Chris Youngs receives top employee award from the Michigan Department of Transportation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2016
CONTACT: Jeff Cranson, MDOT Director of Communications
517-648-8247, cransonj@michigan.gov

 

Chris Youngs receives top employee award from
the Michigan Department of Transportation

 

August 16, 2016 -- Chris Youngs of Hastings has received the 2016 Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Director's Award - the department's highest honor for outstanding service. MDOT established the annual award more than 20 years ago to recognize employees who exhibit leadership and exemplary public service.

            "The hard work MDOT employees perform every day to keep our transportation system running smoothly for residents and businesses isn't just limited to actual day-to-day work duties," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "Chris's significant contributions have ultimately changed the way MDOT does business and have brought the department to the forefront of alternative contract delivery methods. While I am proud of our entire workforce, Director's Award recipients like Chris stand out because they are nominated by their peers for this special recognition."

            Youngs was honored in the professional, supervisor category. Working closely with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Youngs successfully streamlined the approval and reporting process for alternative contracting projects, known as SEP-14 projects. By developing an application template and implementing a programmatic approach to capital preventive maintenance, Youngs was able to significantly reduce FHWA's processing time of SEP-14 applications. As a result of Youngs's efforts, FHWA is now directing other state agencies to Michigan for sample work plans and reports.

            The Director's Award program represents the various work categories within the department. While MDOT employees nominate their peers, committees comprised of workers from each category make the final recommendations to the department.

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Chris Youngs, 2016 MDOT Director's Award recipient

 

© 2016 MDOT Photography Unit

 

 

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