Gov. Green lauds top state manager, employee and team of the year

Gov. Josh Green recognized winners of the 49th annual Governor’s Awards, designed to honor state Executive Branch employees, managers and 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 make remarkable contributions every day, strengthening how our state serves the people of Hawai‘i,” said Green. “This year’s honorees reflect that commitment and we are grateful to stand alongside individuals and teams whose work brings meaningful change to our communities.”

Green presented the awards for: 

• State Manager of the Year: Dr. Darren Lerner, Director of Research Institute, University of Hawai‘i

Dr. Lerner is commended for his visionary leadership, innovative program development and unwavering commitment to advance community-centered coastal resilience throughout Hawai‘i and the Pacific. Under his leadership, the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program has become a national model for integrating cutting-edge coastal research with meaningful public service. His service spans across Hawai‘i and the nation, including directing the Pacific Islands Climate Adaption Science Center and serving as Interim Associate Dean for Research in the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology. Prioritizing workforce development, he developed specialized fellowships that train and foster the next generation of local coastal leaders. National reviewers recognized his mentorship as a best management practice model for building engaged, interdisciplinary teams.

• State Employee of the Year: Jessica Chambers, Registered Nurse, Department of Health

Jessica is recognized for her exemplary leadership, dedication and exceptional performance in advancing the objectives of the Office of Health Care Assurance. Under her leadership, program efficiency increased by over 300%. Application processing times were significantly reduced, leading to the opening of new Adult Residential Care Homes at a rate that surpassed closures, bringing the statewide total to over 500 homes, an accomplishment not seen in over a decade. This exceptional turnaround also generated meaningful cost savings for the state and allowed other staff to redirect their time toward critical priorities. These achievements clearly demonstrate her profound impact on the program and the community she serves.

• State Team of the Year: Finance Branch of the Hawai‘i Housing Finance and Development Corporation, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism

Through dedication, innovation and collaboration, this team has made significant contributions to making homeownership attainable for our kama‘āina. Such as awarding funds through key housing finance programs for the construction of 1,836 new affordable homes that will directly address Hawai‘i’s housing crisis and successfully re-launched the Hale Kama‘āina Mortgage Program, which provides below-market mortgage loans and down payment assistance. Despite an increase in affordable housing applications, their team strengthened underwriting standards that resulted in $28 million in savings, enabling financing for about 130 additional affordable homes. Through their judicious stewardship of public resources, they stretched each dollar to enable more housing to be developed.

“These award winners exemplify exceptional service to Hawaiʻi,” said Green. “Their dedication, innovation and aloha uplift our residents, expand opportunities and enhance well-being across the islands, embodying the true essence of public service.”

The three winners were selected from 60 exceptional groups and individual nominees. A volunteer selection committee of five prominent members of the community carefully reviewed the 60 nomination packets and rated them according to defined categories. The committee presented its recommendations for the three awards to Green.

The five members of this year’s Selection Committee are: Goodwill Hawai‘i President and CEO Katy Chen; City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Service Deputy Director Megan Johnson; Board of Water Supply Deputy Manager Erwin Kawata; Hawaiʻi News Now news anchor and reporter Stephanie Lum; and Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i President and CEO Sherry Menor.