John Sams Named City of Raleigh Employee of the Year

Jayne Kirkpatrick, Director, Public Affairs

Prepared by:  David Blount, Public Affairs Specialist

May 23, 2013

For more information: Contact Jayne Kirkpatrick, Public Affairs, 919-996-3000

John Sams Named City of Raleigh Employee of the Year

Since starting in 2000, John Sams has consistently demonstrated his commitment to his job, knowledge of his craft, and exhibited tremendous professionalism with the City of Raleigh Television Network (RTN). Those outstanding qualities led the City of Raleigh to name him as the 2012 Employee of the Year. 

“I can think of no other employee more deserving of this award,” said Public Affairs Director Jayne Kirkpatrick (RTN is a division of the Public Affairs Department). “It is our pleasure to work with him and look forward to many more years of doing so.”

Mr. Sams’ background in commercial television news production and strong academic achievements show through in the overall quality of every project he produces for the City. More importantly for his co-workers, his positive attitude makes working with him a pleasure.

“It’s wonderful to have a co-worker as cheerful and dedicated as John is,” said Raleigh Television Network Production Manager Karyn Thomas. “He is a positive influence on his peers and always encourages us. People often comment on how well we work together and relate to one another. John is a big part of that and helps foster that.”

The skills one needs at RTN is a specific set requiring hours of practice on demanding equipment. As a result, having an employee as willing and patient as Mr. Sams is a considerable resource. 

“A lot of departments need in-house videos for training purposes,” Mrs. Thomas said. “John is always happy to provide assistance.”

Mrs. Thomas remembered an incident where a City employee needed to document an event and was experiencing some difficulty with the video equipment. Mr. Sams helped her with the equipment and then volunteered to go with her to set up the equipment even though his workday had officially ended. He even gave the employee his cell phone number in case she needed additional help.

“He enjoys his work,” she added. “He’s enthusiastic and is always the consummate professional. I think he’s a terrific ambassador for the City and our department. We are all thrilled for him and the recognition he is receiving.”

Nine City employees were named Departmental Employees of the Year. Each received a plaque and a check for $250. For his award as Citywide Employee of the Year, Mr. Sams received an additional plaque and a $500 award.

The departmental Employees of the Year were:

 

  • Neil Harrison, Finance Department;
  • Frank McLaurin, Fire Department;
  • Tammy Reed, Parks and Recreation;
  • Joe Whitney, Planning Department;
  • Omar Abdullah, Police Department;
  • Betty Johnson, Public Utilities;
  • Walter Colvin, Public Works Department; and,
  • Jimmy Council, Solid Waste Services.