2023 Recognition Awards
Every year at our Parks Leadership Conference, Ranger in Service, and Interpreters Conference, staff gather to share information and brainstorm new ideas. It is also a time that staff are recognized for their years of service and to recognize those that go above and beyond in their field. We are happy to announce this years awards recipients.
Ranger of the Year
Lakes Region- Elise Wingo, Baker Creek State Park
Lower Coast Region- Madeline Bertausk, Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
Mountain Region- Shawn Llewellyn, Paris Mountain State Park
Upper Coast Region- Bre Covington, Huntington Beach State Park
Sandhills Region- Rachel Como, Sesquicentennial State Park
Directors Awards
Park Manager John Moon, Kings Mountain State Park
Sandhills Regional Maintenance Chief William "Billy" Burk
Customer Service Awards
Sandhills Region- Antonia Rivers, Santee State Park
Sandhills Region- Daylene Pitts, Dreher Island State Park
John Boyd, Paris Mountain State Park
Bridget Scott, Devils Fork State Park
Marina Wolfe, Lake Wateree State Park
John Hiatt, Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
Tina Taylor, Givhans Ferry State Park
Chris Priolo, Huntington Beach State Park
Robert J. Papenfus Award
The Robert J. Papenfus Award is awarded to the park, person or team who has demonstrated excellence in the Management of Natural and Cultural Resources. This year's award goes to the staff of Poinsett State Park!
Not pictured:
Customer Service Award for Niesha Williams, Cheraw State Park
Customer Service Award for Maria Thompson, Hickory Knob
Internal Customer Service for Ted Sbardella, Information Technology
Park Interpreter of the Year is Hannah Marley, Hampton Plantation State Historic Site
Service Recognition
Five Years
Alan Foreman, Edisto Beach State Park
Carley Karpinski, Huntington Beach State Park
Jay Benjamin, Myrtle Beach State Park
Martin Ingersoll, Myrtle Beach State Park
Jonathan Hartwick, Cheraw State Park
Stephanie Cohen, Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site
Kristi Floyd, Devils Fork State Park
10 Years
Gina Eickhoff, Hunting Island State Park
David Gilson, Oconee State Park
Jesse Watson, Kings Mountain State Park
Brandon Johnson, Calhoun Falls State Park
15 Years
Jillian Delorge Davis, Charles Towne Landing
Jason Robinett, Charles Towne Landing
David Baker, Charles Towne Landing
Jermaine Jennings, Hickory Knob State Resort Park
Travis Sellers, Lake Wateree State Park
Jacob Gantt, Revenue Management
20 Years
Kevin Palmer, Kings Mountain State Park
Troy Crider, Myrtle Beach State Park
Christopher Flowers, Cheraw State Park
Joy Raintree, Sandhills Region Chief
Catherine Taylor, Paris Mountain State Park
Robert Dinkins, Lake Hartwell State Park
Michael Trotter, Table Rock State Park
25 Years
Brenda Majers, Huntington Beach State Park
Robert Lenehan, Myrtle Beach State Park
Christopher Waddell, Cheraw State Park
Jason Hege, Paris Mountain State Park
Cheryl Gray, Hickory Knob State Resort Park
30 Years
Ted Bechtler, Huntington Beach State Park
Michael Walker, Huntington Beach State Park
Al James, Landsford Canal State Park
Mark Powell, Lower Coast Regional
John Toby, Central Maintenance