As part of the Business Operations Team’s Service Excellence initiative, each of the five divisions designates an Employee of the Month to recognize outstanding performance and excellent customer service. This week, the five Employees of the Month for April had the opportunity to enjoy breakfast with HISD’s Chief Operating Officer, Leo Bobadilla.

(From left to right): Maria J. Smith, Kathy Sterbanz, Leo Bobadilla, Loretta Galaviz, Delia Garcia, and Officer Rick Evans.

“I really enjoy this event and being able to show my appreciation for such great work,” Bobadilla said.  “We have a great team, and the recognition is well-deserved.”

The Service Excellence program was rolled out in the first quarter of the year and incorporates training and recognition for employees to encourage top performance. The monthly “Breakfast with Leo” is hosted by the Service Excellence Recognition and Celebration subcommittee led by Transportation Manager Nathan Graf.

The employees were selected for performing in a safe, courteous, responsive, and efficient manner, and their colleagues had this to say about them:

“Delia Garcia has been recognized on many occasions for her leadership, attention to detail, financial acumen, and keen awareness of the importance of customer service. She is productive and organized during her work day, takes pride in her work, and is intentional about ‘doing it right the first time’,” says Audene Chung, administrator of Nutrition Services.

“Loretta Galaviz always has a smile on her face and is willing to help out in the department wherever she is needed,” said Tesha Foster and the selection committee at Barnett Terminal. “Her children on the bus always have positive things to say about her and look forward to their bus trips with her.”

“Maria Smith takes a great deal of pride in her work, and others have come to depend on her for representing the school and her department in a professional and efficient manner,” said Ms. Smith’s team leader.

“Kathy Sterbanz is a leader among her peers,” said managers in the Risk Management Department. “There has never been a time when she was not willing to take on a difficult task and offer an effective resolution.”

“Thanks to Officer Evans for taking all threats seriously when it comes to the safety of students and staff at his school,” said Lieutenant Jimenez. “He takes appropriate action and acts in a timely manner.”