2025 Employee of the Year

December 17, 2025 — People and Internal Operations

On December 15, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced the recipients of the Sean McCrackine Above and Beyond Award and the No Wrong Door Customer Service Excellence Award before a standing-room-only audience in the Board of County Commission Chambers. Joined by family, friends, and colleagues, nominees gathered to learn who had been selected.

Congratulations to the nominees and winners. View the photos from the ceremony.

Sean McCrackine Above and Beyond Award

• Antwane L. Thurston, Winner
  Department of Solid Waste Management
  Displays unwavering dedication to public service and hands-on, motivational leadership emphasizing accountability, teamwork, and service excellence. Leading with integrity, mentoring with intention, and delivering results with impact. Receives $1,000, a commemorative plaque and five days of Administrative Leave.
• April P. Rogers, 1st Runner Up
  Housing and Community Development
  Demonstrates continued effort to improve the lives of thousands low-income residents while elevating the standard of public service, strengthening public trust in local government, and leading with purpose, compassion, and integrity. Receives a commemorative plaque and three days of Administrative Leave.
• Dr. Quina H. Munson, 2nd Runner Up
  Corrections and Rehabilitation Department
  Exhibits extraordinary commitment to the well-being of staff and goes beyond duty through groundbreaking programs that have made a lasting impact on organizational culture and the lives of countless employees. Receives a commemorative plaque and three days of Administrative Leave.
• Dr. Cassandra T. Arnold, 3rd Runner Up
  Office of the Mayor
  Plays a key role in shaping and implementing the County’s vision for a more inclusive, just, and responsive government. A solutions-driven leader with a community-first mindset who demonstrates that leadership is about service, not spotlight. Receives a commemorative plaque and three days of Administrative Leave.

No Wrong Door Customer Service Excellence Award

• Jeannette J. Vazquez, Winner
  Office of the Mayor
  Embodies exceptional public service through selfless dedication and an unwavering commitment to ensure every resident, visitor, and colleague feels seen, heard, and respected. Receives commemorative plaque, $1,000 and five days of Administrative Leave.
• Taycha Santos, 1st Runner Up
  Housing and Community Development
  Serves as a trusted and compassionate advocate for the residents of Miami-Dade County, particularly the most vulnerable populations. Providing timely, effective support with kindness, respect, and dignity. Receives commemorative plaque and three days of Administrative Leave.
• Christina M. Tassy, 2nd Runner Up
  Department of Cultural Affairs
  Creates youth-centric programs that benefit more than 300,000 children and families annually through artistic services and experiences. Receives commemorative plaque and three days of Administrative Leave.
• Ruben Arce, Jr., 3rd Runner Up
  Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department
  Committed to providing exceptional customer service, operational excellence, and meaningful community impact with unwavering focus and professionalism. Receives commemorative plaque and three days of Administrative Leave.

Here is the list of employees nominated by their respective departments who will be recognized:

Sean McCrackine Above and Beyond Award Nominees:

• Vivian Alfonso, Seaport Department
• Cassandra T. Arnold, Office of the Mayor
• Robert J. Fatora, Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources
• Ana M. Finol, Aviation Department
• Victor M. Jenkins, Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department
• JoAnna Kelly, Communications, Information and Technology Department
• Michael Leiva, Animal Services Department
• Edgar Martin, Water and Sewer Department
• Quina H. Munson, Corrections and Rehabilitation Department
• Adriana S. Perez, Department of Cultural Affairs
• April P. Rogers, Housing and Community Development
• Noel A. Ruiz, Communications, Information and Technology Department
• Nikita D. Shannon, Economic Advocacy Trust
• Francisco Suarez, People and Internal Operations Department
• Antwane L. Thurston, Department of Solid Waste Management
• Daniel T. Wall, Office of Management and Budget
• Mary E. Zaney, Medical Examiner Department

No Wrong Door Customer Service Excellence Award Nominees:

• Ruben Arce Jr., Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department
• Angelica M. Arias, Communications, Information and Technology Department
• Joseph Bolufe, Department of Solid Waste Management
• Grace M. Ferreira, Office of Management and Budget
• Tiffany J. Fields, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue
• Christine M. Garcia, People and Internal Operations Department
• Frederick R. Lazo, Water and Sewer Department
• Cesar Ledesma, Aviation Department
• Jose M. Marticorena, Communications, Information and Technology Department
• Cheryl C. Mizell, Citizens' Independent Transportation Trust
• Taycha Santos, Housing and Community Development
• Christina M. Tassy, Department of Cultural Affairs
• Georgina Vargas, Animal Services Department
• Jeannette J. Vazquez, Office of the Mayor
• Geneva Wallen, Community Services Department
• Dionisia A. Whitfield, Seaport Department

Background on the Sean McCrackine Above and Beyond Award

Sean McCrackine served Miami-Dade County for almost 29 years in various roles. He entered the County in 1995 as a project assistant in DERM, where over seven years, he cultivated a deep respect for the environment.

As a policy aide for then Commissioner Katy Sorenson, and the legislative Director for then Commissioner Jean Monestime, he laid the groundwork for many initiatives in place today, including a Chief Resilience Officer; expanded solar and EV; protection of Biscayne Bay, trees, canals, and agriculture, and so much more.

His profound love of our environment and unwavering commitment to our community were on display each and every day. Sean took dozens of policy aides under his wing, growing the next generation of legislative leaders. He pushed environmental advocates, facilitating the type of progress only possible through meaningful partnership.

The award named in his honor seeks to recognize an exemplary employee who demonstrates the same strengths and commitment to public service and community.

Background on the No Wrong Door Customer Service Excellence Award

We embrace a "No Wrong Door" approach across all County departments and with key community partners to ensure that individuals are directed to the services that best meet their needs—regardless of their first point of contact. Whether someone connects with the County or a community partner, they experience a seamless, comprehensive, and compassionate delivery of government services.

This approach reflects our ongoing commitment to building a network of integrated services that empowers all members of the community. The employees recognized with this award contribute to that mission through their dedication, creativity, and hard work.