Looking to Excel

Release Date: Friday, May 28th 2010

The April SAMs of the Month have more than three years of experience among them: Safety and Hospitality Team Member Catherine Thompson and Maintenance Team Member Timothy Hillie.

Catherine Thompson joined the SAM Hospitality team in February 2009 and, by all accounts, has been a great teammate and tremendous asset. From the beginning, she vowed to excel and receive a letter of appreciation from Downtown patrons at least once a month. She has not disappointed herself or others and receives praiseworthy letters from Downtown patrons almost monthly. Thompson’s performance has been consistently outstanding. Her incident reports are always thorough and concise. Patrons often cite her friendly nature and astute knowledge of the city. Always one to accentuate the positive, she knows how to handle stressful situations with lucidity and grace, making her a shining example to others. “I’ve always loved people, and every job that I’ve had has dealt with people,” says the former Marine, who also has worked for the Departments of the Army and Navy. Thompson writes poetry in her share time.

Timothy Hillie became a Maintenance SAM in April 2008, and his work ethic has set an example for the entire maintenance team. Affectionately dubbed the "Go to Guy," the former US Boxing Association light heavyweight champion is relentless in his zeal to do his job, do it right and do it well. Hillie often volunteers for special operations and works to excel at all tasks. He follows directives extremely well but takes the initiative when needed, all the while maintaining a positive and winning attitude.  “I make it my business to do the best that I can do,” he says. “I want to set an example and work really hard to keep Downtown clean.” The father of four (one son followed him into the SAM Program) is a reliable and dedicated champion in every sense of the word, inside the gym—where he still trains—and out.