Jyll Smith
We are proud to announce the 2013 NextGen Leadership Award goes to Jyll Smith, Stakeholder Engagement Specialist, Oregon Department of Transportation
We had 100+ great submissions from across the country but our judges had Jyll as the clear winner. She had two amazing nominations submitted for her (full nominations below) describing how Jyll has done an amazing quantity, quality, and variety of work in Oregon leading communication for over 170 projects with the State Bridge Delivery Program, led the ODOT social media working group and award-winning blog, and as one of her nominees said “the best part of working on projects with Jyll is how much fun she makes it!”
See our video below as Dave Uejio, YGL President and myself (Steve Ressler, President of GovLoop) we provide the award
Nomination 1 – Jyll is an outstanding leader, coach and role model for the Oregon Department of Transportation. She has proven her skills through leading the public involvement and communications for over 170 projects with the State Bridge Delivery Program and most recently in her new position supporting the future development of the department. Jyll is dedicated to clearly informing the public of issues and projects that might affect them and sets a strong example for how to effectively engage the public. She has provided her expertise to executives and managers for communications, issues management and community outreach. She has led the ODOT social media working group and has managed ODOT’s award winning blog. The best part of working on projects with Jyll is how much fun she makes it! She is creative, a hard worker and efficient. She makes sure the tasks get done in a timely manner and is always willing to pitch in to provide an extra set of hands to get the project done. Jyll truly makes a difference at the Oregon Department of Transportation and I highly recommend her for the 2013 Next Generation of Government Leadership Award.
Nomination 2- Jyll Smith’s success on the $1.3 billion Oregon Transportation Investment Act, a 10-year program to repair or replace hundreds of aging state-owned bridges, makes her an outstanding candidate. For the past six years, Jyll travelled around Oregon, working with local agencies, communities and tribal organizations. Jyll deftly balanced OTIA III goals to strengthen infrastructure, improve traffic flow and stimulate the economy while ensuring projects value heritage and history Oregon’s quality of life during the largest highway construction program since the interstate system was built in the 1960s. A 22-person staff led ODOT’s largest outsourcing effort in history instead of filling 600 new positions to deliver OTIA III in-house. Jyll: Collaborated with Ashland’s business community on the new Interstate 5 bridges, safeguarding the community’s unique Art Deco theme and Shakespearean roots. Partnered with Troutdale residents (artists, naturalists, historians, cyclists, bird-watchers and fishing enthusiasts) on the Sandy River Bridges. Led Eugene-area volunteer groups on the I-5 Willamette River Bridge replacement project, ensuring recognition of the area’s cultural significance to the Kalapuya tribe. In part due to Jyll’s efforts, OTIA III has received nearly four dozen awards for its innovative and effective approach to construction, public outreach and community engagement.
