Ed Gillespie named Delaware Department of State Employee of the Year
During a Department of State employee-recognition ceremony held in Dover’s Old State House on March 3, 2015, Delaware Secretary of State Jeffrey W. Bullock presented the department’s 2014 Employee of the Year award to Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs physical-plant maintenance supervisor Ed Gillespie.
According to the nomination letter, submitted by one of his co-workers, Gillespie’s “work ethic and positive attitude, even during emergency situations, has been an example to his team.” In May 2014, the division’s physical-plant maintenance superintendent went out on extended medical leave and Gillespie stepped into the breach by accepting leadership of the Preservation-Maintenance Team. During that time, Gillespie not only made sure that daily work assignments were completed and emergencies situations addressed, he also found time to mentor two new employees in electrical and heating-venting-air-conditioning procedures.
On multiple occasions, Gillespie has worked into the night and on weekends when emergencies have arisen at division-administered sites. During a single period in August 2014, he was confronted with concurrent electrical emergencies at the Johnson Victrola Museum and at Woodburn: The Governor’s House. In a deliberate and clear-headed manner, Gillespie took control of the situation, supervising contractors and making sure that repair work was completed properly. His quick reaction and calm leadership helped protect the buildings and the people who use them.
Commenting on Gillespie’s actions, Bullock noted, “Ed took extraordinary care to calmly handle both situations, going above and beyond his required duties, to make sure that both problems were sufficiently solved before calling it a day. It was because of his actions, as well as the positivity his presence brings to his team, that he was honored as this year’s Employee of the Year for the Department of State.”
Gillespie has served as the division’s physical-plant maintenance supervisor since April 2014. Prior to that time, he served for 10 years as a physical-plant maintenance mechanic.
The Delaware Department of State’s employee recognition program provides department employees with opportunities to be recognized for significant contributions, individual achievements and exceptional overall performance attained through their daily work and/or community service.