Secretary's Awards for Excellence 2025 Recipients
On February 9, DNCR staff gathered to present the inaugural Secretary's Awards for Excellence, the department’s highest honor in acknowledgement of outstanding, excellent, and sometimes formidable work.
Last fall, all employees were given a month-long opportunity to nominate their colleagues for these awards in the following categories: Customer Service, Efficiency and Innovation, Human Relations, Outstanding State Government Service, Public Service, Safety and Heroism, and the Spirit of DNCR. Presented below are the 2025 Secretary Award for Excellence recipients.
For Excellence in Public Service
Karen Ipock
DNCR Associate Director of Education
Since 2017, Karen Ipock has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to public service through her leadership of North Carolina History Day, part of the National History Day competition for students in grades 6 through 12. Under her guidance, the program has grown into a year-round initiative inspiring thousands of students across the state to engage in historical inquiry and civic learning.
Karen consistently exceeds the expectations of her role by mentoring students, supporting teachers, and ensuring that financial or personal hardship never prevents participation. As one colleague shared, her first instinct is always, “How can we solve this problem, and how can we make this better for you as a person?”
As another colleague noted, “She truly goes above and beyond in every aspect of her job, all while bringing a sense of happiness and calm to all around her.”
For Excellence in Public Service
Tawanda Walters
Patron Support Assistant at the State Library of NC’s A.B.L.S.
Tawanda Walters serves individuals across North Carolina, ensuring equitable access to reading resources for people with print disabilities. As noted, “She truly embodies the spirit of public service through her unwavering commitment to the patrons served at SLNC ABLES.”
As the only blind staff member at the State Library, Tawanda brings a unique and deeply empathetic perspective to her work. She provides expert, patient guidance to patrons using Braille and Audio Reader Downloads, digital talking book machines, and Braille eReaders, empowering them to access materials independently. Even when challenges require multiple sessions, she remains dedicated to ensuring patrons gain lasting confidence and skills.
Beyond her core responsibilities, Tawanda actively supports outreach, programming, and operations, representing the library at events, preparing and proofreading braille materials, and promoting literacy statewide. Her impact is profound, and a colleague noted “her firsthand experience with vision loss enables her to assist patrons with empathy.”
For Excellence in Human Relations
Matt Zeher
Media Producer, DNCR Marketing
Matt Zeher is one of DNCR’s unsung heroes, quietly ensuring the success of every livestream, town hall, public meeting, and event technology need across our agency. Matt is the person everyone turns to, and he consistently delivers with expertise, reliability, and grace.
Even under tight deadlines or with minimal instructions, Matt rises to the occasion. As one colleague observed, “Matt always makes it work,” reflecting his ability to solve challenges efficiently and seamlessly. His attention to detail and dedication to excellence are matched only by his friendly, approachable manner.
From major events to small requests, Matt’s commitment and skill touch every corner of DNCR. His quiet leadership, unwavering professionalism, and willingness to serve make him truly invaluable. We are proud to honor Matt Zeher for his exceptional contributions and steadfast dedication.
For Excellence in Efficiency and Innovation
Michelle Burrows
Director of A+Schools of NC, NC Arts Council
At the very heart of her being, Michelle Burrows is an educator. Since becoming Director of A+ Schools in 2010, she has transformed the program into a thriving statewide network that now supports hundreds of educators, artists, and administrators each year. Under her leadership, the number of schools in the A+ network has more than doubled, the staff and faculty have grown, and the quality of professional learning is unmatched.
Michelle’s colleague noted, “She listens before she leads, a reflection of her patience, generosity, and ability to empower others.” Through mentorship, collaboration, and a commitment to creativity, she has inspired teachers to reimagine learning and to see themselves as artists and innovators.
Her leadership has not only strengthened A+ Schools but has elevated North Carolina as a national leader in arts integration. For nearly three decades, Michelle has embodied the very spirit of leadership—enriching lives, fostering creativity, and leaving a legacy that will endure for generations.
For Excellence in Efficiency and Innovation
Maria E. Vann
Director of Regional History Museums and Asst. Director of the Division of State History Museums
Maria Vann has led some of the Division’s most complex initiatives with exceptional efficiency, innovation, and professionalism. During a major leadership transition at the North Carolina Museum of History, she ensured continuity and stability, offering what colleagues described as “a steady and welcoming presence” during a pivotal period of change.
Maria has since overseen seven regional museums, rapidly filling key leadership positions, advancing capital projects, and strengthening stakeholder relationships statewide. Her innovative response to Hurricane Helene exemplifies her leadership: she coordinated an efficient artifact rescue, secured a temporary facility, and guided the Mountain Gateway Museum to a successful reopening through collaboration and swift decision-making.
