2024 Fall Recipients

Dr. Christopher Lam

Agricultural Scientist Manager
Agriculture

Dr. Christopher Lam began his career with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture in 2010 as the supervisor of the Food Residue section. His responsibilities included testing food and beverages for antibiotics, mycotoxins, and other toxic chemicals. He later transferred to the Environmental Monitoring section, where he analyzed water, plant, and soil samples for pesticides. Currently, Dr. Lam is the laboratory manager for the sections of Feed, Fertilizer, Food Chemistry, Food Microbiology, Hemp, and Environmental Monitoring.

Dr. Lam is passionate about client education. The technical work he performs and supervises can be challenging for his customers to grasp. To ensure his deliverables are timely and effective, Dr. Lam spends many hours conversing with staff and inspectors regarding the interpretation of chemical analyses so they can better serve the public. His hard work has eliminated unnecessary testing, resulting in quicker turnaround times and cost savings to taxpayers.

Before his work for the State, Dr. Lam was a Senior Research Scientist at Bayer Crop Science for 13 years. He was born in Hong Kong and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Hong Kong Baptist University. He came to the USA for graduate school and earned his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. In his spare time, Dr. Lam enjoys reading, jogging, and traveling.

Jacqueline "Jackie" Hillman

Case Manager 3
Children's Services

Jacqueline “Jackie” Hillman has worked for the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services for almost ten years and currently serves as a Case Manager 3 in Montgomery County. In this role, Jackie works tirelessly to improve the lives of the children and families she serves. Jackie doesn’t just go above and beyond for her customers (children and their families), she also gives the same level of care to her coworkers, always being the first to volunteer her time, assistance, or mentorship. Jackie is always smiling and her dedication to the mission and values of the department is admirable.

Jackie has always had a passion for children, as she once ran an in-home childcare center. When her children were old enough for school, she entered Stratford Career Institute for child daycare management. She then attended Nashville State Community College where she received both a technical certificate and an associate degree in early childhood education. She later graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Austin Peay State University. Jackie is a Clarksville native and is married with three children and three (almost four!) grandchildren.

Kimberly Whaley

Budget Director
Commerce and Insurance

Kimberly Whaley began her commitment to State service in 2004 with the Tennessee Department of Treasury. She currently serves as the Budget Director for the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI). In this role, she is responsible for directing departmental budgeting and financial forecasting activities. In addition to her assigned duties, Kimberly is available to provide oversight and assistance to all areas within the Fiscal Services Section, which include revenue, procurement, assets, and motor vehicle management.

Since joining TDCI in 2010, Kimberly has held numerous positions that have provided her with a unique insight and perspective of all divisions within this very diverse agency. Her experience and knowledge have afforded her opportunities to coordinate strategic change, improve overall efficiency, and increase productivity. Kimberly has been an integral change agent and thought leader for financial, technological, and operational advancements as well as significant process improvements within TDCI.

Kimberly is a graduate of Union University, and she earned her master’s in business administration from Trevecca Nazarene University. Kimberly is also a graduate of LEAD TN. In her free time, she enjoys golfing with her husband, crafting, and spending time with family.

Brian Cox

Inmate Jobs Coordinator
Correction

Brian Cox began his career with Tennessee State Government in May 2001 with the Department of Children’s Services as an Internal Affairs Officer at the Taft Youth Development Center. In June 2013, Brian transferred to the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) and currently serves as an Inmate Jobs Coordinator at the Bledsoe Correctional Complex.

Brian is considered a subject matter expert in the inmate jobs field and has traveled the state training new inmate job coordinators. When a contractor issue occurred that prohibited the contractor from accessing inmates’ accounts to enter hours worked, Brian created a plan and he and his team manually entered 300 hours of inmate hours worked into the system, preventing potential litigation.

Because of his commitment and dedication, Brian is well-respected by his peers and is always willing to help. He embraces the TDOC mission and knows that assigning inmates to the proper job, education class, or program can lead to a successful reentry into society.

Brian holds an associate degree in criminal justice from Roane State Community College and graduated summa cum laude. He is a United States Navy Veteran, married to his wife, Kim, an avid fisherman, and a huge Tennessee Vol fan.

Holly Bernard

Administrator, East Tennessee Community Homes and East Tennessee Strong Homes
Disability and Aging

Holly Bernard began her career serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as a high school student in 1997, working as a volunteer and then part-time at Greene Valley Developmental Center as a Developmental Technician. She was eventually hired full-time with the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging and worked her way into a Counseling Associate 2 position. She moved to the East Tennessee Community Homes program in 2010 as a Home Manager, held several different positions within that program, and began serving as the Administrator of the program in 2020.

