Palm Tran has announced three of its employees are winners of 2017 Golden Palm Awards. The Golden Palm Award is the highest level of recognition for employee accomplishment. The Palm Tran recipients for this year’s awards are: Informational Technology Manager Charlie Miller, Bus Operator Joan Jenkins, and Maintenance Technician Willy Acuna.
“These employees have been recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure Palm Tran offers excellent services at all times,” Palm Tran Executive Director Clinton B. Forbes said. “We strive to be the best at Palm Tran, and these staff members are perfect examples of that,” he added.
Charlie Miller, information technology manager, is being recognized for taking initiatives to reduce Palm Trans’ cellular data charges. His innovative work led to a savings of $49,000 annually. He reviewed monthly plans carefully and designed ways to reduce costs while remaining in close collaboration with AT&T.
“I believe that in reaching out to help others, you become aware of your surroundings and how things work around you,” Miller said. “This allows you to notice things most people would not normally notice and make improvements.”
Joan Jenkins is receiving this award for her excellence in her role as bus operator. Jenkins handled a critical situation with high-level professionalism when someone brought a gun on board a Palm Tran bus. Jenkins’ calm demeanor and adherence to training, reassured all of her passengers as they were evacuated to safety.
“When I saw the guy pull the gun out, I pulled out my phone and called dispatch. I told passengers to get off the bus,” Jenkins said. “I just thank God that no one got hurt. You never know when someone pulls out a gun what their intentions are. The passengers could have gotten hurt. He could have killed random people.”
“Palm Tran bus operators encounter a variety of situations that require them to make quick decisions. Joan’s actions are reflective of her commitment to the mission and values of the agency,” said Director of Operations Sean Smith.
Willy Acuna is being honored for his hard work and dedication as a maintenance technician. Acuna started as a maintenance trainee in 2013, and just one year later, he was promoted to maintenance technician where he demonstrated skills and proficiency working on Palm Tran’s bus fleet. In addition, Acuna was responsible for significant cost savings when he repaired hybrid buses instead of replacing them. His efforts resulted in a savings of $397, 525 for the taxpayers.
“When I repair a hybrid transmission, I repair for two to three thousand dollars instead of $55,000. The company saves a lot of money, and you can use that money for another project,” Acuna said. “A lot of people need the bus to move from different places, so I am very happy when I fix the hybrid buses or any other bus.”
“Willy’s service has been invaluable. His work has not only saved the county thousands of dollars, he has also reduced vehicle downtime while maintaining vehicles in a good state of repair,” said Sean Smith.
All recipients of the Golden Palm Awards will receive their awards at a ceremony held on November 1 at the Robert Weisman Governmental Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. It will be County Administrator Verdenia Baker’s first time selecting and presenting the awards.
