Year
NOVI, MI – The inaugural edition of the City of Novi’s Employee of the Year award featured so many worthy finalists that picking a single winner proved impossible. In the end, Novi Public Safety Budget Analyst Pat Cauchi and Facilities Manager Brandon McCullough stood out and were honored together for their achievement at the annual Evening of Appreciation in December.
The two employees earned recognition from their peers for their ability to provide quality service and their selfless commitment to the community. Both impress others with their passion for their jobs and positive attitudes when engaging with colleagues and the public.
A total of 30 nominations for 21 different employees representing every department and the Novi Public Library were received for the first-ever award. The group was eventually narrowed down to five finalists, from which Cauchi and McCullough were selected. Joining them as finalists were Payroll Coordinator Tracey Marzonie, Department of Public Services Customer Service Representative Christine Slater and Senior Financial Analyst Sabrina Lilla.
“All five of our finalists embody the City’s commitment to excellent customer service and take pride in creating a welcoming culture in the community and workplace,” said Novi City Manager Peter E. Auger. “Both Pat and Brandon exude tremendous leadership and epitomize the positive attributes we seek in Novi employees. I could not be more pleased to honor both of them with the first City of Novi Employee of the Year award.”
Cauchi was nominated for the award by a trio of colleagues in the Public Safety Department. In their nomination, the group said Cauchi is consistently ahead of every deadline and possesses the ability to obtain information from all facets of Novi city government. They also highlighted her warm personality, noting she is among the first to volunteer in all aspects of the community. She prepares meals for colleagues in need, spends time helping at a community events and works closely with the Novi Police and Fire Benevolent Association
“I was totally shocked to even have been nominated along with such amazing co-workers who were all so worthy of this award,” said Cauchi. “I absolutely love my job and work for such an incredible leadership team. Not only do they provide staff members with every resource needed to perform our jobs, but they empower us and continually show us all how much we are valued. As an employee I could not ask for anything more.”
McCullough, ironically enough, was nominated for the award by his co-winner Cauchi. She said she is impressed by his focused skills, tremendous passion and work ethic. He also has a positive attitude, is extremely reliable, honest and is not afraid to give his own opinion. McCullough also gives freely of his time outside of work and lives his life with a great deal of enthusiasm.
“Winning this award is a nice reminder that the services myself and department provide daily haven’t gone without recognition,” McCullough said. “I am only as good as my team and am very lucky to have a great team of co-workers who share mutual respect and bring their best to work each day.”
Along with their recognition and award presentation at the annual Evening of Appreciation, Cauchi and McCullough will also receive a designated parking space, recognition at a Novi City Council meeting and a copy of an award letter from the City Manager.
The City of Novi created the Employee of the Year award this year as a way to acknowledge exemplary City employees. The award is open to all full-time and permanent part-time City employees. City workers, volunteers, City residents and any person who does business with or within the City are invited to submit a nomination at any time during the year. For more information about the procedure or to submit a nomination, visit www.cityofnovi.org.