Meet the October Facilities Management employees of the month

Ohio University Facilities Management and Safety (FMS) has announced the October 2019 awardees of its Employee of the Month program, which recognizes exceptional performance by its employees.

All OHIO employees are invited to nominate FMS employees for this award using the nomination form on the FMS website. Nominations will be accepted at any time during the year. 

This month’s winners are Garry Bowman, Jeremy Daniels, Larry Ervin and Tammy Matheny.

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Bowman, a custodial worker in Chubb Hall, was nominated by Brian Mershon, who wrote:

“Garry goes above and beyond by providing a clean building, friendly customer service and the willingness to help with anything I ask of him. He works hard, takes pride in his work and wants to learn all he can. He asks questions seeking knowledge to be a better asset for our team. He has a great attitude and is friendly, thoughtful and helpful.”

A closer look at Bowman:

What is your family like? I live with my wife, daughter, 10 dogs and four cats.

What do you like most about your job? Working with the other custodians.

What do you do in your spare time? I hunt raccoons, work as a firefighter and spend time with my family.

What is on your bucket list? Start my own craft and racoon hunting business.

Where do you see yourself in five years? As a manager.

How has OHIO helped you in your career development? It’s has prepared me for my future retirement and my family’s future.

What advice do you have for prospective OHIO candidates? Good jobs have good managers. It takes time to get to get into a spot as a new employee but keep your head up. Work with Brian Mershon because he’s a great boss.

What is something people don’t know about you? I’m learning how to make tumbler cups.

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Daniels, the Plumbing and Tunnel Shop manager, was nominated by Jason Mora, who wrote:    

“Jeremy has an incredible work habit and his willingness to help anyone does not go unnoticed. He often is the first to offer his help in any situation that arises. His knowledge of the Athens Campus water and sanitary line locations and steam tunnel system is a huge asset. He looks out for the betterment of the University as a whole and his willingness to help any and everybody is truly appreciated. He gives credit to his shop workers, sticks up for his team and takes full responsibility for anything that happens and that is a great attribute in a manager.”

A closer look at Daniels:

What is your family like? We love the outdoors.

What do you like most about your job? Providing customer service to students and staff from building repairs to new construction.

What do you do in your spare time? Hunt, fish, golf and camp with my family.

What is on your bucket list? To enjoy my family and life.

How has OHIO helped you in your career development? It has allowed me to attend workshops and classes.

Where do you see yourself in five years? Continuing to serve the University by improving anything I can for the better.

What advice do you have for prospective OHIO candidates? Know that as trying as it may be at times, the reason we are here is the students. Without them we don’t have a job.

What is your favorite part about working at OHIO? Making a difference.

What is something people don’t know about you? I’m a military veteran who has been married for 28 years. I have a son, a daughter, a son-in-law and a grandson.

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Ervin, who works in life safety, was nominated by Stephanie Ruth. This is a sampling of what she wrote:   

“Larry has repeatedly assisted me and campus end users throughout my career. He goes above and beyond to troubleshoot and provide information. He’s had to deal with panels and parts being obsolete, yet still finds parts to make the necessary repairs. He is honest, frank, determined and knowledgeable. He stays on top of things until they are completed and doesn’t quit until the customer is satisfied.”

A closer look at Ervin:

What is your family like? My wife, Missie, works as an administrative associate in the OHIO Film and Art schools. My son, Benjamin, is a senior English major at OHIO and my son, Jacob, is a junior African American Studies major at OHIO. My daughter, Rachel, is a senior at Nelsonville-York High School and is currently applying to attend OHIO.

What do you like most about your job? The people are the best part and are like a second family to me. I feel responsible for keeping them safe. We depend on each other to get kids in here, educate them and get them back safely to continue their lives. I love the work that I do.

What do you do in your spare time? I garden, read, sketch and cook. I also spend time with my family, bird watch and watch films.

What is on your bucket list? Raise my children and take care of my family.

How has OHIO helped you in your career development? The educational benefits have been beneficial. I have been allowed to develop the skills I need to do my job.

What advice do you have for prospective OHIO candidates? Do the best job that you can do so when you go home at night you feel good about yourself.

Where do you see yourself in five years? Still at the University doing what I’m doing now. I may be retired, I’m not sure. I’m also considering graduate school.

What is your favorite part about working at OHIO? My family being here with me and the feeling of community.

What is something people don’t know about you? I had a chance encounter with murder. Several years ago, I spent an afternoon sitting on a farmhouse porch with a man who was arrested two weeks later for being a serial killer. I thought he was a nice guy.

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Matheny, who works as a third shift custodian, was nominated by Chris Berry, who wrote:   

“Tammy provides a consistent quality cleaning to her areas. She engages staff to make sure they have the necessary tools and gives them comprehensive feedback. She asks questions to understand what needs to be done. She has a positive attitude and arrives ready to work. She is an asset to the third shift.”

A closer look at Matheny:

What is your family like? They are easy to get along with.

What do you do in your spare time? I work and shop at flea markets.

What is on your bucket list? To have a bucket filled with money. LOL!

How has OHIO helped you in your career development? Taught me to be productive.

Where do you see yourself in five years? Still working at the University.