Office of the Governor – News Release – Gov. Green Lauds Top State Manager, Employee and Team of the Year

STATE OF HAWAIʻI
KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR
KE KIAʻĀINA

GOVERNOR GREEN LAUDS TOP STATE MANAGER, EMPLOYEE AND TEAM OF THE YEAR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2025

HONOLULU - Governor Josh Green today recognized winners of the Governor's Awards, designed to honor state Executive Branch employees, managers and work teams who exemplify the highest caliber of public service and dedication in serving the people of Hawai'i. The statewide program is administered by the Department of Human Resources Development.

"Public employees continue to make extraordinary contributions that improve the efficiency and quality of government services," said Governor Green. "This year's honorees exemplify that spirit and we are truly honored to work alongside such dedicated individuals and teams who are changing lives every day."

Governor Green presented the awards for:

STATE MANAGER OF THE YEAR : Kathryn Tipton, Librarian, Hawai'i State Public Library System.

Kathryn consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership, team engagement, innovation and a deep commitment to improving public service. Kathryn spearheaded numerous successful programs such as "Craft Nights" showcasing art interests and talent, "Thinking Money for Kids" which teaches basic financial skills, "Preschool Jamboree" structured to provide early literacy skills and getting kids ready for school, and "Lei Po'o Nights" where staff members teach patrons how to make lei, how lei are used, and their cultural significance. Her efforts have enhanced services and strengthened the connection with the Pāhoa community.

STATE EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR : Marly Jane Nakamura, Corrections Education Supervisor, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Marly is an inspirational educator who is passionate about helping incarcerated individuals realize their career potential. She has contributed greatly to Hālawa Correctional Facility's (HCF) educational programs through her creation of the Tutorial Program, or BrainGYM, that addresses students' competencies in reading, writing and math, her designing of standardized cross-curricular lesson plans to assist with challenging concepts, organizing HCF's 1st Commencement Ceremony for those receiving their high school diplomas and enrolling students for an associate degree in business administration from Chaminade and in Hawaiian Studies at Windward Community College.

STATE TEAM OF THE YEAR : Med-QUEST Program and Policy Development Office, Department of Human Services

Through hard work, perseverance and collaboration, this nine-member team has made significant improvements to healthcare access and the quality of the Medicaid program. A few of the accomplishments include:

• Approval of the first community palliative care service in the nation;
• Renewal of the 1115 Demonstration Waiver, which includes pre-release services for the justice involved population;
• Creation of the Hawaiʻi Child Wellness Initiative Program that provides incentives to Medicaid beneficiary parents for completed well-child examinations;
• Collaborative efforts with DOE to maximize federal reimbursements for school-based medical services; and
• Partnering with DOH for the treatment and prevention of mental and physical illnesses; and more.

These creative and innovative programs have made a notable impact on the lives of countless individuals and families in Hawai'i.

Photos from today's ceremony will be uploaded here.

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Media Contacts:

Erika Engle
Press Secretary
Office of the Governor, State of Hawai'i
Office: 808-586-0120
Email: [email protected]

Makana McClellan
Director of Communications
Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
Cell: 808-265-0083
Email: [email protected]

Erin Conner
Public Information Officer
Department of Human Resources Development, State of Hawai'i
Phone: 808-587-1120
Email: [email protected]