New Mexico Department of Agriculture employees honored during annual conference
Three New Mexico Department of Agriculture employees were honored at the department’s recent annual conference in Las Cruces.
Kim Ethridgehill and Deena Catanach were honored with the NMDA Distinguished Service Awards for their contributions during the past year at the department. The Distinguished Service Awards honor employees that show unselfish dedication, creation of innovations, contributions to public service, contributions to the field of human relations and any other achievements that deserve recognition.
The Veterinary Laboratory Operations Manager of the NMDA Veterinary Diagnostic Services Division in Albuquerque, Ethridgehill was nominated for skills, dedication, loyalty and selflessness.
“To list all of her past year’s accomplishments would be more than anyone would want to read,” said NMDA VDS Director Tim Hanosh. “But let it be known that she was instrumental in providing necessary expertise for the daily operations of VDS while simultaneously working on projects that, although not necessary, were instrumental in her division attaining the highest level of quality possible.”
Catanach, laboratory division regulatory clerk, was recognized for her hard work and willingness to help as the NMDA established a new laboratory division.
“Deena took the time to learn how each lab unit operated in the new division and quickly became an essential go-to person,” said Joe Gomez, former NMDA Laboratory division director. “All of this work was being accomplished while she continued to complete her previous responsibilities, and she continues to accomplish necessary tasks for the division that go unseen.”
Alongside Ethridgehill and Catanach, NMDA Marketing Division Director David Lucero was honored with the NMDA Community Action Award for his dedication to helping local youth through schools, FFA and 4-H.
Lucero was nominated for always going above and beyond to support the youth in his community, dedicating countless hours and opening his home to large groups.
The NMDA Distinguished Service Awards and Community Action Award are presented annually, and the recipients are nominated by fellow employees.
