As part of the New York City Transit (NYCT) President Andy Byford’s goal to engage, empower and inspire employees to contribute to the broader goals of the Fast Forward Plan, the NYCT held its first bi-annual award ceremony at MTA headquarters.
The 85 transit employees, chosen from a pool of 135 candidates and nominated by their colleagues, were recognized for their outstanding service to the agency. Recognition and appreciation flowed in both directions, with managers and directors nominating members of their teams, and team members nominating not just their peers but their managers and directors as well.
“Employee engagement and empowerment form the foundation of our success at New York City Transit,” Byford said. “They are pillars of our Fast Forward Plan. It’s our hardworking, dedicated employees who go above and beyond what is expected of them every day, who keep New York running 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I am honored to recognize 85 of these employees today.”
A special committee, comprising of Byford and key members of NYCT’s leadership team, selected the winners based on the guiding principles of safety, customer service, teamwork, leadership, diversity and inclusion and accountability.
“Our winners today demonstrated the highest commitment to safety and customer service, working as one team across our agency to fulfill the priorities and foundations of the Fast Forward plan while keeping the city moving,” Byford said. “They lead by example and set a tone of value and respect for different perspectives and cultures.”
Byford has also instituted another new employee recognition program called On-the Spot Awards. On-the-Spot Award Cards are issued to senior managers. Managers distribute these awards, in real time in the field, to employees who demonstrate the highest ideals of NYCT. In addition to the on-the-spot recognition by a manager, these employees are also recognized at special quarterly ceremonies.
Six of the winners received a special commendation and were honored with outstanding service awards. These winners include:
Martin Higgins, computer associate, earned a special commendation for Safety. Martin initiated and developed several security awareness programs that have enhanced the safety and security of NYCT employees, customers and facilities.
Tenisha Sharpe, assistant train dispatcher, earned a special commendation for Leadership. Sharpe started at NYCT as a conductor and quickly rose through the ranks with tenacity and insight.
Wanda Harris, staff analyst, earned a special commendation for Customer Service. Harris is the sole point of communication with the families of deceased employees, working tirelessly to get the needs met for the families so that they can have peace of mind in their time of sorrow.
Antony Greco, train service supervisor, earned a special commendation for Teamwork. Greco is known as the go to person when any of his colleagues have a question, taking new colleagues under his wing and showing them how to accomplish their tasks efficiently and safely.
Robert Drinan, senior litigator, earned a special commendation for Diversity and Inclusion. Drinan has taken the lead for the Law Department on numerous transit initiatives to advance diversity and inclusion, including developing policies and procedures in alignment with the law and best practices relating to job applicants with criminal conviction histories and developing workplace guidance for transgender employees.
Karen Fernandez, maintenance supervisor, earned a special commendation for Accountability. Fernandez has forged the way for women who are in a technical field to have a voice. Recognized for being one of NYCT’s best troubleshooters, she makes decisive decisions with her team to ensure riders have functional equipment to use to enter the train system.
