#IAMKDOT: Robyn Daniels

By Priscilla Petersen
Southeast Kansas 
Public Affairs Manager,
Illustration by Mallory Goeke 

When she’s not administering contracts and coordinating staff at the Independence office, Robyn Daniels can be found checking the progress on construction projects and visiting with KDOT inspectors throughout Montgomery, Wilson, Elk and Chautauqua counties.

Daniels is the Engineering Technician Specialist for the Independence Construction office. She began her KDOT career of over 30 years – 31 this May – as an Office Assistant at Independence. She continued her path forward by promoting through the construction ranks as an Engineering Technician and Engineering Technician Senior before being selected as the Specialist several years ago.

Daniels was among the KDOT employees who developed and constructed 11 miles of new roadway for U.S. 400 through Wilson and Montgomery counties during the 1990s. She remembers how different it was back then as construction personnel traveled from place to place along the new highway corridor.

“Every part of the work zone was torn up,” she recalled. “We had only hand-held radios - it was hard to track down other people on the project.”

Another great change that she has experienced through the years has been in the progress of office paperwork - the transition from using carbon paper to making multiple copies of change orders to a much more streamlined electronic systems for contract administration and record keeping.

She and her husband, Terry, live in Independence. The couple has three daughters. In her free time Daniels and her family enjoy camping and boating at Elk City Lake.

Acts of kindness: KDOT crews assist travelers in need of help

Acts of kindness at KDOT is not uncommon and it does not go unnoticed. Many employees have earned the upmost respect from their surrounding community by lending a helpful hand when it’s needed the most. 

“It’s common for equipment operators to pull over in their plow truck to help stranded motorists and check on the safety of those who may be inside,” said Donnie Burkholder, Equipment Operator Senior in Salina. 

When Strong City Equipment Operators Carl Zorn and Dean Switzer were doing route checks, they pulled over to help two motorists who blew a tire. They not only helped the couple to safely change the tire on a busy road but also helped to call a local shop and locate a new tire. Dave and Debbie McCarthy then wrote a nice thank you letter to KDOT expressing their gratitude to Zorn and Switzer. 

KDOT Equipment Operators Dean Switzer  and Carl Zorn from the Strong City office assisted two motorists who blew a tire. 

In another example, on an afternoon heading west on I-70 after a day of training in Topeka, Kenny Cohen, Highway Maintenance Supervisor in Junction City, pulled over to help a woman change a flat tire. “The young woman had tears in her eyes and expressed sincere gratitude when I helped her,” said Cohen. Cohen says he and his crew have also helped to deliver fuel to stranded motorists and assisted motorists to find help for a broken-down vehicle.  

KDOT workers face many different scenarios with when finding a vehicle on the side of the road. Doug Newquist, Highway Maintenance Supervisor in Beloit, said he will never forget when he pulled up to a vehicle from out of state who was parked on the side of the road because their family dog had just passed away while traveling. Newquist helped the family locate a nearby vet for cremation services while they were out of state. “Anytime a motorist is stranded on the side of the road it is our duty to stop and check on them,” Newquist said.

Amy Allen says she will never forget the story of when her husband, Scott Allen, Highway Maintenance Supervisor in Salina, pulled over to check on a stranded vehicle and found a girl in tears who was about to take her own life. “Scott reacted quickly by comforting the girl and immediately called law enforcement who later told him he probably saved that young girl’s life when he found her on the side of the road,” said Amy.

Cody Deneault, Equipment Operator from Belleville, assisted a driver who was stuck in the snow earlier during a snow and ice event this past winter. 

This past winter many KDOT employees showed that by putting in long hours to help the team battle the removal of snow and ice. When you may have been at home sleeping in bed or sitting down to dinner, several workers at KDOT were putting on their work boots and winter coats so they could work to clear the highways and help keep Kansas moving. In one example, Cody Deneault, Equipment Operator in Belleville, pulled over to help a motorist get their vehicle unstuck by digging out the snow around it, laying salt under its wheels, and even helping to push the car out.

In another example, Clyde Thrush, Highway Maintenance Supervisor in Minneapolis, was there when a citizen desperately needed his help to get the emergency care needed by clearing the path in his plow truck, so the local ambulance could get to the hospital.

KDOT Highway Maintenance Supervisor from Minneapolis cleared the way for an emergency vehicle so they could make it to the hospital in time to save a life. 

These acts of kindness make them the hidden heroes on our state’s highways by being there when you need help the most. They don’t wear capes and to them it is just part of the job as they pull over in their orange hat or vest expecting nothing in return but a smile. 

