By Kerri McDonald, Media Relations Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office
On Tuesday, the Chickasaw Nation hosted its annual employee service awards ceremony at the Ada Community Center. During the event, Natalie Harjo, of Oklahoma City, was announced as the 2007 Employee of the Year.
Ms. Harjo is a member of the housekeeping staff at Riverwind Casino in Norman. She has been employed with the Chickasaw Nation since 2006.
"It is such an honor to present this award each year," stated Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby. "Natalie Harjo exemplifies what hard work and dedicated service means. She is an excellent recipient of this distinction."
Ms. Harjo was nominated by her manager, Jan Curry. Ms. Curry stated that "Natalie always maintains a positive attitude. She comes to work, never late, with a smile on her face."
"Every supervisor that Natalie has worked for, including myself, has glowing remarks for her teamwork," Ms. Curry added.
Three of Ms. Harjo's immediate supervisors, Leona Johnson, Marty Humbarger and Mark Cournoyer, were in attendance when she received her award. They were all excited about Ms. Harjo's recognition.
"When they told us about this award," stated Mr. Cournoyer, "there was no doubt in any of our minds who to nominate. We are proud to have Natalie as a representative of Riverwind Casino and the Chickasaw Nation."
Outstanding customer service awards were also presented during the ceremony. The winners included Thalia Walton, who is employed in the Chickasaw Nation Health Systems pediatrics unit, and Carolyn Romberg, who serves as the assistant attorney general in the Chickasaw Nation Division of Justice. All three winners received recognition plaques for their outstanding service.
