Maricopa County launches 'Rising Stars' awards, honors five early-career employees

Maricopa County on Wednesday presented the inaugural cohort of its Rising Stars program, a board-backed initiative to recognize and develop early-career county employees.

Chairman Thomas Galvin said the program is intended to recognize “outstanding Maricopa County employees who are poised to become the next generation of county leaders.” HR Director Emily Parish told the board the program solicited nominations from appointing authorities and targeted employees with fewer than seven years of service who demonstrate leadership potential. Twenty-three nominations came from 18 appointed departments this year; five winners were chosen after a review of nomination packets and essays.

The five employees recognized were Jason Booth (Parks and Recreation, Hassayampa River Preserve), Kai (Kawekoa/Kai Kalikoa) (Equipment Services, Fleet Parts Supervisor), Joanne Moline (Human Resources Group Manager), Zach Norenberg (Budget Manager, Office of Budget and Finance) and Kim (Powell/Pell) (Communications Supervisor, Animal Care and Control). Each winner will receive a financial incentive and a professional-development stipend, and HR will coordinate engagement opportunities with board members and county executives.

Chairman Galvin and HR Director Parish presented plaques and described each recipient’s work and nominations; department leaders accompanied honorees to the dais for photographs. Parish said the program will repeat annually, and HR will build cohort programming to support retention and development of high-performing early-career staff.

The board offered formal thanks and applause for the awardees and for HR staff who designed and managed the selection process.