Whether it be needing to sit in a warm truck until help arrives on a cold winter night, being broken down on the side of the road and needing to call for help, or just needing help to safely drive from one location to another in bad winter conditions, KDOT workers are there to help.

#IAMKDOT: Frankie Burns

Chances are that wherever you see a KDOT crew in Grant or Stanton County, you will also find Frankie Burns, the Ulysses Highway Maintenance Supervisor. During his 12 years with KDOT, Burns has served as an Equipment Operator Trainee, an Equipment Operator and as the Highway Maintenance Supervisor in Garden City and Ulysses. 

Burns is always there, leading and helping the Ulysses crew. He may be filling potholes or edge ruts, mowing, flagging traffic, snow plowing or even paving. Burns says the best part of his job is working with new operators and being able to teach them and help them learn. 

During his time with KDOT, he and his team were awarded the Example of Excellence award for their work paving the Division of Motor Vehicles’ yard in Garden City so that it could be used year-round for CDL training.

Burns has many memorable moments, but says 2017 was an especially memorable year.  During the April 30 blizzard, which dumped over a foot of snow in southwest Kansas, Burns was plowing between Garden City and Deerfield when he stopped to assist a car stranded in the ditch. With below freezing temps and the heavy snow, he was surprised to find several teenage girls in t-shirts and shorts trying to make their way from Garden City to Deerfield to see a friend. After calling the KHP to transport the girls to Deerfield, Burns waited with the girls until the KHP arrived.

Later that same year, Burns was assisting with traffic control following an anhydrous ammonia leak on the Garden City bypass. They had just moved traffic control back when Burns turned to walk back to his KDOT truck. He saw lights coming at him and heard the vehicle accelerate. He turned and ran just in time to escape serious injury. His KDOT truck was totaled by the driver that crashed into it at full speed. Fortunately, Burns escaped without injury.

Burns lives in Lakin and has three children and two granddaughters. In his spare time Burns enjoys woodworking, working in his shop, NASCAR (especially Martin Truex Jr.) and is very attached to his Harley.

#IAMKDOT is an illustration project that recognizes KDOT employees who work hard to keep Kansans moving. This series also serves as a reminder for travelers to slow down and remember that underneath those neon vests are individuals with families, friends and hobbies waiting for them at home.

Do you know a KDOT worker that deserves recognition? Nominations are open! Email Mallory.Goeke@KS.gov today to get started! 

#IAMKDOT: Bonnie Hirsh

Stop by KDOT’s Dodge City Area Office and you’ll be greeted by Administrative Specialist Bonnie Hirsh.  

According to her co-workers, she’s always there with a smile and a desire to help. Hirsh has served as the Administrative Specialist in the Dodge City Area Office for just more than five years and fondly refers to her co-workers and the Subarea crews she works with every day as her family. 

Most days, Hirsh is busy processing payments, ordering parts and helping the crews with time card entries and other issues that need to be handled so the crews can do their work. She’s always willing to go the extra mile for those around her, whether it’s bringing treats for a celebration, or answering calls and updating road conditions during snow events.

In fact, her most memorable moment at KDOT has been the guys bringing her a sleeping bag one night, so she could catch a nap on the office floor during a snow event.  She says the best part of her job is her KDOT family and KDOT celebrations, like the summer barbecue and the Christmas party.

Hirsh graduated from Kinsley High School and attended Dodge City Community College. She enjoys spending time with her family, especially her granddaughter, Haddie. She also teaches religion classes at her church and enjoys reading mysteries, playing cards and cooking. 

Do you know a KDOT worker that deserves

recognition? Nominations are open - email Mallory.goeke@ks.gov today to get started.

Just another day at the office: KDOT crews save lives

KDOT Highway Maintenance Supervisor, Clyde Thrush helped save the day for one critically ill patient during the weekend snow storm. 

A major storm hit most of Kansas on Nov. 25, and the hard work of numerous KDOT employees across the state to clear the highways did not go unnoticed. Two examples of these efforts include employees from north central Kansas.

For Clyde Thrush, Highway Maintenance Supervisor in Minneapolis, snow removal and treating the roads for ice is just part of the job. But that day, it meant helping to get a critically ill patient the urgent medical care they needed. 

Jim Frye, KDOT Field Maintenance Manager, was contacted by Concordia Hospital and was told they had an emergency patient who needed to get to Salina Regional Hospital as quickly as possible. They asked for a snow plow to lead the way down U.S. 81. Frye contacted Thrush who happened to be at the junction of U.S. 81 and U.S. 24 at the time and was more than happy to assist. 

