Exceptional DKI APCSS Employees Recognized at Prestigious Annual Federal Executive Board Ceremony

Nearly 30 employees, including one departmental team of the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, took a rare break from their duties to be honored Apr. 27 at the 62nd Honolulu-Pacific Federal Executive Board Excellence in Federal Government Awards ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam Officer’s club.

The Director of the DKI APCSS retired Rear Adm. Peter A. Gumataotao was the presenter for the Mentor category.

These powerhouse employees were selected by their department heads and DKI APCSS leadership for their significant contributions to the mission of the Center.

Regional Engagement Operations Assistant Nelly Ximema Williams, who was selected as the Federal Employee of the Year, (Clerical and Assistant), is at the forefront of an extremely robust visitor program, and it was no surprise that she was nominated by her supervisor.

“I’m so happy, it was fun and I’m just so happy that not only the Center recognized the employees, but everybody in the Department of Defense,” said Williams. “I also enjoyed the part when they (her department) came to support me.”

Management and Program Analyst for the College Massaih Ali received the award for Exceptional Community Service and incorporates the “service to others” philosophy into his daily life. He also serves as president of the “Kokua Hui” the Center’s non-profit private organization, which organizes and oversees fundraising events within the Center in support of the Center’s social program.

“My wife and I, we actually try to help out the homeless as much as we possibly can,” he said. “We will go out and take them food, hygiene products, toiletries… things like that. It’s something that just touches my heart all the time.  I hate to see kids seeking food and shelter.”

Mr. Ali also helps his wife with her volunteer efforts at the local Veteran’s Administration with those in hospice care by cheering up the patients with cosmetic services and attention.

“I’m absolutely humbled by it (being selected). I’m thankful (DKI) APCSS takes part in recognizing their employees for the work they do, here and outside. We make a difference in people’s lives and that’s important.”

• Team Excellence – Information Systems Department (ISD) – Daniel Park accepted the award on behalf of his team
• Federal Supervisor of the Year – Mary R. Gokey, Chief, Human Resources Department
• Federal Employee of he Year (Professional, Administrative, Technical) – Raelyn Brett, Transportation Assistant (OA), Resource Management Department
• Federal Employee of the Year (Clerical and Assistant) – Ximena “Nelly” Williams, Regional Engagement Operations Assistant
• Exceptional Community Service – Massaih Ali, Management and Program Analyst, College of Security Studies
• Mentor of the Year – Cmdr. Kristopher Robinson, College Operations Officer, College of Security Studies

For over 60 years, outstanding federal employees working in Honolulu – Pacific Federal Executive Board (HPFEB) agencies have been recognized at an annual awards ceremony. The ceremony is held jointly with an EXPO, where federal benefit and other partners staff booths to educate employees on their offerings and benefits and corresponds to Public Service Employee Recognition Week, nationally.

The HPFEB uses this event to:

• Celebrate the innovation and quality of work performed by employees by honoring and presenting awards in seven categories.
• Learn about other agencies’ best practices.
• Promote the excellent work of federal agencies.

Each awardee is recognized with a certificate by a local military or government leader.Each FEB agency may nominate one candidate for each of the seven award categories (the Team Excellence Category typically includes multiple awardees). There is no selection board at the FEB level, selections are prioritized at the agency level when nominations are submitted.

-END-