The Hoover City Employee of the Year was announced on Thursday, Nov. 20th, at the Hoover Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
Congratulations…….
2007-2008
Employee of the Year
Bill White
BILL WHITE – I.T. SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Bill’s area of responsibility is police related computer and network projects. With Bill’s leadership, the Police Department has made, collectively, the largest jump in technology in it’s history. Bill retired from IBM after 30 years of service and brought an enormous knowledge base to the City of Hoover. Bill is not an 8 – 5 employee. His dedication to the needs of the Police Department means that he is at the Police Department “hands on” any time an issue arises. He does this out of choice. Many times he must be told to go home. Under Bill’s guidance, the police department has enjoyed technological advancements that now allow our officers to submit reports from the field electronically.
Recently Bill has expanded his efforts to now partner with the Hoover Fire Department to share some of the police department’s successes in car computers to benefit all of Hoover’s public safety mission. Bill is extremely devoted to his Christian faith, excepting leadership roles at his church. Bill is very active in jail ministries throughout the Birmingham metro area.
Also recognized for their outstanding achievements during the past year were Mike Benson, M.J. Vail, and Ron Whitacre:
Pictured Left to Right are: Ron Whitacre, Mike Benson, Hoover City Council President Gary Ivey, Bill White, and M.J. Vail
MIKE BENSON – Information Systems Support Technician - Hoover Public Library
Mike Benson significantly and continually exceeds the requirements of his job. Mike currently manages 4 websites for the Library. This year he developed and published a new and improved Library website using the most current available technology. Libraries from as far away as Denver, Colorado have called him for assistance in developing their websites. His efforts have generated nearly 1.2 million hits to the Library’s website so far this year.
Mike participates in numerous activities and events above and beyond his job which include serving as an emcee at library activities, chauffeuring authors during Southern Voices, photographing children’s events and working on numerous committees including the Veterans Committee. Not only does Mike work for the City of Hoover, he is an active local producer and has worked on numerous commercials and films.
M.J. VAIL – HOUSEKEEPING – HOOVER REC CENTER
M.J. always makes it a point to say hello to the kids and adults involved in the Therapeutics Program at the Hoover Recreation Center. He remembers them all by their names and also helps clean up when the programs conclude. He always jokes with the kids and they love him.
He has been a part of the Hoover system for over a decade now and he is still committed to his job 100%. He is a pleasure not only to the other employees at the Rec. Center but also to all of the Hoover citizens that come to the Rec. Center.
RON WHITACRE – COURT REFERRAL OFFICER - HOOVER MUNICIPAL COURTS
Ron oversees and implements all aspects on the Court Referral Program for the City of Hoover, including working with all defendants with any drug or alcohol-related offense. As a department of one, Ron works with an average of 350-400 defendants in a week. Ron currently serves as the President of the Alabama Court Referral Association as part of a two year term and is a Certifying Instructor and Moderator for new Court Referral Officers trained in Alabama.
Outside of work, Ron is active as an Assistant Scout Master for Troop 4 of the boy Scouts of America. He is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of the American Legion. Ron is also a licensed funeral director and embalmer. Ron is always willing to help in whatever role he is needed for the Hoover Municipal Courts.