“We do what we can here at KDOT to help the public,” said Thrush.
According to a thank you note written by Brandon Bennett of Concordia Fire Department, he said the employee driving the snow plow (Clyde Thrush) went above and beyond the call of duty that day. 

“While en route, we got a call from dispatch that there was a snow plow truck trying to catch up to us to lay salt in our path,” Bennett said. “Mind you, Highway 81 this evening was a sheet of ice, and we were barely able to maintain 25 mph without our ambulance starting to slide. 

 “So eventually the snow plow caught up to us about 15 miles south of Concordia and we fell in behind him as he layed salt. This plow driver stayed in front of us all the way to Salina. Not only that, but he even got off the freeway and ensured our path was clear on the side streets up until we pulled into the hospital with our patient.”

Cody Deneault, Equipment Operator from Belleville, also helped people who were stuck in a snow drift. 

For Cody Deneault, Equipment Operator in Belleville, helping the public meant getting out to help a person whose vehicle was stuck in a snow drift. According to an email sent to KDOT, Deneault pulled over to assist the motorist dig underneath the car and then helped to push the car out of the snow drift. 

A special thanks to all the KDOT employees working around the clock to clear the highways during this blizzard.

#IAMKDOT: Augie Carrillo

On his way home after working all day at a project, Agustin “Augie” Carrillo, an Engineering Technician Senior for District 5 in Winfield, encountered a family stranded on the road. Instead of driving by, he stopped to make sure their flat tire was changed safely.

That’s the kind of person Augie is, co-workers say.

The family was so impressed that they took a photo with him. Augie was still wearing his safety vest.

“He gives 100 percent – there’s no doubt,” Engineering Technician Specialist Robin Gregory said.

Diligent beyond measure, Augie is known as an expert about asphalt labs, Gregory said.

He works well with contractors and “always keeps the project manager informed,” she said.

Augie is in his 19^th year at KDOT. His wife, Gianna, nominated him for #IAMKDOT, saying he is a “very hard worker and a wonderful husband and father.”

They have two children in their 20s, including a daughter who has Down Syndrome. Because of her, Augie “is an advocate for NOT using the R-word in a negative way,” Gianna said.

One of his biggest accomplishments involved the rebuilding of six bridges in two years. Augie was the inspector on site and also helped other employees with their senior progressions during that time.

During the bridge projects, Augie guarded over two killdeer nests until the eggs hatched and they left the nests.

Augie loves the Pittsburgh Steelers, fishing, hiking, camping and yard work – basically anything outdoors – and his 1964 Chevy truck.

#IAMKDOT: Sherri Hildebrandt

This months' #IAMKDOT feature gives hope to the homeless.

Take a walk around any KDOT work area and talk to people, and a common theme you’ll hear is that they’re here because they like improving lives for the people who use the roads, bike lanes and preservation areas KDOT builds and maintains.  For many employees, the sense of service extends beyond the workplace.  Sherri Hildebrandt, Administrative Specialist at District 1 Bonner Springs office, is an unassuming example of a personal commitment to making her community better.

“It makes me grateful to be part of something that makes someone’s life a little better,” Hildebrandt said.

Hildebrandt, a five-year KDOT veteran, serves at the Leavenworth Interfaith Shelter of Hope homeless shelter, where since 2014 she has been regularly working the night shift managing intake, supervising the floor, doing laundry or “whatever is needed” for the 15-20 people who sleep at the shelter each night.

She said she’s always felt called to serve.

Prior to working at KDOT, Hildebrandt worked with the Department of Children and Families, and was keenly aware of the needs of the unhoused in the community.

 “When I saw the need here, I knew I had to be part of the solution.”

In 2014, the shelter came together through donations and the leadership of several church and community organizations.

Sherri Hildebrandt prepares to open the Interfaith Shelter of Hope for the evening.  The shelter houses 15-20 homeless people each evening.

Hildebrandt says since beginning to serve as a volunteer at the shelter in 2014 and now in her part-time paid capacity, she’s met some incredibly resilient people and been part of several uplifting moments.  But it’s not always easy.

“It’s hard when you hear their stories sometimes,” she said.  “But the people who really need these services, they are the ones who help keep me going.”

At the same time, she said, serving in that sector makes her grateful.

“These are people living day to day,” she said.  “It’s easy to walk by them. But you never know what tomorrow could bring, it could easily be you or your family. 

