District Digest News Stories

Davis named Nashville District Employee of the Month for December 2019

Nashville District Public Affairs
Published Jan. 24, 2020
USACE photo by Mark Rankin

Matthew Davis, a geographer, assigned to Engineering Construction Division's Survey Section, is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District employee of the month of December 2019.

USACE photo by Mark Rankin

Matthew Davis, a geospatial Information Systems specialist, assigned to Engineering Construction Division's Survey Section, is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District employee of the month of December 2019.

USACE photo by Mark Rankin

Matthew Davis, a geographer, assigned to Engineering Construction Division's Survey Section, is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District employee of the month of December 2019.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 22, 2020) – Matthew Davis, a geographer, assigned to Engineering Construction Division, is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District employee of the month of December 2019. 

Davis is recognized for his significant contributions demonstrated while working on a mapping initiative used with the newly established Shoreline License Processing Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).  This Natural Resources Web viewer application allows the District's field staff easy access and direct linkage while ensuring the district is compliant with operating procedures.    

“Matt did an exceptional job and we are very happy to have a technical expert with his skillset to outline, design and develop this application,” said Trey Church, a natural resources specialist in the Operations Division.

Church said Davis developed, planned, placed photos, incorporated key data and used program guidance to ensure compliance capability.

“I’m happy to know people care about my work,” said Davis. “I enjoy working with many spectrums of the Corps and especially that I get to work with various departments throughout the district.”

Davis said the newly established web viewer application process efficiently streamlines the shoreline mapping system and ensures a consistent product is developed. 

Church said every park ranger or natural resource specialist will have the ability to upload key shoreline management data, photos and files into the application for storage and management.

According to Lt. Col. Sonny AvichalNashville District commander, Davis supports the Operations, Engineering and Construction, and Planning and Program Management Division Branches with geospatial data collection efforts and program guidance for the successful mapping of District dock permits, and the shoreline management.

“His support helps utilize staff more efficiently while still ensuring data is input, managed and the District is compliant with regulatory guidance,” said Avichal.

Church said Davis is a great person to work with, a great team player and organized.

“He was perfect for this project and our purpose for nominating him was to let him know his work was appreciated,” said Church.  “We are fortunate to have him as a member of our team here in the district.”

Davis said the Nashville District Web viewer application links park rangers directly to Real Estate and the field offices.

“It was a tough and tedious project but it was worth it,” said Davis.  “I wanted to provide people with a good visual overview of projects, allow them to access the information and give them a better insight to our district.  It was fun because I really enjoy helping people, sharing information that makes their job easier and that feedback allows me to grow professionally.”  

Church said Davis readily shares his expertise and knowledge with others, and is the district’s go-to guy for GIS information, questions and reference.  He said Davis is a hard worker, friendly, smart, and professional who always stays with the plan, and makes the project better.  

“I think one of his best qualities is that he is cool under pressure, always looks to help others and improve his work,” said Church.  He always has a smile and plays a big role in our success in the district to improve the GIS process.”

Mills said since Davis’ arrival he has jumped right in and learned all of the systems that support the district.  He is not afraid to try new processes and is dedicated to helping and exceeding the needs of his coworkers and those he serves around the district.

“Matt is an eager learner and seizes every opportunity to take on responsibility,” said Mills.  “He is a key member in getting the Geospatial models web ready and creating the enterprise database that makes these models enduring.” 

After a brief stint working for private contractor, Davis began working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2013 and has a Master Degree from the University of Central Arkansas  and undergraduate degree from Fort Hays State University.     He was enlisted in the U.S. Army for 8 years as a Topographical specialist and believes in self-improvement and tries to learn something new about his job every day.

“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 Church.

Avichal said while the effect of Matt's efforts have been felt at the regional and national level within the Corps, his technical expertise and attention to detail continue to make him an invaluable asset to the Nashville District.   

“I enjoy coming to work every day,” said Davis.  “I’m surrounded by great people that have passion for their jobs and care about what they do which makes it a whole lot easier.”

Davis 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.

 “His outstanding performance and work ethic along with his ‘team player’ outlook significantly contributes to the success and ultimately the mission of the district,” said Avichal.

The Roanoke, Ala., native said it’s a great privilege to receive this award, but it’s in large part due to working with a strong team that encourages questions while also providing support and the tools needed to succeed.

Davis and his wife Melissa have two children, Alex, 19, and Will, 16.

He loves spending time with family and friends, reading books, and watching Alabama Crimson Tide football.

Davis said he was surprised by the employee of the month announcement and is grateful to receive the award.

“I am humbled and appreciate being recognized as employee of the month,” said Davis. “It is a good feeling that people have noticed my efforts and accomplishments.

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 also follow Nashville District on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nashvilledistrict.