2018 Eastern National Annual Partner Awards Announced
Eastern National’s annual awards highlight excellence in performance and partnership. The awards program was designed to acknowledge outstanding individual achievements and contributions that have had a positive impact on an individual park, thus furthering and promoting EN’s unique relationship with its park partners. Here are the NPS winners for 2018:
The CHARLES S. MARSHALL UNIT AWARD was presented to Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP and Saint-Gaudens NHS for their collaborative spirit during product assortment overhauls and agency improvements at both sites. The park staff’s enthusiasm for the projects and willingness to diversify product lines yielded large returns, with Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP seeing a 39 percent sales increase over the prior year and 29 percent over expected budget. Saint-Gaudens NHS experienced sales 24 percent over the prior year and 26 percent over expected budget.
SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE AWARDS recognize outstanding partner management of an EN agency, regardless of agency size. This award recognized the top four outstanding partner personnel. Superior Performance Awards were presented to:
Kina Gonzalez, chief of interpretation at San Juan NHS, for her agility and creativity in the development of new, compelling products during a period of rebuilding and recovery in Puerto Rico. Kina worked closely with EN’s partnership engagement coordinator to develop enhanced tours for visitors and helped the product team design a best-selling T-shirt that features historical graffiti from the fort’s dungeons and a replica of the Santa Barbara statue from the park’s collection.
Jana Friesen McCabe, supervisory park ranger at Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality NM, for her teamwork as the park gears up for the 19th Amendment Centennial Commemoration. Jana’s extensive knowledge of the site, paired with her receptiveness to new ideas, enabled EN to introduce many new items, which resulted in a year-over-year sales increase of 56.8 percent.
Sue Moynihan, chief of interpretation and cultural resources at Cape Cod NS, for her role in the remodel at Province Lands Visitor Center. From start to finish, Sue included EN in the planning of the new facility, spearheaded the product approval process, and helped see the project through to completion. The new layout makes better use of the space and enhances visitor experience. Sales at Province Lands saw a gain of 10.7 percent over the previous year.
Jean Van Tatenhove, chief of interpretation at Saint Croix NSR, for spearheading the production of commemorative products for the 50th anniversary of Saint Croix NSR. Jean worked with EN contacts to brainstorm ideas for new items and review artwork in time for the site’s seasonal grand opening. The collaboration between Jean and EN boosted annual sales at the Saint Croix River Visitor Center by 128 percent and at the Namekagon River Visitor Center by 71.6 percent.
The HERBERT E. KAHLER AWARD recognizes the EN partner judged to have cooperatively managed the most efficient and innovative agency. The winner of this award is selected from among the Superior Performance Award winners. The Kahler Award was presented to Kina Gonzalez, chief of interpretation at San Juan NHS.
View the 2018 Eastern National employee award recipients here.