2025 Public Service Appreciation Awards
Published on September 10, 2025
Jackson County honored outstanding county associates during the first ever Public Service Appreciation Awards.
The county presented awards to 14 associates in 9 categories during the ceremony. County Executive Frank White, Jr., presented the awards along with Prosecutor Melesa Johnson, Legislator Jalen Anderson and Chief Administrative Officer Sylvya Stevenson.
“I am really proud of each and every one of you,” White said. “I am proud of the county for what we have been able to accomplish, but there is a lot more to do. This is a call to action to continue to be good public servants to continue to come to work everyday proud to be a Jackson County associate.”
White congratulated the award winners saying, “You are here for a reason, you are here because you made a difference, you are here because you have gone above and beyond. In baseball we would always say it takes just a little bit more to be a champion. I think that is where you are today. You have taken that step.”
Johnson told attendees, “Whether you work in Public Safety, Public Works, Finance, Health or Administration you play an essential role in making sure our county serves its residents with excellence, compassion and integrity. Too often your work happens behind the scenes without much fanfare but today the spotlight is exactly where it needs to be, and it is on you.”
“To all of today’s honorees, congratulations you represent the very best of Jackson County government and to all of our employees, whether you are being recognized today or not please know that your dedication does not go unnoticed. We are able to serve this community because of your commitment, and I am deeply grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you for the work you do and thank you for the passion that you bring.”
“I just want to say, personally, to all of those awardees but also all of those who are not getting awards today, thank you,” Anderson said. “Jackson County is only strong because of you. You are the front line, the reinforcement and even, when need be, the leaders of this county.”
“The people who work here believe in the hope of what the future can bring to a county that is on the move, but getting to know all of you, you are our hope. You give me hope. You give the people I talk to every day, our constituents, our residents, hope,” he said.
“All of you should be proud because I am proud of you.”
Those awarded by the county were:
- Theresa Bullington, County Counselor’s Office – Outstanding Colleague
- Dustin Schmidt, Assessment – Advancing Tech Pioneer
- Rode Diaz, Assessment – Customer Service Excellence
- Forensic Autopsy Team, Medical Examiner’s Office – Exceptional Results Through Teamwork
- D’Angelo Cargo, Corrections – Public Safety Distinguished Service
- Hallie Schuman, Prosecutor’s Office – Manager/Supervisor of the Year
- Nathan Lane, IT – Public Service
- Sarah Mathes, Finance – Excellence in Young Professional Leadership
- Mark Hite, Parks + Rec – Distinguished Leadership
These awards replace the former Public Employee Recognition Day Awards that were presented in cooperation with the Federal Government and the city of Kansas City.