Productivity Board Awards

Hollyann Dahlberg – Employee Suggestion Program 

The Productivity Board recognized its first cash award recipient, Hollyann Dahlberg, from the Employment Security Department (ESD). Hollyann received a $10,000 award for her idea to use pre-translated letters instead of a translation service. Her idea improved customer service and is expected to save the state more than $225,000 each year.

Pictured far left is ESD Commissioner Cami Feek, and far right is Dustin Ritchie, ESD Leave & Care Logistics Manager.

LCB Pathfinders Team - Teamwork Incentive Program 

The Pathfinders team received a Teamwork Incentive Program award for creating a searchable document management system. Team members were Kyle Arvila, Tinaya Smith, Richard O'Grady, and Gerard Scheeler from the Liquor and Cannabis Board, and Beatrice Lupardus from the Office of Administrative Hearings. Their idea made records easier to find and share between agencies while reducing costs. It saved more than $44,000 in its first year, with more savings expected over time. Each team member received a cash award of $1,771.70.

Pictured far left is Liquor and Cannabis Board Director Will Lukela, and far right is Office of Administrative Hearings Chief Administrative Law Judge RaShelle Davis.

Washington's Lottery Commission - Teamwork Incentive Program 

A team from Washington's Lottery Commission received a Teamwork Incentive Program award for improving the agency's municipal investment account. Their changes increased earnings by 311%, generating an additional $726,900 during the first eight months. Team members Sue Fitzgerald, Todd Steben, Lenee Otto, and Jennifer Brashear each received a cash award of $2,725.88. Their improvements continue to provide financial benefits for the agency.

Pictured (left to right): Joshua Johnston, Lottery Director; Sue Fitzgerald, team member; Shar Hawley, Productivity Board agency coordinator; Todd Steben, team member; Lenee Otto, team member; Cassi Villegas, Lottery Deputy Director; and Secretary of State Steve Hobbs. Not pictured: team member Jennifer Brashear.

Bryce Dickison - Employee Suggestion Program

Bryce Dickison, from the Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, suggested standardizing the size of registration certificates. This allows agencies to print certificates in-house, reducing printing and mailing costs.

Pictured is Bryce Dickison with Secretary of State Steve Hobbs.

Washington State School for the Blind - Teamwork Incentive Program

A team from the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB) received a Teamwork Incentive Program award for installing new safety hardware, including panic buttons, alert speakers, and alert beacons. By completing the work in-house, the team saved more than $46,500 while minimizing disruptions for students and staff. Team members Ed Lukowski, Zach Ausmus, Jeff Dyson, and David Zilavy shared a cash award of $6,985.58. Their improvements help create a safer learning environment for students and staff.

WSSB team members Zach Ausmus and Ed Lukowski are pictured with Secretary of State Steve Hobbs.

State Route 520 Self-Insurance Project – Teamwork Incentive Program

A team from the Washington State Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Enterprise Services (DES), and Office of the State Treasurer (OST) replaced a costly commercial insurance policy for the State Route 520 bridge system with a lower-cost self-insurance policy. Their idea is expected to save an estimated $9.8 million each year. 

Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife – Teamwork Incentive Program

A TIP team of 12 Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife employees submitted a suggestion to automate purchase card reconciliation. A process that averaged about 30 days to complete was transformed into a 2-3 day workflow, and manual staff handling time was reduced from 750 hours to fewer than 100. This change, implemented in November 2024, resulted in a net savings of $894,600. The total award amount of $33,000 will be shared among the team.

Liquor and Cannabis Board – Teamwork Incentive Program

A project from the Liquor and Cannabis Board eliminated duplication in its mail services, consolidated delivery locations, and increased security in handing mail. The net savings was $42,301.42. The award amount is $8,460.30, and each of the five team members will receive a $1,692.06 award.

Office of the Secretary of State – Teamwork Incentive Program

A team of four IT employees from the Office of the Secretary of State’s Elections and Internet Security Response divisions saved $103,148.17 by transitioning its secure computer platform from an expensive third-party vendor to one hosted internally. The project also further standardized operational procedures, strengthened data control, and coordinated support between the divisions. For the money they saved, the team members will share a $10,314.82 award. 

Shanna Haggerty - Employee Suggestion Program

Shanna Haggerty of the Department of Health identified her agency’s unused landlines as wasteful. While cost savings continue to be measured, they are estimated to be more than $30,000, and Shanna will receive an award based on the results.

Nathan Wilson – Department of Corrections