Salem - The Extra Mile - September 2023

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KING cont. He described Danny as someone who didn’t speak out publicly very often, but when he did, it moved the team to take action. I think this key to leadership is extremely important to VDOT as well. We are such a large agency with so many disciplines and specialties that must come together as one to support a successful outcome. Throughout my years with VDOT, I have seen many Danny Coles in our ranks who speak out to their groups when a call to action is needed that moves the needle and advances the initiative. It happens during winter storms, during the development of projects, and when executing daily tasks. Some of the most motivational people I have worked with were knowledgeable and respected leaders from within the team. I am sure you have experienced this as well. Whether you were one of the internal leaders or you took action in response to their call, you have been an important player in making the team succeed. Strive to be the leader from within when the need arises and be prepared to take action when called upon. Thanks for all you do each and every day. Support the teams you are a member of and take care of one another to ensure every team member goes home safely. Go VDOT, Go Team! -Ken ONE VDOT...CONT’D “I’ve had the opportunity throughout my career to have some great players,” he said. “Many have gone on to play in the NFL; many have gone on to be successful in the business world; many became strong husbands and fathers. The one common bond among all of them is they were part of a team.” Just as teamwork is essential to success in sports, it also applies to VDOT. “Let’s practice and apply Coach Beamer’s five core principles in our daily activities and we too can be successful in making a great team,” said Civil Rights Manager Lori Law. “Together Everyone Achieves More!” District Engineer Ken King presents a framed photo to Frank Beamer as a token of appreciation. Beamer also acknowledged the importance of communication among team members and leaders. “Say what you mean, and mean what you say,” he said. When asked which of his pep talks over the years was his best, Beamer quipped, “I would say any one of the 12 pep talks we had when we went 12 straight against UVA.” Ken King presented Coach Beamer with a photo of employees forming the VDOT logo, a symbol of unity and teamwork. Part of the inscription on the photo read: “In recognition of the special connection between the VDOT family and the Beamer family, we present this photo as a heartfelt token of our appreciation.” For the remainder of the event, attendees participated in corn hole, fishing and other team-building activities. The traditional kickball tournament brought the day to a close with the Bedford/Martinsville Residencies team taking the win. (Left) Angela Bryant tries her hand in the grip-strength competition. (Right) Heidi McClintic and Donna Fizer pose for a photo at the event. 2 Bedford • Botetourt • Carroll • Craig • Floyd • Franklin • Giles • Henry • Montgomery • Patrick • Pulaski • Roanoke
EMPLOYEE PROFILE: FRANK MEADE Although he has been with VDOT for less than two years, Operator Frank Meade with Dublin Area Headquarters has been doing similar work much longer. It was middle school when he started working summers for his family business in excavation and underground utility work. “When I worked for my family, you knew what you were doing the next day,” he said. His experience at VDOT has been a little different. “You juggle a lot here, and it’s easy to get confused, but at the same time you have so much support here. All you have to do is ask.” “I thought when I applied it said heavy equipment operator – y’all tricked me on that,” Frank joked. “There’s so much more and you get handson learning with people who have experience.” He said that recently he has had the chance to be involved with computer systems. When he started, Frank had to shift his mentality from a profit-oriented environment to working to VDOT standards. One of the most interesting parts of his experience so far, he said, has been contract monitoring which allowed him to work with a variety of departments and gain more insight into the complexity and coordination involved in each project. “The safest way, the most reliable way, the most environmentally friendly way – I can see that now,” he said. He’s even been able to take some of that experience and pass it on to his family who has been receptive to his suggestions. There is no question that Frank values his work, and a lot of his time away from VDOT is spent working on projects for himself and others. But, if there’s one thing that Frank values more than work, it’s family. “And that’s not just family at home, that’s these guys here,” he said. “If any of them call me and need help with something, I’ll go. That’s the most important thing to me.” Frank described himself as a “jokester” who tries to make sure everyone stays in good spirits. He hopes that his coworkers would describe him as someone they can count on. “We’ve all been there for each other,” he said. “I never had that. I never actually had a group of people who can just look at you and tell there’s something wrong.” Frank said that VDOT is where he wants to be long term and hopes to gain a variety of experience. “To actually have people that want to be around you, want to talk to you, want to work with you and want to encourage you, that’s something that I’m blessed with and I’m grateful to have with these guys. It’s not just here at Dublin – I see it at every headquarters. It’s the family that you thought you’d never have.” “It’s a weird family,” he added with a grin, “but I love them all.” ROANOKE PREPAREATHON CONNECTS COMMUNITY WITH LOCAL RESPONDERS Several district employees recently had the opportunity to represent VDOT at Roanoke’s Prepareathon held at the Berglund Center Coliseum on Sept. 16. Hosted by the City of Roanoke Stormwater Utility, Emergency Management, and public safety partners, Prepareathon is an initiative with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that encourages local organizations and individuals to be prepared for flooding and other natural disasters that affect our area. From left, Human Resources’ Tabitha Adkins, Salem Residency Resident Engineer Brian Blevens, and District Traffic Operations Center Manager Nathan O’Kane at the event. The public event was free and included food, prizes and the sharing of valuable information and resources available in case of emergencies. Kids and families were able to take pictures with and explore rescue vehicles as well as meet their local response teams. “Prepareathon was a great opportunity to share the many ways VDOT plans for and responds to emergencies, both weather events and crashes,” said District Maintenance Engineer Anne Booker. “Encouraging our community to be prepared for the unexpected will help us improve safety and deliver on our mission.” Bedford • Botetourt • Carroll • Craig • Floyd • Franklin • Giles • Henry • Montgomery • Patrick • Pulaski • Roanoke
Page 1: Salem District Newsletter Volume 17

Salem - The Extra Mile - September 2023

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