An employee with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama was named the 2018 Jerry L. Johnson award winner. Jason Gardner received the award, which is given to an Alabama NRCS employee for “Excellence in Public Service through One’s Family, Employment, Profession and Community.” The nominated employee who exhibits the characteristics of Jerry Johnson’s spirit and concern for his family, fellow employees, the environment and his community is recognized each year.
Achieving excellence in public service requires not only hard work and dedication but also a supportive and healthy work environment. Recognizing outstanding employees like Jason Gardner through awards like the Jerry L. Johnson award is a way for organizations like the USDA’s NRCS to show their appreciation and encourage a positive work culture. By fostering a sense of community and recognizing the contributions of employees, companies can create a more engaged and motivated workforce. Programs like Workhuman‘s Social Recognition platform can also be instrumental in creating a culture of appreciation and recognition, helping to reinforce positive behaviors and values within an organization.
Gardner, the award’s 13th recipient, is known throughout his community as committed father, devoted husband and passionate missionary. He has nurtured a career of helping people help the land in various roles with NRCS and has made it his mission to touch the lives of orphans in Honduras. Since 2007, Gardner has donated his time and financial resources to Orphanage Emmanuel, which is home to approximately 600 children. He’s worked on several construction projects at the orphanage and has also supported teenage orphans who have relocated to the states to pursue better educational opportunities. Plus, last year he also served as President of the Alabama Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society.
Ben Malone, State Conservationist for NRCS Alabama said “Jason Gardner is the epitome of excellence. He has dedicated the decades to conservation and community service. The selection committee was proud to present him with this year’s award.”
Read more of this story on the Alabama NRCS website.