Customer Account Representative Rachael P. Recognized with City of Midland City Strive Award

October 3, 2025 - The City of Midland is excited to announce that it has recognized Customer Account Representative Rachael P. as its latest recipient of a City Strive Award.

Rachael received the Above and Beyond Award, which recognizes an individual for distinct and extraordinary accomplishments that have made significant and identifiable successes or improvements for the citizens, especially when responding to citizens' issues and concerns and during emergencies or other extreme circumstances.

Rachael was nominated for this award by several City of Midland staff, including Customer Account Representative Jeremy Long, Director of Parks and Recreation Marcie Post, and Parks and Recreation Manager Abbey Claerhout for her outstanding performance. Here is what Rachael's nominators said about her:

"Rachael's organizational skills are truly unmatched. She consistently anticipates the needs of the department and provides invaluable support to both her coworkers and supervisors on a daily basis," said Long. "Whether she's navigating office procedures, resolving billing questions, creating and managing social media posts, or building reports in Tree Keeper, Rachael has become the go-to point of contact. Her proactive approach and deep knowledge make her an indispensable resource and a trusted teammate!"

"I realize you don't typically give out awards for 'day-to-day' but this girl goes the extra mile 24/7. She is passionate about our mission and is always thinking about what's best for us as a team and as a City," said Post.

"Rachael is a very thorough and detail-oriented person. She has helped train numerous seasonal employees, in addition to full timers, while still expected to do her everyday job," said Claerhout. "She is very quick to master new software and programs, and will also help comb through outdated processes. She seamlessly pulls off event registration and social media at all hours, and is willing to jump into action if called to duty. We've had several storms, and Rachael has served as the dispatch to get our crews where they needed to go, and remained calm and collected."

Rachael P. has worked for the City since 2022.

"Rachael consistently goes above and beyond in her work," said City Manager Brad Kaye. "Her expertise in managing social media and her willingness to step up during emergencies have made a significant impact on the Parks and Recreation Department and the community we serve. Rachael's dedication and passion truly make Midland a better place to work and live."

For more information on the City Strive Award program or to submit a nomination for a deserving City employee, please visit www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/citystrive.