Governor Stein Celebrates North Carolina’s State Employees at Richard Caswell Service Award Ceremony

Today Governor Josh Stein joined the Office of State Human Resources' Richard Caswell Service Award Ceremony to honor employees who have achieved 45 years of public service with the state of North Carolina.

"Although today's honorees excelled in different fields, this year's Richard Caswell Service Award recipients are united by their immeasurable public impact," said Governor Josh Stein. "Whether keeping our communities safe, ensuring every North Carolinian has a chance at success, or delivering quality services across the state, these incredible state employees have made North Carolina safer and stronger."

At the ceremony, nine employees were honored for their collective service of more -than 400 years with the State of North Carolina:

• Jane Allen Beaman, Harnett County District Attorney's Office - 49 years
• Glendora Hagins, Department of Health and Human Services - 45 years
• Janice Johnson, Department of Justice - 45 years
• Gail Newman, Department of Adult Correction - 45 years
• Mae Rogers, Department of Transportation - 45 years
• Morris Reid, Department of Adult Correction - 45 years
• Judy Stem, Department of Health and Human Services - 45 years
• Rebecca Smith, Department of Justice - 45 years
• Donna Wilson, Department of Information Technology - 45 years

The Richard Caswell Award Program was established in January 1998 for state employees with 45 or more years of service. The award acknowledges and expresses appreciation for noteworthy extended dedicated service. An appropriate statewide or agency-level ceremony is conducted annually for eligible employees.

Last month, Governor Stein signed House Bill 1041: Public Workforce Modernization Act into law. This historic advancement represents North Carolina's most comprehensive human resources modernization in 50 years. The bill makes it easier to apply for state jobs, creates work-based learning opportunities for state employees, and helps spouses of servicemembers find jobs in state government. It also puts families first by expanding paid parental leave for state employees to 12 weeks. Earlier this month, Governor Stein signed into law North Carolina's first full state budget in more than two years that gives most state employees a 3% across-the-board raise and a bonus of at least $1,000. The Governor's proposed budget called for larger raises for state employees, and he will continue advocating for the necessary investments to recruit and retain the best state employees.