HARRISBURG – Two LocalNews area Pennsylvania Department of Transportation staff members were among 30 honored statewide with the Star of Excellence Award, PennDOT’s highest recognition, according to PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll.
Local winners Kenana Zejcirovic, Shippenburg, and Sandi Boozel, Mifflintown, and were honored at an awards luncheon at the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum in Hershey. The two local employees are from PennDOT’s District 8, which represents Franklin, Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties.
“Every day, I am reminded of our employees’ dedication, their excellent customer service and in many cases, their sacrifices,” said Carroll. “The accomplishments of our Stars of Excellence exemplify PennDOT’s mission to provide the very best transportation services to Pennsylvanians every day.”
District 8 Executive Kevin Keefe noted, “Sandi and Kenana are dedicated, resourceful employees who strive for excellence in all aspects of their work with the department. They have provided top notch customer service to the people who live and work in Pennsylvania. I’m proud to have them on my team.”
Transportation Planning Specialist Supervisor Kenana Zejcirovic
Zejcirovic has only been with PennDOT since 2022 but exhibits the knowledge and savviness of a seasoned veteran, PennDOT officials said. She manages District 8’s PennDOT Connects initiatives, serves as bike/ped coordinator, manages the scoring, outreach and processing grants, and is liaison with the district’s six Metropolitan Planning Organizations.
She has a strong work ethic, is extremely well organized and focused on learning and developing best practices, PennDOT added. She is a skilled problem solver and a team player. She openly communicates with municipalities and project sponsors and puts in extra time so tight deadlines are met. She provides excellent customer service to all project stake holders. Due to her expert communication skills, she is adept at responding to questions and concerns from the public in a way that is easy for them to understand. Her professionalism and strong work ethic is a valuable asset to the department.
Perry County Roadway Programs Coordinator Sandi Boozel
While with PennDOT, Boozel has worked as an equipment operator, garage clerk, chief clerk, roadway programs technician and in her current role as roadway programs coordinator, PennDOT officials said. Boozel is dedicated to ensuring those who live and work in Perry County have the best transportation network possible. She takes pride in providing outstanding customer service.
She encourages professional development, cross training and opportunities for promotion for her staff, PennDOT officials added. Due to her wide range of experience, Boozel is the go-to person for answers or advice on issues related to county maintenance. She leads by example. While continuing her program coordinator duties, she voluntarily assumed the role of the vacant clerical position. This was a demanding undertaking, but Sandi’s willingness to step up and take on the additional duties improved and expedited the hiring process in Perry County.
Through these selfless actions, Boozel helped ensure staffing levels at the county were well maintained.
For more information, visit PennDOT District 8, or call 717-787-6653.
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