Hildebrandt has seen some of the success stories during her time serving at the shelter. She’s seen people work through extremely difficult struggles to finish their education, get housing, and get jobs to support their family.  For her, these are why she says it’s important for her to serve.

“I love seeing people whose lives are a little better because of what we’re doing there.”

Linda Martin, Shelter of Hope director, says having Sherri on staff provides just the right mix of component supervision and compassion.

“She is one of the reasons our shelter is so successful,” Martin said.

Hildebrandt encourages everyone to consider getting involved locally in any capacity they feel able to serve. 

“It’s eye-opening,” she said. “It definitely makes me think twice before I judge anyone.”

Hildebrandt says she would describe herself as a volunteer and professional. She is a mother and her grandchildren call her Noni. She is a sister and a friend, she loves to shop and she is dedicated and compassionate.

#IAMKDOT: Melissa Poe

When Melissa Poe arrived in the District 5 office on Oct. 21, 1996, to start work as an Office Assistant II, she never would have thought she’d still be working for KDOT 21 years later.

But the people – and the opportunity to move up in her career – keeps her in the Hutchinson office.

“I like the camaraderie between all of us in the office,” Poe said. “I enjoy what I do and like to help others.”

Poe, a diehard Broncos fan, has been the District Accountant for the past three years. In that role, she audits and approves payment vouchers, creates purchase orders, ensure policies and procedures are followed and answers questions from District 5 employees.

Poe and her wife, Kara, married on New Year’s Day. They have three teenagers.

Known for belting out tunes to beat the mid-afternoon blues, Poe enjoys singing karaoke and dancing. But she spends most of her time outside work with family – just the way she wants it.

She describes herself as hard-working, caring and understanding – just the way KDOT wants it.

#IAMKDOT is an illustration project that recognizes KDOT employees who work hard to keep Kansans moving. This series also serves as a reminder for travelers to slow down and remember that underneath those neon vests are individuals with families, friends and hobbies waiting for them at home.

Do you know a KDOT worker that deserves recognition? Nominations are open! Email Mallory.Goeke@KS.gov today to get started! 

#IAMKDOT: Ted Coleman

This month’s #IAMKDOT feature is Ted Coleman. Coleman said that he “Bleeds KDOT Orange” and is the Sub-Area Supervisor for east Wichita. He has been working for KDOT for more than 33 years. During his college years at Kansas State University he would work for KDOT during the summer in Hutchinson. Coleman then became an Equipment Operator Trainee and eventually an Equipment Operator at the Hutchinson Sub-Area.

During his career he has worked his way up from Equipment Operator to Equipment Operator Specialist to his current position.

Coleman said that he enjoys having fun and helps people realize their dreams. He said he would describe himself as a Dallas Cowboys fanatic, a science buff, a motivational writer and a survivor of esophageal cancer. He loves to travel, and he said he loves his son more than anything in this world.

“My life goal is to be an authentic person of faith, and to be someone who encourages, equips and empowers others for honest journeys of their own,” Coleman said.

In this month’s illustration, Coleman is depicted rescuing a dog that had been lost for several days in Wichita. He crossed four lanes of traffic to save it.

#IAMKDOT is an illustration project that recognizes KDOT employees who work hard to keep Kansans moving. This series also serves as a reminder for travelers to slow down and remember that underneath those neon vests are individuals with families, friends and hobbies waiting for them at home.

Do you know a KDOT worker that deserves recognition? Nominations are open! Email Mallory.Goeke@KS.gov today to get started! 

#IAMKDOT: Ciro Chavez

This month’s #IAMKDOT feature is Ciro Chavez.

Ciro began his career with KDOT as an Equipment Operator Trainee at the Lakin Subarea in southwest Kansas in October 2015.  He earned his CDL in December of 2015 and transferred to the Garden City Subarea in April of 2016.  He was then promoted to Equipment Operator in April 2016 and transferred to the District Paint Crew in July of 2017.

When Ciro is not at work he enjoys several outdoor activities including four wheeling and fishing. He is a music fan, a son and role model.  Many would also describe him as a fighter and survivor.

Prior to his employment at KDOT, Ciro was an EMT but he never thought he’d be the one to call 911.  Last year, he was involved in a head-on collision. His recovery may have taken several months, but he’s here to tell his story. And his story is one of 20 stories that will be shared from people telling why traffic safety is so important to them.

