TRENTON, NJ – Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner Gwendolyn L. Harris presented awards to two department employees from Bergen County for individual and/or team awards this year at the State’s Public Service Recognition Program. There were 29 honorees in all from DHS.

Donna Maria Whelan of Upper Saddle River and Julliet Borgersen of Ramsey both received the Customer Service Excellence Award. Whelan works for the Division of Developmental Disabilities for the Upper Central Regional Office. Since April 2001, she has coordinated the distribution of therapy services through the region’s Integrated Therapeutic Network. Borgersen works for the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) Hudson County social service community. She plans to retire in July after 40 years of service.

Over 1,500 state workers gathered at the Trenton War Memorial for the Annual NJ State Public Service Recognition Awards Ceremony, which included a pre-ceremony breakfast, compliments of the NJ Department of Personnel, which organizes the annual event.

Representatives from 26 state departments and agencies meet monthly throughout the year to identify programs, awards and events to recognize and honor public employees. The program culminates in an annual statewide celebration to honor public service award recipients, held during National Public Service Recognition Week in May. Program award categories include Longevity, Co-Worker Recognition; Team Work Partnership, and Customer Service Excellence. The State award categories include Heroism, Exceptional Service, Community Service, and Professional Achievement. This program also includes a national award coordinated by the National Public Service Roundtable in Washington DC.

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