District Digest News Stories

Sexton named Nashville District Employee of the Month for April 2018

Nashville District Public Affairs
Published June 13, 2018
USACE photo by Mark Rankin

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 5, 2018) – Dana Sexton, planner and project manager, in the Planning Branch, is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District Employee for the month April 2018.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 5, 2018) – Dana Sexton, planner and project manager, in the Planning Branch, is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District Employee for the month April 2018.

Sexton is being recognized for her significant contributions to the plan formulation section and diligent work with the J. Percy Priest Water Supply Reallocation Study briefing report and the Duck River Watershed Study.  In addition to maintaining full momentum on a heavy workload, she covered additional projects for a teammate on an extended Temporary Duty Assignment.  During this time, she improved engagement through multiple stakeholder meetings for the Duck River Watershed Study. 

“She is an invaluable asset to our office and we are glad that she is a member of our planning team,” said Craig Carrington, chief, Plan Formulation Section Nashville District.

According to Carrington, after just two years of working in the plan formulation section office, Sexton has gained an incredible amount of knowledge about regulations, policies and procedures and has shouldered significant workload on projects and also made strides in getting decision documents and plans from the Loyall Slide project reviewed and executed with the Great Lakes and Ohio River Division.

 In April, Dana’s positive impact extended across several offices, vertically to higher headquarters, and out to several projects throughout the District area of operation. 

Carrington said Sexton is well respected, leads from the front, listens and encourages the team by her work ethic.  He said she possesses a wealth of knowledge and continually improves the processes of the Project Delivery Team.

“She continues to exceed all our expectations,” said Carrington.  “We recruited her and asked her to come work for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from the U.S. Air Force and we are really very fortunate to have her working here.”

Loren McDonald, a project manager, Project Delivery Section, who trained and worked closely with Sexton said she is a well-rounded and model employee who is dedicated to contributing to the team.

McDonald said Sexton is a true professional, who is helpful, motivated and dedicated to meeting the needs of those she serves.

“Everyone loves working with her, because of her positive attitude and personality,” said McDonald. “Some of her best qualities are that she is really nice, caring, well organized and a team player that directly contributes to our success in the district,” she added.

McDonald said she is most deserving for this award because of the extra effort she puts forth to her job, she’s great at problems solving and most frequently exceeding the requirements of her position.”

Sexton said she knows there are many people that work hard, care about their projects, take pride in their job and equally deserve to be honored and recognized. Nonetheless, she said that she is happy to be recognized for just doing her job.

Carrington said her patience and willingness to be of assistance to anyone at any time shows her dedication to her profession and the personnel at the Nashville District.

Sexton said she was surprised by the award, and she is happy to know someone appreciates the work she does.  She credits her planning and project team coworkers for support and motivation.

“I was surprised to receive the award,” said Sexton.  “One of the best things about working for the Corps is, being able to work hard, serve the public, and meeting some great people.”

Carrington said her organizational skills, positive attitude and work ethic were instrumental in effectively resolving the tasks.  Her management of the Shepherd Street Bridge Project Delivery Team led to the completion of utility relocation contract agreements. 

 Sexton said being a project manager is both interesting and rewarding, but is not the only thing that motivates her.

 Sexton is married to husband Jason, and they have a 1 –year old baby boy Jacob.  She earned a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, Tenn., and a master’s degree from the University of Knoxville, Tenn., both in Civil Engineering. 

“Family is very important and my priority number one,” said Sexton.  “I love doing my job, working with great people, doing the best I can and I believe accolades will come,” said Sexton. 

 Sexton’s’ hobbies include outdoor activities, running, biking, and spending time with family and friends.

Lt. Col. Cullen Jones, Nashville District Commander said Sexton’s work ethic, initiative, team player mentality and a constant desire to learn and be challenged at work makes her a valuable asset to the Planning Branch and the Nashville District.

“Her outstanding performance along with her great attitude for service significantly contributes to another successful job and contributes to the mission of the district,” said Jones.

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