Attorney General Racine Honors Outstanding Employee Achievements at Annual Awards Ceremony

WASHINGTON, DC – Attorney General Karl A. Racine recently announced the winners of the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) 2016 Employee Incentive Awards. Held at The Lincoln Theatre, the awards ceremony honored extraordinary service by select OAG employees and highlighted accomplishments from each of OAG’s 11 divisions.

“One of OAG’s best resources is its employees,” said Attorney General Racine. “We have skilled attorneys, paralegals, investigators, and other professional support staff who go above and beyond the call of duty to save the District millions, ensure public safety, and protect our city’s most vulnerable residents. I’m so proud of the work of our stellar employees.”

The Attorney General’s Distinguished Service Award honors distinguished conduct in the performance of duties over a period of years in a position of responsibility, and is the highest award granted by the Attorney General. Winners demonstrate extraordinary skill in the exercise of authority and judgment in matters of significance. This year’s recipients include Walter Adams for trial of administrative cases; Esther Yong McGraw for trial of affirmative cases; Robert A. Deberardinis for trial of defensive cases; Matthew Blecher for preparation of litigation; Sylvia Williams for support of litigation; Stacy Anderson for handling of appeals; Laurie Ensworth for preparing legal memoranda and legislation; Rachele Reid for interagency cooperation; Lenora Robinson for administrative support; Loren AliKhan for supervisory work; Herb Jeter for advocacy or collections for children; Tonia Robinson for clerical and administrative work; and Angelisa Young for special noteworthy recognition.

Another of the top honors is the Attorney General’s Award for the Outstanding Head of a Division, which is designed to recognize extraordinary contributions by an individual in their capacity as the leader of one of OAG’s divisions. This year’s recipient is Tamar Meekins, Deputy Attorney General for the Public Safety Division. Ms. Meekins has led a transformation of the Public Safety Division by implementing comprehensive training programs and piloting innovative initiatives to reduce recidivism in both adult and juvenile criminal matters.

The Charles Reischel Writing Award is given in memory of Charles L. Reischel, who served OAG as the Deputy Attorney General for what was then called the Appellate Division. Following Mr. Reischel’s death, then-Corporation Counsel Robert J. Spagnoletti announced the creation of a writing award in his memory. This award is a highly competitive honor, with high-quality writing samples of legal briefs and memoranda submitted from across the agency. This year’s recipient is Holly M. Johnson, Assistant Attorney General in the Office of the Solicitor General, for a brief she drafted defending the District’s firearm laws in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit

Other awards given out at the ceremony include:

  • The Special Act or Service Award is given to individuals in three categories: extraordinary contributions to the community; breaking down silos; and reaching out to youth. This award recognizes an employee who, while on duty, makes a significant contribution to OAG or the District Government by a one-time, non-recurring act or service. This year’s recipients include Megan Aniton, Annette Bush, Brian Caldwell, Unita Crudup, Holly Johnson, Anna Kent, Amanda Lee, Rashida Prioleau, Kawaun Sankar, and Joshua A. Turner.
  • The Team Spirit Award recognizes a team of co-workers that has demonstrated exceptional ability to foster collaboration, communication and cooperation among colleagues within and outside their department. This year’s winner is the Criminal & Juvenile Appeals Section of the Office of Solicitor General. Recipients of this award include John Donovan, Rosalyn Groce, John Martorana, Janice Sheppard, and Jacqueline Thompson.
  • The Client Service Extra Mile Awards recognize employees who go the extra mile to help provide exceptional client service and epitomize servant leadership. Recipients for this award include Nancy Alper, Elaine Block, Lloyetta Celistan, John Davie, Dawn Daye, Renae Flemmings, Anthony Jack, Rosemary Jackson, Arlyntha Love, and Kirsten Wood.
  • The Exemplary Service Awards are given to employees for performance that substantially exceeds expectations Exemplary Service Award. Recipients for this award include Harold Johnson, William Chang, Katherine V. Kelley, Matthew Lane, Tyrone Mabson, Keely Magyar, Keya Ross, Carl Schifferle, Latysha Short, and Eli Wood.