There’s a bright spot in the midst of these challenging economic times: the New Mexico Department of Transportation’s Equipment Section, which facilitates the disposal of used equipment, this year brought in the highest-ever amount of revenue for the agency through public sales and auctions.

Since July, these sales and auctions have generated $1.4 million — money that goes into the state’s road fund. The Equipment Section consists of Carol Ross, Steve Urioste, Ronald Trujillo, Lou Garafolo and Antonio Velasco.

The team, described by nominators as “hardworking, dedicated employees,” was recognized as the employee section of the quarter in the department’s General Office.

Engineer Jeff Mann was named General Office supervisor of the quarter. Mann was singled out for his “valuable engineering skills and knowledge,” which help ensure the ability of New Mexico’s roads to accommodate heavy commercial loads and minimize premature cracking and failures, his nominators said.

They added that Mann is a “highly motivated employee who works exceptionally well with all NMDOT personnel and contractors.”

As administrator for the Department of Transportation’s Maintenance Bureau, Nancy Romero works behind the scenes in virtually everything the bureau accomplishes, according to those who nominated her as the latest General Office employee of the quarter.

“Nancy very competently handles a vital job that consists of varied and complex tasks,” her nominators said, including utilizing the state’s computerized financial and human resources system and assisting with hiring procedures, training, employee evaluations and purchase of supplies.

And she does it all with a friendly smile, Romero’s co-workers said.

John Hulkonen recently joined the State Land Office as its new financial manager in the Commercial Resources Division.

The division handles leasing sales and exchanges of state trust land. Hulkonen most recently served as acting director of economic development and business development for the Pueblo of Sandia.

Prior to that, he worked in the private sector in community development and real estate.

Also new to the State Land Office is petroleum engineer Anchor Holm. With 45 years of engineering and geological experience in the oil and gas industry, Holm was hired as a geoscientist in the Mineral Resources Division here in Santa Fe.

Two Santa Fe-based New Mexico State Parks employees were among those honored for individual achievement during the agency’s annual fall training.

Christy Tafoya, acting Field Support Bureau chief, and Mike McFadden, statewide construction supervisor, received Director’s Awards as “employees who set and meet high standards and high performance levels.”

Other awards presented include the prestigious Ranger of the Year Award, which went to Ranger Robert Gonzales of Elephant Butte State Park for his leadership in promoting public safety at the lake.

If you have news about a public employee, contact Gussie Fauntleroy at gussie7@fairpoint.net.