District Digest News Stories

Nashville District names Klimaszewski employee of the month for July 2015

Nashville District Pulblic Affairs
Published Sept. 24, 2015
Mark Klimaszewski, a Natural Resource program manager and acting resource manager, Operations Division at the Lake Cumberland Resource Office, is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District employee of the month for July 2015.

Mark Klimaszewski, a Natural Resource program manager and acting resource manager, Operations Division at the Lake Cumberland Resource Office, is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District employee of the month for July 2015.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept 24, 2015) – Mark Klimaszewski, a Natural Resource program manager and acting resource manager, Operations Division at the Lake Cumberland Resource Office, is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District employee of the month for July 2015.

Klimaszewski is recognized for his significant contributions and demonstrated professionalism, when he quickly filled the vacant resource manager position at Lake Cumberland in April 2015, a position that had been vacant for almost a year. 

“During one of the busiest times of the year, Memorial Weekend, Mark quickly dove into his duties with a positive attitude and worked numerous weekends with the ranger staff, providing much needed assistance during the transition of a new operations and maintenance service contractor from the previous contract-holder of 25 years,” said Lt. Col. Stephen F. Murphy, Nashville District commander.

Klimaszewski credits the Lake Cumberland staff for their great work and dedication to excellence and said his experience as a park ranger and natural resources program manager contributed to his success.

“I am happy to receive this award, proud for the staff at Lake Cumberland and the recognition, said Klimaszewski.  “I enjoy my job, working with the staff and working alongside people in the community.”

Klimaszewski has worked for the Corps 17 years, a career which began as a Co-op in the Rock Island District on the Illinois Waterway Project.  He came to the Nashville District after graduating from Western Illinois University in December 2000. 

Andreas Patterson, acting chief, Natural Resources Management Branch in the Operations Division, said Klimaszewski is a hard worker, always friendly, and is a smart, professional leader who is always willing to go out of his way to help others. 

“Mark is a great guy who is a team player, said Patterson. “One of his best qualities is that he always looks out for others and has the ability to stay calm and not over react in high stress situations.” 

Patterson said Klimaszewski is a perfect fit as a leader at Lake Cumberland and he’ll do great working in the community and at the lakes.

Klimaszewski said he believes in self improvement and tries to learn something new about his job every day, and he has been extremely fortunate to work with exceptional supervisors at every step in his career. 

“He is most deserving (for this recognition) because of the extra effort he puts forth in his job, in all cases exceeding the requirements of his position,” said Tadd Potter, Fish and Wildlife specialist in the Natural Resources Management Branch. “His willingness to make timely decisions, answer questions, and provide assistance to anyone needing assistance at any time shows his dedication to his profession and the personnel in the district.”

 

“I enjoy coming to work every day because I’m surrounded by great people that have passion for their jobs and care about what they do,” said Klimaszewski.

Klimaszewski said that one of the keys to his success was being able to readily adapt to changes in new systems, being patient and staying consistent.

According to staff at Lake Cumberland, during the month of July, with the heavy rains resulting in high lake levels, Klimaszewski professionally and willingly listened to public concerns and complaints, actively working to resolve issues in a way that reflected positively on the District and the Lake Cumberland team.

 “It is important for everyone to do their share to make our district better,” said Klimaszewski. “The district has been through many changes over the last few years but our ability to succeed is based on how we train, prepare, and adapt to organizational changes and staffing.

Murphy said Klimaszewski’s can-do spirit and helpful attitude make even tedious tasks pleasant.

“His outstanding performance along with his ‘team player’ outlook significantly contributes to a successful year-end execution and ultimately the mission of the district,” said Murphy.

 

Klimaszewski is a native of DePue, Ill., and has a bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation from Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. 

Klimaszewski and his wife Ashley have two dogs, Fin and Panda.  Ashley works in the Real Estate Division.  They spend time volunteering with a local dog rescue group. His hobbies include running and cycling.

(For more news, updates and information please follow the Nashville District on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nashvillecorps and Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/nashvillecorps. The public can view photos from the Nashville District on Flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/nashvillecorps and videos on YouTube at www.youtube.com/armyenginrsnashville.)