FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                   

Contact:            Pete Winton, Lee County Administration (941) 335-2777 

 

JUNE DONNELLY RECEIVES LEE COUNTY GOVERNMENT’S TOP EMPLOYEE AWARD

 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (February 19, 2002) – Lee County Permit Representative June Donnelly – who displays a continuing commitment to customer service and has stayed on the job through treatment of a serious medical condition – is the annual recipient of Lee County Government’s top employee award. 

At its regular meeting today, the Board of Lee County Commissioners announced the selection of Donnelly as the recipient of the “Candy Pittro Memorial” Award for 2001. 

The award was established as a tribute to Pittro, who passed away in 1987 after a long struggle with leukemia.  Her positive outlook on life was an inspiration to others and the award honors those who display the same qualities.  The award is given annually for “inspiration and positive attitude in the face of adversity.” 

Donnelly’s nomination form was signed by 52 of her co-workers in Lee County Development Services and Planning.  A 12-year employee, Donnelly is quick to help customers and answer their questions, and to train her fellow workers, always with a positive attitude and commitment to excellence in helping out in any way she can. 

From her nomination: “She is quick to offer explanations, then solutions, but will also work with fellow employees in learning how to look up information so the next time, if she is not available, we can find an answer. … Customer and employee service doesn’t come from a manual, it comes from the heart.  And when she is taking care of a situation, she can never do too much.” 

Donnelly learned a year ago she has a serious, life-threatening medical condition.  Throughout the grueling treatments, she has continued to work as much as possible.  “She is always the cheery voice at the other end of the phone and has just been a magnificent inspiration to fellow workers and customers,” the nomination reads.  “She has shown us the ‘Power of Positive Thinking’ does work if you just put your mind to it.” 

Other nominees this year were: the late Jetta Glover (County Administration/Equal Opportunity), Jill Bammerlin (Fleet Management), Judith Armstrong (Human Resources), Mary Rude (Parks and Recreation), Rick Roberts (Community Development), Marilyn Rawlings (Fleet Management) and Fred Roenigk (Community Development).