By-Line: Brittany Kershaw, Director of Communications & Marketing
In an afternoon filled with recognition, the City of Palm Coast hosted its highly anticipated Employee Honors Ceremony on Friday, December 6, 2024, at The Stage in Town Center. Organized by the Wellness, Health, and Morale (WHAM) Team, the event shone a spotlight on the city’s dedicated staff, celebrating their unwavering commitment and outstanding service throughout the year.
The ceremony included the thrilling announcement of Daniel Niemann, Lead Operator at Wastewater Treatment Plant #1, as the 2024 Employee of the Year! Daniel’s exceptional work ethic, inspiring leadership, and heartfelt dedication to the Palm Coast community set him apart as a true champion among a fantastic group of monthly honorees. His peers and city leaders alike celebrated his remarkable contributions, making the moment unforgettable.
Adding to the excitement, the ceremony also honored the City’s Employees of the Month, each of whom has made significant strides in enhancing city operations and elevating the quality of life for residents. From Mary Kronenberg’s dedication in December 2023 to Brittany Vitale’s outstanding efforts in November 2024, each monthly honoree brought their unique talents and passion to their roles:
- December 2023: Mary Kronenberg
- January 2024: Rob Sandberg
- February 2024: Patrick Appolonia
- March 2024: Lee Thomas
- April 2024: Monica Ayala Diaz
- May 2024: Benny Cope
- June 2024: Daniel Niemann
- July 2024: Eric Gebo
- August 2024: Christopher Rabatin
- September 2024: Dylan Combs
- October 2024: Marvin Calderon
- November 2024: Brittany Vitale
Launched in late 2023, the Employee of the Month program has become a beloved tradition, spotlighting those who consistently go above and beyond to serve the community with excellence and heart.
The celebration also paid tribute to employees reaching significant service milestones, honoring their long-term dedication and loyalty. From 1-year anniversaries to an incredible 35 years of service by Eugene McAdams, each milestone was met with applause and gratitude, highlighting the backbone of Palm Coast’s success—its people.
“We’re thrilled to honor Dan as our Employee of the Year! His incredible dedication, strong leadership, and commitment to making a difference in our community are truly inspiring,” exclaimed Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston. “Congratulations to Dan, our fantastic Employees of the Month, and everyone celebrating service milestones this year. Your hard work and passion are what makes Palm Coast such a vibrant and wonderful place to live, learn, work, and play!”
The City of Palm Coast extends its heartfelt gratitude to all its employees for their outstanding contributions to the community. This vibrant celebration not only honors individual achievements but also reinforces the strong, supportive spirit that makes Palm Coast shine. Congratulations to this year’s honorees – your dedication lights up our city!