As a Home Manager, she works to ensure coverage and supervision are maintained in the home. Her dedication to person-centered practices doesn’t go unnoticed. As Administrator, Holly has always found ways to build community partnerships that benefit the Department and its customers. Whether she is representing the program in Greene County Emergency Management meetings, leading full-scale disaster management drills with community partners, or working with the local school system to get educational support for the children served through the East Strong Homes program, she always seems to find the middle ground that strengthens and supports relationships between people supported, their families, and the community.

Holly is married and has two children and a granddaughter.

Jody Sliger

Community Development Director
Economic and Community Development

Jody Sliger serves the State of Tennessee as a Community Development Director with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. In this role, Jody oversees initiatives that foster economic growth and enhance the quality of life for all Tennesseans and her leadership reflects her deep commitment to the people of her home state.

Jody is an economic development professional with a passion for improving the lives of Tennesseans. She is a certified Tennessee Economic Developer and a certified facilitator for the Governor’s Three Star Program, which supports local governments across the state in achieving community excellence. Throughout her career, Jody has worked tirelessly to empower Tennessee’s 95 counties, using her expertise to drive growth and development across rural and urban communities alike.

Raised on a farm in Shelby County, Jody is a proud fifth-generation Tennessean. She grew up alongside her three siblings, instilling in her a strong work ethic and a love for her roots. Over the years, Jody built a life centered around family, and she is blessed with two sons, Matthew and Alex, two daughters-in-law, Julie and Brandy, and six wonderful grandchildren: Miles, Owen, Eden, Andrew, Millie, and Jody. After more than four decades of marriage to her husband, Roy, Jody continues to be deeply rooted in the values of family, community, and service to others.

Kristen McKeever

Director of Operations and Logistics
Education

Kristen McKeever is a highly accomplished Director of Operations and Logistics for the Office of General Counsel (OGC) within the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) with over 21 years of service to the state of Tennessee. She has held her current role since September 2021. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, supporting the General Counsel, and managing high-priority projects and cross-departmental initiatives.

Prior to joining the OGC, Kristen held various roles across three state agencies, including significant experience within TDOE. Her in-depth knowledge of government procurement processes and her problem-solving skills have made her a go-to resource for complex and high-level projects, often called upon to assist with difficult procurements and process improvements. Kristen’s proactive approach and collaborative leadership style have earned her a reputation as a trusted advisor, and she frequently assists other TDOE teams with problem-solving and process development.

On a personal level, Kristen is known for her candidness, attention to detail, and deep commitment to public service. She is a “fixer” who thrives in tackling challenges and identifying potential issues before they become problems. Her leadership ensures that teams have the resources they need and that their voices are heard, creating a more productive and effective environment. Kristen’s impact is seen not only within the OGC but throughout the broader TDOE, where her innovations have led to measurable improvements in efficiency and service to Tennessee’s citizens.

Tina Robinson

Environmental Consultant and Emergency Response Coordinator
Environment and Conservation

Tina Robinson began her career in 1992 with the Tennessee Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Water Resources. Prior to this, she served in the U.S. Army, where she spent four years on active duty and two years in the Individual Ready Reserve, leaving as a First Lieutenant. During her military service, Tina was a platoon leader for a chemical decontamination company in Germany, where she developed technical leadership skills that continue to influence her work today.

In 2021, Tina was recognized as an Outstanding State Veteran Employee while working at the Division of Water Resources in the Johnson City Field Office. She has excelled in various roles, including specialist, biologist, assistant manager, program coordinator, and currently, Environmental Consultant and Emergency Response Coordinator. Tina also serves as an environmental responder for TDEC where she handles critical environmental impacts to water systems. In this role, she works long hours on-site and collaborates with emergency personnel at the State Emergency Operations Center.

Beyond her official duties, Tina is a mentor and role model, offering guidance to new hires and support to colleagues across the department. Known for her willingness to go the extra mile, Tina is an invaluable team member who has earned the trust and respect of her peers. Tina is married and has two children, Heather, and Michael.

Deborah Moore

Fiscal Director
Finance and Administration

Deborah Moore has dedicated over four decades to serving the State of Tennessee, making a lasting impact on the state’s operations and its people. Starting her career in 1979 as a transcriber, Deborah quickly demonstrated her exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage complex tasks. In her current role with the Department of Finance and Administration, Deborah plays a key role in Strategic Technology Solutions.

