Steven Johnston, Enterprise Systems training and development coordinator, has received the university’s 2017 President’s Award for Excellence.

The President’s Award for Excellence is presented annually to up to five Virginia Tech employees who have made extraordinary contributions by consistent excellence in the performance of their job or a single incident, contribution, or heroic act. Each recipient is awarded a $2,000 cash prize.

Johnston maintains the consistent operations of the Facilities Department’s work order system, HokieServ, which is the main entry point for all facilities jobs. Johnston also works with the facilities HR team to cultivate efficient processes that will simplify the enterprise system to reduce paperwork.

In order to give employees access to swift emergency updates and a method of communication, Johnston furnished housekeeping employees with iPod devices equipped with the VT LifeSafe App. The devices allow for continuous and immediate contact in case of emergency, access to the HokieServ system, as well as the VT Daily News and Facilities Newsletter.

“I wish all employees has the same commitment and focus as Steve. He doesn’t just come in and do his job, he is constantly making process improvements in his area within the Facilities Department as a whole,” wrote Heidi M. McCoy, deputy chief facilities officer, in a letter of nomination.

Forming a partnership with the College of Architecture and Urban Studies, Johnston developed design standards for asset information on new capital and renovation projects that allow for improved interaction with vendors. Johnston was nominated by his peers to receive the title of 2014 Facilities Employee of the Year.

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