Five HISD employees were recognized as June’s Employee of the month for Service Excellence at Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center on Tuesday morning during a special breakfast with Chief Operating Officer Leo Bobadilla.

From left to right: Alvina Lopez, Olivia Salazar, Keith Lewis, Officer Kevin Ruffin (May honoree), and Cpl. Gilbert Garcia. Not pictured: Cordell Holloman.

The monthly event celebrates district employees who go above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service. Employees are chosen from the areas of Transportation, Police, Nutrition Services, Construction and Facilities Services, and Business Assistance.

“Once you begin processing what is actually happening, it makes you feel really good about the things you do each and every day,” said Keith Lewis, HISD Manager of Food Service Operations. “It was really an honor and pleasure not only to do what I do for the children, but to be recognized by my superiors and Mr. Bobadilla.”

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

“Mr. Cordell Holloman is known for exceptional commitment to his job, usually giving more than the required responsibility needed to get the job done,” said HISD Construction and Facility Services Team Leader Rickey Brown. “[He] is a true professional in his craft and a strong leader; respected and appreciated by his principal, staff and students he serves.”

“Alvina Lopez is a team player and supports the overall goals of the Houston Independent School District,” said HISD Senior Manager of Warehouse Operations Nicole Ware-Smith. “She has a good working relationship with all of her co-workers and internal customers, and displays a strong work ethic and willingness to help.”

“We are grateful for Corporal Gilbert Garcia’s support of Roosevelt Elementary,” said Roosevelt Elementary School Principal Yolanda Rodriguez. “It is actions like his that makes us Team HISD.”

“Olivia Salazar is extremely quick in addressing any campus issues and ensuring that the bus routes are accurate,” said HISD Transportation General Manager Nathan Graf. “She is never in a bad mood and always fills the office with joy and sunshine and spreads this warmth to the campuses.”

“Keith Lewis is the perfect example for Service Excellence philosophy,” said Odell Warren, Director of Operations for HISD Nutrition Services. “Keith has a great working relationship with all of his peers and is always willing to help out or sharing resources and staff when needed. I have witnessed the way Keith engages with his front-line staff and the way they appreciate that he treats them with dignity and respect.”