Recently, Deborah was approached with a challenge that involved a critical legislative mandate of implementing a new license type in the CORE system by a specific date. Deborah successfully delivered the new license type within the tight deadline through her methodical approach, technical expertise, and commitment to customer satisfaction. Her efforts not only met the legislative mandate but also exceeded the customer's expectations, leaving them highly satisfied with the outcome.

Through her work, Deborah helps ensure the state remains a leader in leveraging technology to drive positive technology to drive positive, leading change across all 23 departments. Deborah holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, specializing in information systems management.

Jordan Brown

Bank Regional Supervisor 
Financial Institutions

Jordan Brown began his career with the State of Tennessee’s Department of Financial Institutions (TDFI) in 2013 as a Bank Examiner. He has received many promotions over the years and currently serves as a Bank Division Manager.

Most recently, Jordan served as the Examiner in Charge of several complex bank examinations, one of which presented significant challenges to Jordan and his team. With Jordan’s expert leadership and innovative ideas, he conducted a thorough examination despite the concerns and obstacles presented throughout. Jordan then conducted the exit meeting and presented his findings to the bank’s board. His ability to present concerns and findings with clarity and conciseness aided in the board’s understanding of its institution’s overall condition, thus leading to its notable operational improvement. Through this instance and many others, Jordan demonstrates exceptional leadership skills, offers insightful guidance, and is an invaluable asset to the TDFI team. Jordan always has the best interests of the people he works with in mind, and he truly cares about their well-being, both professionally and personally. 

Jordan graduated from Tennessee Tech with a degree in accounting. As a constant learner, he has completed all five of the core FDIC Bank Examiner schools and attended the FDIC ITEC School and the CSBS Cybersecurity IT Training. Jordan completed the Commissioner Leadership Academy in the Fall of 2018 and has graduated from the LSU Graduate School of Banking. Jordan and his wife, Andrea, have two children.

Larry Milton

Project Manager
General Services

Larry Milton joined the State of Tennessee in December 2017 as a Project Manager for the Department of General Services’ STREAM division, quickly becoming a go-to leader for critical infrastructure projects. Known for his expertise and calm-under-pressure demeanor, he successfully managed the high-profile partnership with Ford Motor Company, overseeing the installation of water towers, wastewater treatment plants, and over 30 miles of piping across nearly 100 Tennessee properties, completing the project ahead of schedule.

Prior to state service, Larry was a Senior Project Manager at Mass Tech Network Solutions and served as a U.S. Army Staff Sergeant, earning a Bronze Star and numerous commendations. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Austin Peay State University and a master’s degree in project management from Colorado Technical University, where he also taught as an adjunct professor.

Larry and his wife, Teresa, live in Clarksville, Tennessee, where they enjoy time with their five children and seven grandchildren.

Kimberly Williams

Nursing Supervisor
Health

Kimberly Williams has served as a Nursing Supervisor for over four years with the Tennessee Department of Health at the Lake County Health Department. She received her RN from Murray State University in Kentucky and worked as a Med-Surg Clinical Lead at West Tennessee Healthcare Hospital in Dyersburg for 10 years before joining the state.

As the Nursing Supervisor and only RN in the Lake County Health Department, Kimberly has a focused passion for the health and well-being of the citizens of Lake County. Any patient walking through the door knows “Ms. Kim,” and Kimberly often knows the patient, their children, and their family. Citizens of Lake County trust Kimberly not only because she is a native, but because she knows and cares for them, their stories, and their needs.

Kimberly is an active volunteer in her community. She and her husband, Travis, have one son, Chase.

Lori Bogaerts

HR Program Administrator
Human Resources

Lori Bogaerts has served Tennessee State Government for over 30 years and currently leads the Sick Leave Bank team within the Department of Human Resources. She is responsible for training special leave coordinators, equipping them to administer programs effectively, and developing process improvements.

As part of her role, Lori developed a comprehensive communication plan that dramatically increased engagement, resulting in thousands of new membership applications. This project, among many others, demonstrates Lori’s exemplary dedication to improving processes and meeting the needs of employees.

Outside of work, Lori is passionate about music – she loves listening to songs, going to concerts, and performing. She cherishes time with her husband, family, and dog.