The four-week series begins this Wednesday and will continue until Oct. 10. Please read Ciro and everyone’s blogs that are part of the Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day safety campaign that focuses on reducing all types of traffic fatalities. Whether you are in a vehicle, on a bike/motorcycle or walking, the goal is for you to safely get where you are going.

#IAMKDOT is an illustration project that recognizes KDOT employees who work hard to keep Kansans moving. This series also serves as a reminder for travelers to slow down and remember that underneath those neon vests are individuals with families, friends and hobbies waiting for them at home.

Do you know a KDOT worker that deserves recognition? Nominations are open! Email Mallory.Goeke@KS.gov today to get started! 

#IAMKDOT: Gelene Savage

This month’s #IAMKDOT feature is Gelene Savage. Gelene is the Managing Attorney for KDOT’s Office of Chief Counsel.  Gelene began her career with KDOT as a Law Clerk while still in law school in 1991.  She was hired as a Staff Attorney after passing the bar exam in 1992, and has been with the agency for 26 years.

 She has served as OCC’s main Litigation Attorney for several years, defending lawsuits of every nature brought against the agency.  Gelene is well-known throughout KDOT for presentations she makes on safety, risk management and other topics of interest to employees in the Districts.  She makes it a point to stop at any nearby Subarea or Area offices whether she is travelling on agency or personal business. 

Gelene is well-respected by judges and other lawyers throughout the state for her professionalism in the defense of KDOT.  She is very proud to tell other counsel, “I am KDOT,” so it is fitting that she was nominated by her co-workers for the #IAMKDOT campaign.  A graduate of Kansas State University, Gelene is a Wildcats football fan, particularly during the last four years when her nephew, Logan, played for the Wildcats.  She is “Aunt Genie” to many nieces and nephews. When not at work, Gelene also enjoys gardening.

#IAMKDOT is an illustration project that recognizes KDOT employees who work hard to keep Kansans moving. This series also serves as a reminder for travelers to slow down and remember that underneath those neon vests are individuals with families, friends and hobbies waiting for them at home.

Do you know a KDOT worker that deserves recognition? Nominations are open! Email Mallory.Goeke@KS.gov today to get started! 

#IAMKDOT: Larry Walker

This month’s #IAMKDOT feature is Larry Walker, who is an Equipment Operator Senior at the Independence Subarea. This year, Larry will celebrate 39 years with the Kansas Department of Transportation.  

During his employment with KDOT, Larry has proven that he is dedicated to keeping Kansans safe. His coworkers said that whenever he receives a phone call for emergency work, he is quick to respond and report to duty within minutes.

Because his father Carl “Corky” Walker, was also a long time KDOT employee, Larry had an early association and understanding about the dedication it takes to work at this agency.  

Larry has been married to his wife, Tracy, for 35 years. They have three daughters and six grandchildren. During his spare time, he is an avid deer hunter and fisherman. He also has a lawn care business and maintains several yards in the summer months throughout the Independence community.

#IAMKDOT is an illustration project that recognizes KDOT employees who work hard to keep Kansans moving. This series also serves as a reminder for travelers to slow down and remember that underneath those neon vests are individuals with families, friends and hobbies waiting for them at home.

Do you know a KDOT worker that deserves recognition? Nominations are open! Email Mallory.Goeke@KS.gov today to get started! 

#IAMKDOT Tom McCartney

When people first think of work zones, most think of summer construction taking place on the highways. But motorists need to use extra caution all year long, including the winter, when workers are clearing the roadways of snow and ice.

This month’s #IAMKDOT feature is Tom McCartney, Area Superintendent in El Dorado, and he knows this all too well. His truck has been hit twice - once when a vehicle slid into the side of his truck and once when he got rear-ended during white out conditions on the Interstate.

“Snow and ice is a whole different experience. Working north of Wichita – people passing on both sides in blinding snow,” he said. “Then a half mile down the road, there they are in the ditch.”

McCartney has spent his 23-year career working along the highways. He has worked in Marion and Newton, then was promoted to Supervisor at the Hutchinson Subarea Office. He’s been in his current position for the past two years.

He said it’s also very different working along a two-lane highway with lower traffic volumes versus a multi-lane divided Interstate.

“Coming from Marion, that was an eye opening experience. There were times I had to wait 10 minutes to safely cross the road to get in the median,” he said. “If it was rush hour, it could take longer.

“I don’t think drivers understand what it’s like to have traffic come by at a high rate of speed and how quickly something tragic can happen,” McCartney said. “It can get bad in a hurry.”