Across every challenge, Maria approaches her work with her “trademark grit, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to service.” Through thoughtful planning, decisive action, and collaborative leadership, Maria Vann has advanced North Carolina’s museum system with lasting impact.
For Excellence in Outstanding State Government Service
RoAnn Bishop
Site Manager, Mountain Gateway Museum
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, RoAnn Bishop immediately began assessing damage to the facility and coordinating recovery, despite total destruction of offices, desktops, laptops, phones, and communications systems. Working from the museum’s porch or the historic Morgan Cabin with no running water, limited power, and poor cell service, she coordinated with leadership in Raleigh.
Through it all RoAnn found the contractors we needed, arranged bids, and located the temporary space they now occupy. According to a colleague, “She accomplished in weeks what would have overwhelmed anyone, doing so with extraordinary resourcefulness and dedication.” When others might have said, “this is beyond us,” she continued to work tirelessly under conditions no one should endure, ensuring the museum’s operations could resume and the community could be served.
RoAnn’s unwavering commitment, resilience, and selfless service exemplify the highest standards of customer care and leadership. Her efforts not only restored critical services but also reinforced the trust and confidence of those who rely on the Mountain Gateway Museum.
For Excellence in Safety and Heroism
Bill Stanley
Superintendent of Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
On the night of May 30, 2025, Superintendent Bill Stanley responded to a report of an individual pacing near the Bullocksville Campground restroom while displaying a firearm. Upon arrival, Bill encountered an individual matching the description who refused to comply with verbal commands. Demonstrating exceptional judgment and calm under pressure, he “quickly closed the distance, drew to a low ready position, and safely took the individual into custody—discovering a loaded handgun in his waistband.”
Unbeknownst to Bill at the time, the individual had been pointing a green laser sight into multiple campsites, alarming visitors. The situation could have ended in tragedy had it not been for, as a colleague described “Bill’s steady leadership, quick thinking, and deep familiarity with the park.” His decisive actions prevented potential harm to both the individual and the public, reflecting extraordinary dedication to safety and service.
Bill’s courage, professionalism, and rapid decision-making exemplify the highest standards of public safety. His ability to remain calm under pressure, assess risk, and act effectively ensured a safe outcome for everyone involved.
For Excellence in Customer Service
Valerie MacNabb
Information Desk Receptionist, NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Valerie MacNabb consistently goes above and beyond to enrich the guest experience. She greets every visitor warmly in English and Spanish, helps with wayfinding, addresses concerns, and even created a “Spanish for the Museum Glossary” to support her colleagues.
Valerie’s curiosity and dedication to learning are unmatched. She often says, “I don’t know the answer to that yet, but I can find out!” exemplifying her commitment to providing accurate, engaging information. Her inquisitive nature has led to tailored guest experiences and meaningful connections, such as introducing a student researching whales to the Mammalogy Collections Manager, which resulted in a summer internship.
Valerie’s kindness and attentiveness extend beyond typical duties. A colleague noted “Just by being herself, Valerie encourages everyone to be more welcoming, curious, and responsive to guests.”
For Embodying the Spirit of DNCR
Diana Mauney
Event Coordinator at the State Capitol
With her more than 20 years of “extraordinary service.”, Diana Mauney has been the backbone of countless events and programs at the Capitol, ensuring every detail—from budgets to logistics—is handled flawlessly. She describes herself as a "worker bee," and indeed, she approaches every task, big or small, with efficiency, care, and professionalism.
Diana’s dedication extends beyond event management. Her colleague said she “greets every patron, student, and colleague with a smile to help ensure they are safe and comfortable at the people’s house.” Her warmth and respect foster strong relationships across DNCR, other state departments, and the public. She consistently demonstrates empathy, collaboration, and organizational skill, making every visitor experience seamless and welcoming.
Her expertise, tireless work, and personal commitment to the Capitol’s beauty and accessibility embody the spirit of DNCR. Diana is a quiet yet steadfast pillar whose contributions are essential to the success of the Historic Sites Division and the Capitol. She has earned this recognition for her unwavering dedication, her professionalism, and the positive impact she has on everyone who works with her.
For Embodying the Spirit of DNCR
Mary Griffin
Park Ranger, South Mountain State Park
Mary Griffin is described by one colleague as “the best person I’ve ever worked with.” She has exemplified exceptional leadership, dedication, and compassion throughout her career. During the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, she stepped into a major leadership role at South Mountains State Park when no Park Superintendent was available. She coordinated staff, volunteers, and equipment, ensuring trails were cleared, fire lines maintained, and FEMA documentation completed.
Mary’s commitment to her team extends far beyond operational duties. She has mentored countless rangers, provided unwavering support in personal and professional crises, and serves as the division’s top firearms instructor, dedicating hours to training others.
Her leadership, mentorship, and selflessness make Mary not only an exceptional ranger but a beloved and respected figure across the parks division.
