Employee of the Year

Carly Aubrey is the 2018 Employee of the Year

Carly Aubrey, Principal Planner in Community Planning and Economic Development Services, has been named the 2018 City of Falls Church Employee of the Year. The citizen-led Employee Review Board selected Aubrey for her exemplary work taking on project management of the West Falls Church Economic Development Project after a key staff member left the City. "By the strength of Carly’s professional skill and determination, the West Falls Church redevelopment effort was kept on schedule and is poised to positively transform the western end of the City,” said Paul Stoddard, Director of Planning, who nominated Aubrey.

Aubrey has worked for the City for four years, and she was the project manager for the West Falls Church project through a critical time: the closing of the Request for Proposal (RFP) process to selecting a development partner and Council’s subsequent vote on an Interim Agreement (IA) with the development partner. Aubrey has been personally or jointly responsible for almost every analysis, staff report, and presentation related to the project since taking on the role of project manager.

The West Falls Church redevelopment effort is critical to the future well-being and financial sustainability of the city. The 10 acre site will transform the west end of the city, creating a new 18-hour a day neighborhood where residents can work, play, and live. Further, the project will create a regional destination that will attract shoppers and diners. The payments from land leases and tax revenue will help offset the costs of the new high school, estimated to cost $120 Million.

"We are thrilled with the selection of Ms. Aubrey as our 2018 Employee of the Year," said Deputy City Manager and Director of Human Resources Cindy Mester. "She is the embodiment of our Leadership Guiding Principle that the quality and success of our City is a shared responsibility. Her leadership as a project manager is unparalleled.”

The public is invited to join the City at two upcoming 2018 Employee of the Year celebratory events on Monday, April 8. A reception will be held at 6:30 p.m. at Cherry Hill Farmhouse (312 Park Ave.) followed by a presentation at the City Council Meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Center (223 Little Falls St.).

Major Rick Campbell with the Police Department is credited for his eagle eye, catching a $450,000 billing error on inter-jurisdictional contracts. He is also an invaluable member of the Public Safety team: "Major Campbell always approaches assignments, projects with an eye for perfection and his years of experience bring eases to his staff."
Clare Casey, Senior Communication Specialist in the Office of Communications, was nominated for her work with the weekly "Focus on Falls Church" enewsletter. "The style of writing, to engage readers, goes beyond the standard requirement for writing a quality communication newsletter."
Meaghan DeCelle, Generalist for Human Resources, was nominated for her unending enthusiasm and high-level professionalism. “Meaghan is always willing to help a colleague in need and advocate for the best outcome possible."
Nate Dupree, Network Engineer for IT Services, was nominated for professionalism in the middle of a very stressful large-scale project. "No matter what was going around and what level of stress and/or load was on him, I have always seen respect, commitment, dedication, humbleness and a willingness to work hard."
Charlie Hamilton, Senior Communication Specialist for IT Services, was nominated for his commitment, dedication and professionalism shown during the period of City Hall renovation. "While working in very stressful environment and under time restraints, Charlie continued to demonstrate honesty, kindness and willingness to respond to inquiries and help anyone who contacts him with request to help."
Gary LaPorta, Outreach Coordinator for the Commissioner of the Revenue's Office, passed away in 2019, and is missed by all. Some called him “Mr. Falls Church,” as he was involved in so many aspects of The Little City, from former business owner to Chamber of Commerce leader, to City employee. Gary went above and beyond for his job in so many ways.
Tom Polera, Emergency Manager and Fire Marshal, was nominated for his innovative program, The First 12 Minutes, which teaches adults how to react to emergency situations like active shooters. “It benefits City government employees, school employees, churches, and, truly, everyone who lives, works, and plays in the City of Falls Church. And soon, even beyond the City limits!”
Veronica Prince, Deputy City Clerk, was nominated for her professionalism and strong work ethic during a stressful project. "Her exceptional performance as an exemplary Deputy City Clerk while performing extra duties engendered by the temporary relocation of City Hall during the 2018 portion of the renovation."
Jimmy Ruby, Recreation Program Supervisor for Recreation and Parks, leads the sports teams and tournaments. The person who nominated him said, "The City is fortunate to have him as one of his employees. His enthusiasm for youth sports is impressive!"

About the Award

The “Employee of the Year” Award was established in 1987 to grant recognition to a City employee for accomplishments of outstanding worth in advancing and improving public service in the City of Falls Church General Government.

Accomplishments that are eligible for consideration will vary widely in form and substance due to the many different jobs City Employees perform. They will be evaluated against criteria which examine gains achieved, overall impact of the accomplishment, and the environment in which the achievement took place. The recipient receives a cash award.

Eligibility

Eligibility for the award is open to all permanent full or part-time employees in the City government’s personnel system, provided the initial probationary period has been concluded successfully. Appointed Officials, Elected Officials and their employees, and Department or Division Directors are not eligible.

Who May Nominate

Any City employee of the General Government
City citizens
Civic organizations or groups
Business and professional groups

Nominations may not be submitted by a member of the immediate family of the nominee or the nominee themselves.

Selection Process

The City Employees Review Board will receive the nominations and the supporting documentation and select the award recipient based on the facts presented. Presentation of the award will be made by the Mayor and Council at the April 8, 2019 Council Meeting in City Hall.