April 3, 2008

Twelve DHS employees, all members of the Bridges Test Team, earned Star Awards from Michigan Department of Human Services. The awards were presented during the department's annual employee award program April 1 in Lansing.

"Star Award winners represent the best and brightest," DHS Director Ismael Ahmed said. "These people go above and beyond to help coworkers, their clients and the public better access benefits in our system. They help define the DHS as an engine for good in Michigan."

The Bridges Test Team tested applications on the upcoming Bridges eligibility and payment program to determine its fit for employees and to help debug problems before the computerized application goes online. The 12 additional team members are listed alphabetically by hometown:

• Darlene Salk from Allentown.
• Ann Chapaton from Armada.
• Mary Jenkins from Eaton Rapids.
• John Stafford from Ferrysburg.
• Kathleen Pabst from Grand Ledge.
• Jane Leask from Holt.
• Michael Criner, Lou Ann Macauley and Patti Patterson from Lansing.
• Candy Calvert from Leslie.
• Kim Thelen from Pewamo.
• Abbe Mulholland from Webberville.

For more information, go to the DHS Web site.