When not working, he likes to spend his time with his wife and four grown children. He also is an avid sports fans and a horse trader. McCartney grew up training horses and sustained numerous injuries in the process – he broke his neck when he was 14, has had multiple concussions, has broken all his ribs and separated a shoulder. Now he lets his oldest son train the horses most of the time.

#IAMKDOT is an illustration project that recognizes KDOT employees who work hard to keep Kansans moving. This series also serves as a reminder for travelers to slow down and remember that underneath those neon vests are individuals with families, friends and hobbies waiting for them at home.

Do you know a KDOT worker that deserves recognition? Nominations are open! Email Mallory.Goeke@KS.gov today to get started! 

#IAMKDOT: Kevin Jirak

This month’s #IAMKDOT feature is Kevin Jirak who has worked at KDOT for more than 31 years in Marion.  Jirak began his career as an Equipment Operator I and over the past three decades he has been promoted several times starting with Equipment Operator II, followed by the Area Crew Supervisor in 1993. Twenty four years later, Jirak now serves as Area Superintendent.  Among his many duties, Jirak oversees four Subarea crews and one Area crew.

“I have a group of good supervisors and employees that do a great job,” Jirak said. “My Area Engineer has been very helpful to me since becoming the Area Superintendent. This makes my job easier. I also take care of permits, visit and listen with the public about their concerns and keep an eye on maintenance issues.”

When Jirak is not at work he enjoys a variety of activities that include coaching kids in sports.  He also is an avid Jayhawks and Chiefs fan. Jirak spends time in the great outdoors as a hunter and fisherman. He enjoys spending time with his wife and four children.

#IAMKDOT is an illustration project that recognizes KDOT employees who work hard to ensure Kansans enjoy safe roads, rails and skies. Safe and successful transportation also helps Kansans financially. Some employees of KDOT fill dangerous but necessary positions and this project also serves as a reminder for travelers to slow down and remember that underneath those neon vests, are individuals with families and hobbies waiting for them at home.

Do you know a KDOT worker that deserves recognition? Nominations are open! Email Mallory.Goeke@KS.gov today to get started! 

#IAMKDOT: George Dockery

This month’s #IAMKDOT feature is George Dockery, P.E., Pittsburg Area Engineer in District Four.   

Dockery just celebrated 50 years of service to the Kansas Department of Transportation.

He started his employment at KDOT in February 1967 at the Fort Scott construction office. He began in KDOT’s Rotational Training Program, which is a program designed to encourage cross training across the fields and give opportunities to experience different types of engineering career paths that KDOT has to offer.

In 1978, Dockery became the Area Engineer for the Pittsburg office. Part of his position includes working with city and county officials on roads and bridges that receive KDOT funding. He also administers and monitors new construction on the state highway system.
Dockery oversees the maintenance of several counties in District Four.

During his 50 years at KDOT, the highway system has seen improvements during the three statewide transportation programs.

When Dockery is not at work, he is an active member of his church where he serves as an elder. He also enjoys woodworking. He is a husband, father and grandfather as well.

#IAMKDOT is an illustration project that recognizes KDOT employees who work hard to ensure Kansans enjoy safe roads, rails and skies. Safe and successful transportation also helps Kansans financially. Some employees of KDOT fill dangerous but necessary positions and this project also serves as a reminder for travelers to slow down and remember that underneath those neon vests, are individuals with families and hobbies waiting for them at home.

Do you know a KDOT worker that deserves recognition? Nominations are open! Email Mallory.Goeke@ks.gov today to get started! 

#IAMKDOT: Traci Ward

This month's #IAMKDOT feature is Traci Ward. 

Ward has worked for the state of Kansas for more than 20 years and is the Kansas Department of Transportation's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer and ADA Coordinator.

As an EEO Officer, Ward helps inform KDOT employees across the state of their rights and who to contact if a need to file a grievance should arise. Ward's goal at KDOT is to ensure that respect and diversity are upheld in the workplace. She also helps educate and empower people to do their best work. 

When Ward is not in the office or traveling across the state, she is an author and a motivational speaker. She is also a mother and a nana.

#IAMKDOT is an illustration project that recognizes KDOT employees who work hard to ensure Kansans enjoy safe roads, rails and skies. Safe and successful transportation also helps Kansans financially. Some employees of KDOT fill dangerous but necessary positions and this project also serves as a reminder for travelers to slow down and remember that underneath those neon vests, are individuals with families and hobbies waiting for them at home.

Do you know a KDOT worker that deserves recognition? Nominations are open! Email Mallory.Goeke@ks.gov today to get started!