Amanda Hill

Field Supervisor 1
Human Services

Amanda Hill has served the State of Tennessee since 2004 and currently works as a Field Supervisor 1 for the Department of Human Services’ Family Assistance program. In her role, Amanda supervises a team assigned to refugee populations, and she routinely goes above and beyond to help non-citizens navigate the complex and nuanced system.

Amanda has led her team tirelessly in tackling major challenges. In 2023, the Refugee Division began working with a different software, and after Amanda attended a training program, she and her team helped coworkers adapt to the unfamiliar system. She also led the charge in resolving a protocol difficulty that obstructed customers from receiving benefits, enabling a quick response, a policy change, and the delivery of critical benefits to customers in need.

Amanda lives and serves in Knox County but has made a difference across the entire state through her problem-solving management, constant innovation, and tireless dedication.

James "Otis" Steele

Chief Elevator Inspector
Labor and Workforce Development

James “Otis” Steele has served the Elevator Unit within the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development since 2018. His outstanding performance led to his promotion to Chief Elevator Inspector in August of 2023.

Otis is committed to fostering strong working relationships with inspectors, customers, and contractors across the state. He listens attentively to concerns and collaborates with customers to find effective solutions to any issues that arise. Otis has a unique ability to explain technical details to elevator companies while ensuring that owners and customers fully understand the procedures and necessary actions in simpler terms. Under his leadership, the delinquency rate for inspections in the state has dropped to an impressive level of less than one percent.

Otis’ unwavering commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction has earned him the respect and trust of both colleagues and clients. In 2023, he was presented the first Commissioner’s Vision Award for Continuous Improvement for his work. Otis’ service has massively benefitted the Elevator Unit and safety for all Tennesseans.

Logan Bell

Psychiatric Technician
Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services

Logan Bell began his career with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services at the Western Mental Health Institute in January 2021 as a Psychiatric Technician. He has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to go above and beyond to serve the unit. Coworkers and leaders describe him as an approachable, faithful, and invaluable member of the team.

This year, Logan successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver on two patients, saving their lives. He was selected as a Handle with Care instructor and stepped up to lead the class when the primary instructor was unavailable. Logan also fills in as a lead technician whenever asked, and he often adjusts his schedule to accommodate those responsibilities.

Outside of work, Logan loves spending time with his family and friends. He credits his positive attitude and willingness to serve to his relationship with God. He enjoys going to the gym and cheering on the Tennessee Titans after church on Sundays.

Christy Lane

Executive Administrative Assistant
Military

Christy Lane has dedicated two years to the State of Tennessee as an Executive Administrative Assistant for the Military Department Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Adjutant General for the Army.

Christy has implemented effective solutions to address customer concerns, particularly in coordinating travel for executive staff. Navigating the intricate federal and state regulations requires deep attention to detail and consistent coordination among all employees. Christy demonstrates exceptional thoroughness by carefully verifying all travel arrangements, ensuring there are no discrepancies and that all preferences are accounted for. She thrives in fast-paced office environments and is a detail-oriented subject matter expert, consistently going above and beyond to advance the mission.

Outside of work, Christy enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, exploring the outdoors, and giving back to her community.

Randy Hilliard

Tax Audit Manager 1
Revenue

Randy Hilliard began his career with the Tennessee Department of Revenue in 1988 in the Audit Division as an Auditing Associate. Over the course of his 36-year-long career, he earned several promotions, his most recent being Tax Audit Manager I in October of 2021.

Randy has been and continues to be a dedicated employee who routinely goes above and beyond to support the work of the Audit Division and its administration, the TR3 tax system team, the legislative team, and numerous others in the department. This year, Randy has been instrumental in the success of a major legislative change to the Franchise & Excise tax. From the inception of the proposal through the implementation, Randy has been a trusted advisor, tester, and consultant for department leadership and the tax system team. Randy and his team’s work reaches over 150,000 taxpayers throughout the state, resulting in $900 million in refunds. Randy’s enthusiasm for his job and the work that he does is a joy to see and be a part of.

Randy holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration in accounting from Austin Peay State University and earned his CPA in May of 1990. He is married and has two children, Luke and Lydia.

Melody Rampy

Quality Assurance Director
Safety and Homeland Security

Melody Rampy began her career with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security in March 2017 as an Internal Auditor. In March 2024, she was promoted to Quality Assurance Director.

