District Digest News Stories

Lewis named February Nashville District Employee of the Month

Nashville District Public Affairs
Published April 4, 2014
Mary Lewis, biologist, Customer Outreach and Silver Jackets coordinator at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District’s Headquarters, is the Employee of the Month for February 2014.

Mary Lewis, biologist, Customer Outreach and Silver Jackets coordinator at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District’s Headquarters, is the Employee of the Month for February 2014.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 4, 2014) – Mary Lewis, biologist, Customer Outreach and Silver Jackets coordinator at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District’s Headquarters, is the Employee of the Month for February 2014.

Lewis has worked with the Corps of Engineers four years and is lauded for establishing the district's Silver Jackets Program. She was instrumental in coordinating critical command visits, setting up engagements with stakeholders, helping to prioritize visits, and working to develop existing and future Corps partnerships.
 
“Mary’s dedication and commitment to excellence has been vital to the district's success over the last several months and we are proud of her commitment to revive the District’s Silver Jacket’s Program,” said Lt. Col. John L. Hudson, Nashville District commander.
 
In development of the team she worked hard to organize an Old Hickory site visit and Cumberland River Operation presentation meeting for April. She continues to work with dozens of partners in the development of the Tennessee Silver Jackets Charter.
 
“This is a great honor to be recognized, and I feel blessed,” said Lewis. “I have the honor to work with some great people and have learned so much from them."

Hudson said Lewis’ enthusiasm has proven infectious, bringing agencies from all levels of government together with a commonality of purpose while helping reduce future flood risk in Tennessee.
 
The growing Silver Jackets team consists of numerous agencies which include:the Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Weather Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Department of Transportation, and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.
 
Lewis attributes her success from building strong relationships and works to improve those relationships and leverage the different agency authorities to reduce future flood risk. As part of her customer outreach work she prepared material and pre-briefs for the Nashville District commander and deputy for Project Management that set standards.  In January and February, Lewis was instrumental in executing 11 separate outreach events with critical stakeholders.
 
“Mary's very important to our division and her enthusiasm rubs off on her peers,” said Russ Rote, chief of Project Planning Branch. “She is committed to making the Customer Outreach and Silver Jackets programs better which directly reflects on the Project Planning Branch, and the Nashville District."
 
Lewis has also been involved in events such as the Williamson County Junior Gardener Camp and World Water Day where she and other Corps employees have taught youth about functions of the Corps of Engineers.
 
“Customer Outreach and the Tennessee Silver Jacket program provides me the opportunity to educate people who are not familiar with Corps programs and projects.” said Lewis. “When we explain the services Corps personnel provide, it helps enhances their knowledge, renews relationships and helps grow our communities,” she added.
 
Lewis earned a bachelor of science degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville. She and husband Bryan love waterfowl and bird watching.