Productivity Board Awards
The 2024 relaunch of the Productivity Board has yielded successes for state employees, their agencies, and the people of Washington. In the past year, more than 100 suggestions were received, over $275,000 was saved, almost $727,000 of income was generated, and in excess of $30,000 has been awarded.
We are excited to celebrate the Productivity Board’s first cash award recipient, Hollyann Dahlberg. Hollyann works for the Employment Security Department (ESD) and was awarded $10,000. She suggested that ESD utilize pre-translated letters instead of a translation service, which sped up customer service and is anticipated to save over $225,000 a year.
Pictured far left is ESD Commissioner Cami Feek, and far right is Dustin Ritchie, ESD Leave & Care Logistics Manager.
The Liquor and Cannabis Board’s Kyle Arvila, Tinaya Smith, Richard O’Grady, Gerard Scheeler, with the Office of Administrative Hearings’ Beatrice Lupardus, composed the "Pathfinders" team. Their Teamwork Incentive Program suggestion consolidated data in a searchable document management system. This solution improves digital record keeping, makes information more accessible between agencies, and eliminates costs. The suggestion saved more than $44,000 in its first year, with more long-term savings expected. Each of the five team members received a cash award of $1,771.70.
Pictured far left is Liquor and Cannabis Board Director Will Lukela, and far right is RaShelle Davis, OAH Chief Administrative Law Judge.
A Teamwork Incentive Program project at Washington’s Lottery Commission improved earnings on their municipal investment account. Their efforts resulted in an increase in interest earnings of 311%, which resulted in an additional $726,900 of interest income for the initial eight months of implementation. The four team members will each receive cash awards of $2,725.88, and the changes they made will have ongoing impacts.
Pictured are (l to r) Joshua Johnston (Lottery director), Sue Fitzgerald (team member), Shar Hawley (agency coordinator for Productivity Board), Todd Steben (team member), Lenee Otto (team member), Cassi Villegas (Lottery deputy director), and Steve Hobbs. Not pictured is team member Jennifer Brashear.
On May 29, 2025, the Productivity Board voted to recognize three state employees with cash awards for their ideas to reduce costs or generate revenue for the state.
“These ideas from our state employees will improve how agencies provide services to the public,” Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said. “In these uncertain financial times for the state government, it is important to listen to those who having unique insight into their agency’s work.”
Bryce Dickison, from the Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, suggested that the size of registration certificates be standardized. This allows agencies to print certificates themselves, eliminating BRPELS’ paying printing vendors and incurring mailing costs.
Crystal Hall, from the Washington Student Achievement Council, suggested the Department of Enterprise Services could donate used office furniture to K-12 schools that would otherwise be put into the landfill.
Tim Kelly, from the Washington State Department of Children Youth & Families, suggested a change to eliminate double client bookings.
Pictured are Crystal and Bryce in the Capitol rotunda.
For adopted suggestions that result in intangible improvements -- such as morale or safety -- or when savings/revenue cannot otherwise be identified, agencies may choose to give Recognition Awards of up to $200. The employees below have received such recognition.
Nathan Wilson, a psychology associate with the Department of Corrections, received a recognition award of $200 for developing diagnostic support tools in JavaScript and Phrase Express to expedite the mental health assessment process.
Pictured are Nathan Wilson, left, with Department of Corrections Health Services Division Assistant Secretary Dave Flynn.
David Halpern -- a retired park ranger with the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission -- received a $200 recognition award for his discovery that the retirement process could involve fewer requirements and less paperwork by providing a single packet of instructions to follow. David also suggested an improvement to the Productivity Board's website.
Jerald Dougherty at Central Washington University was rewarded $200 for his suggestion to reformat campus key cards making them easier to produce.
The Department of Corrections' Wyatt Hull suggested the agency donate used corrections officer coats to charities and agencies that cannot afford coats, reducing DOC destruction and dumping costs. His suggestion earned him $200.