LANSING, MI — Midland resident Amanda Novak, Howell resident Justin P. Schenkel, PE, and Kalamazoo-area resident Michelle L. O'Neill, PE are recipients of the 2024 Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Director's Award, the department's highest employee honor for outstanding service. MDOT established the annual award more than 30 years ago to recognize those who exhibit leadership and exemplary public service.

The Director's Award program represents the various work categories within the department. While MDOT employees nominate their peers, committees comprised of workers from each category make the final recommendations to the department.

"Exemplifying what it means to be hardworking and dedicated, Amanda serves as a steadfast advocate for both MDOT and the people of Michigan," State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich said. "With a positive attitude and a knack for bringing people together, Amanda is building bridges within MDOT and beyond."

Novak, honored in the professional, specialist category, ensured accountability for construction activities in environmentally sensitive areas by coordinating the development of a new approval process for project staging and dealing with excess material on MDOT right of way. She spent considerable time gaining input and buy-in from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, and the Department of Natural Resources, including meeting with impacted staff in development, construction, maintenance, and associated business areas to communicate the process change and answer any questions. Due to the success of the new process, it has been added to the construction manual and become a statewide practice, and is now required by FHWA.

"With a passion for people and positive results, Justin actively supports and collaborates with internal and external customers alike," Wieferich said. "Thanks to an inclusive approach and commitment to quality, Justin is building trust in MDOT among its partners and the public."

Schenkel, honored in the professional, specialist - engineer category, oversees research projects that require the collection of test data and material samples from active construction projects. Before any data collection occurs, Schenkel fosters buy-in from the contractor and construction staff by educating them on the benefits of the data. These efforts lay the groundwork for less resistance and better collaboration during the data collection process.

During a particular research project, data needed to be quickly collected on a layer of pavement before the next layer could be applied. Collecting this data required the use of a falling weight deflectometer (FWD). MDOT only has one FWD, so if it malfunctioned, the testing window would be missed. Recognizing this risk, Schenkel took the initiative to research and complete an as-needed contract with an FWD consultant. The contract also provides for another type of testing and material collection that MDOT may need, should equipment malfunction or if staffing issues arise. MDOT has worked with this consultant previously, ensuring that all necessary data is collected during construction, thereby eliminating any data gaps.

"With a reputation for professionalism and sound results, Michelle has built a wide-reaching bridge and structures program that touches every MDOT region, bureau, and Transportation Service Center [TSC] across the state," Wieferich said. "She serves the department with distinction thanks to an expert eye and a knack for collaboration."

O'Neill, honored in the professional, supervisor - engineer category, prioritizes employee well-being and growth by actively promoting professional development opportunities and continually finding ways to create a supportive and inclusive environment. She leverages employees' strengths by identifying tasks that align with their skills and interests and actively identifies cross-training opportunities for employee growth and enrichment.

When the Lansing TSC contacted O'Neill regarding a retaining wall failure, she understood the risks posed to both pedestrians and the motoring traffic alike and provided immediate support. Typically, ancillary funds are used for inspection services and program development. However, O'Neill not only freed up funding, she and her team even led the design of the new wall. During the process, she kept the TSC well informed and the project moving forward quickly. Going far beyond the scope of her program, O'Neill was instrumental in advancing the project, with minimal impact on the public.