Author: Gretchen Kalar
Recipients of the Caswell Awards who attended the ceremony April 2 at the Natural History Museum in Raleigh.
April 10, 2019 – Eight NC Department of Health and Human Services employees received 2019 Richard Caswell Awards. The ceremony was held April 2 at the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh. The awards honor state government employees with 45 years of dedication and service.
Collectively, all 21 recipients of the 2019 Caswell Awards have worked 945 years in state government. The employees honored this year began working in 1974.
The beginning remarks were given by Secretary Ron Penny of the North Carolina Department of Revenue.
“These people have dedicated nearly half a century to our state,” Penny said. “Our state is better, and we are enriched because of the work you have donated to us.”
Out of the eight DHHS workers being honored with Caswell Awards, five accepted the award in person.
James I. Butler, a staff psychologist at Cherry Hospital, said work longevity runs in his family.
“Longevity runs in my family,” Butler said. “I grew up on a farm that was in my family for over 100 years. My family members are long-livers. I was born in 1947 but I feel like I’m 39 and holding.”
• Andrew L. Coward, a health care supervisor at the Caswell Developmental Center
• Steven Freedman, a human services program supervisor at the Division of Aging and Adult Services
• Tom Leeder, a rehabilitation counselor at the Division of Services for the Blind
• Barbara Roseboro Myers, a social work program director at Broughton Hospital
• Rosalie A. Pugh, an administrative specialist for the Division of Services for the Blind
• Susie Sherrod-sanders, business officer (CFO) for Cherry Hospital
• Robert V. Young III, an auditor for the Division of Health Benefits
Sherrod-sanders said working for the state of North Carolina helped her expand her career horizons. She attended Wayne Community College while working to get a degree, opening up more opportunities.
“I am proud to be a state employee,” she said. “Being a state employee has helped me all around.”
Some employees began their careers right out of high school. This was the case for Barbara Myers. Later, she was able to go to school to further her career.
“I am thankful for stable employment and my ability to earn credentials to further my career,” Myers said.