Melody came to the state from the International Speedway Corporation where she worked as an Internal Auditor. Since joining Safety and Homeland Security, Melody has always gone above and beyond for the Department and its customers. In her new role as Quality Assurance Director, she has hired all her division’s staff, developed all its processes and procedures, implemented new software to manage fraud investigations, and created a new fraud reporting email address for the department. Melody has become an extremely valuable and trusted member of the Safety and Homeland Security team. When asked what she enjoys the most about her job she replied, " [I enjoy] The ability to build a team from the ground up, challenge myself to find potential gaps in processes, and determine ways to prevent and detect fraud to ensure Tennesseans are protected.”

Melody holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Tennessee Tech and a Master of Accountancy from Florida Atlantic University.  She is married and is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).

Larnitwa "Neki" Scott

Member Services Vendor Operations Director
TennCare

Larnitwa “Neki” Scott has served the State of Tennessee for over 29 years, holding various positions across her tenure. In her current role as a TennCare Member Services Vendor Operations Director, Neki manages the daily operations of her team at the TennCare Contact Center.

Her vast wealth of knowledge in the Medicaid Programs and her passion for serving families in Tennessee drive her to improve the customer experience at the Contact Center. For instance, Neki noticed a lack of satisfaction in the caller experience due to long wait times while agents accessed member information. She led a collaborative effort to implement a more efficient technology solution that instantly provides agents with necessary data, eliminating customer wait times. Neki’s prioritization of innovation and improvement resulted in a new customer satisfaction score of 4.5/5.

Neki obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration from The University of Tennessee at Martin. She is married and has two children.

Kelly Johns

Procurement Director
Tourist Development

Kelly Johns brings extensive experience in procurement and sourcing with her role as Procurement Director for Tennessee’s Department of Tourist Development. In this leadership position, she oversees strategic procurement initiatives, optimizes vendor relationships, and drives efficiency across the department.

In her current role, Kelly actively engages stakeholders, gathers feedback, and implements efficient systems, such as automating workflows and delivering tailored training. One of the many ways Kelly has gone above and beyond in her role was when she initiated a Request for Information (RFI) to explore technology upgrades for welcome centers. A key element to this was including site visits, which directly responded to customer feedback about revitalizing the centers. Her proactive and tailored solutions have significantly improved customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

In addition to her professional experience, Kelly is a dedicated lifelong learner. She holds an associate degree in paralegal studies from Volunteer State Community College and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Austin Peay State University. She is currently completing a master’s degree in leadership and a project management certificate at Austin Peay State University and plans to sit for the Project Management Professional exam in 2025.

Tony Scantland

TDOT Superintendent
Transportation

Tony Scantland began his 19-year career with the State of Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) in 2006 as a Maintenance Worker 1. He was quickly promoted to the Jackson County Supervisor and has served as Supervisor in both Clay County and Putnam County. He was recently promoted to TDOT Superintendent, serving all of District 27.

Tony’s work ethic and the value he places on his employees have helped establish a positive culture amongst his fellow employees. He has been a member of the StrikeForce team since 2011 and currently serves as the Regional StrikeForce Coordinator. The StrikeForce team was recently deployed to East Tennessee in response to the destruction of Hurricane Helene. While preparing for the response, several team members were unable to go, and some equipment was not available or working. Tony enlisted 12 volunteers and arranged for all equipment needed to be delivered within a few hours. The Region 2 StrikeForce team, under Tony’s leadership, made such a positive impression on the TDOT staff in Region 1 that several staff members reached out to express their gratitude and admiration.

Tony has four children, eleven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He spends his free time with family and relaxing at the lake.

Devon "Grace" Leigh

Executive Administrative Assistant
Veterans Services

Devon “Grace” Leigh serves as an Executive Administrative Assistant for the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services (TDVS), where she has dedicated her career to honoring and serving veterans and their families. With 12 years of experience, Grace is known for her exceptional customer service, innovative problem solving, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Whether assisting bereaved families at state cemeteries or coordinating with external partners to address urgent needs, Grace approaches each interaction with empathy, professionalism, and a deep respect for the department’s mission. She has played a pivotal role in streamlining cemetery operations, improving customer satisfaction, and fostering strong relationships with external partners. Grace played a pivotal role in assisting with the implementation of new automated processes, including the Online Burial Application and EY Bot Automation. By serving as a liaison between cemetery teams, families, and funeral homes, she ensured that the transition to these new systems was seamless, significantly improving the efficiency and accessibility of the services of the department.

Grace’s passion for the department’s mission and her ability to positively impact citizens distinguish her as an exceptional and dedicated member of the TDVS team.