The National Archives (700 Pennsylvania Avenue), the nation’s record keeper, hosted the May SAM of the Month meeting. The Safety/Hospitality and Maintenance employees (SAMs) were greeted by Donna Garland, the chief strategy and communications officer, who expressed gratitude for all that the SAMS do to enhance the Downtown experience. The National Archives is the permanent home of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. It also features documentary films, has a learning center and a full program of events and offers numerous services.
DowntownDC BID staff members Alissa Greer, the special events manager, and Eileen Andary, the chief administrative officer, also spoke briefly during the meeting. Greer provided a warm message of appreciation from the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which the SAMs support, while Andary recognized two important individuals—Everett Scruggs, the director of operations and head of the SAM Program; and Jay Chaoui, the operations business manager—who have served the BID for 10 years.
During the ceremony, SAM Maintenance Team Member Michael Winder and Safety/Hospitality Team Member Donna Riley were honored as the March SAMs of the Month for their stellar performance.
Michael Winder joined the BID in April 2011. This is his second SAM of the Month recognition. The Richmond, Virginia, native enjoys receiving feedback from visitors about Downtown’s cleanliness, whether the comments come from an Alaskan couple or children. “It’s been an experience working for the BID. People come up to me on the street, even the kids, and say ‘thank you for cleaning up the city.’ It’s good to know that people notice that Downtown is clean.” Described as a good guy with a strong work ethic, Michael is known for diligently carrying out every task assigned to him. Says he: “Everyday that I come to work, the lesson that I learn over and over again is to care.” In his spare time, Michael watches movies, basketball and football and listens to music.
Donna Riley has been on the SAM Team for more than 12 years. Since that time, the native West Virginian has overcome shyness but still always manages to put forth her best. A SAM of the Year recipient in 2007, she has been recognized as a SAM of the Month at least four times. One of the most enjoyable parts of the job, she says, is working in different part of Downtown. Riley recently became a member of the special SAM defect reporting team, which records everything from loose pavers and graffiti to faulty street signs in the public space realm. Riley became a proud grandmother in March.
Congratulations, Michael and Donna!