TSS and DEQ employees win Governor’s Employee of the Month award for April and May

August 17, 2018

Aaron J. Tohtsoni

Gila River Indian News

Two Community employees, Ryan Eberle and Boyd Chewing, were recognized by the Executive Office as the Governor Employees of the Month for April and May, respectively. The pair was presented with commemorative plaques by Lt. Gov. Robert Stone.

Eberle is the Department of Environmental Quality Air Program Manager. He was instrumental in helping the Community qualify for millions of dollars from a national Volkswagen Settlement, in which the German manufacturer deceived customers.

The settlement set up a trust fund to help Tribes purchase new low emission vehicles, replacing older high emission diesel vehicles. 

The entire process was complex with short deadlines, multiple forms, incorrect instructions and last minute requests. It appeared the complex process was designed to set applicants up for failure. Not deterred, Eberle worked tirelessly, past regular work hours and on the weekends to ensure that GRIC was eligible for the funds set up by the settlement.

Because of Eberle, the Community will now be able to purchase new vehicles at no cost by ensuring that GRIC was eligible despite the many hurdles.

Chewing works with Tribal Social Services as a CPS worker and was nominated for being a great team player who is passionate about his work. He helps his fellow colleagues by walking new CPS workers through the steps for different types of investigations. He also helps them meet strict court document deadlines.

He was also praised for being able to keep his cool in difficult situations and remains polite to whomever he comes into contact with. In addition, he is always trying to help his clients in any way that he possibly can.

The Governor Employee of the Month is available through Human Resources’ employment development program and is due on the 15th of each month.