Corps of Engineers recognizes Pine Springs, Minnesota, resident

ST. PAUL, Minn. –The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, selected Tom Novak as one of its three Civil Servants of the Year for 2019.

The St. Paul District presents this award annually to the top three or four employees of its nearly 700-person staff. Novak, recently retired with more than 31 years of service with the federal government. He ended his career as a senior project manager and the manager for the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program.

Novak was nominated for the “Leadership” award for his commitment to mentor, train and inspire the employees around him. Under his leadership, nearly 30 environmental restoration projects across Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa were completed. Many of these projects involved working with a diverse stakeholder group across multiple states that resulted in the enhancement of the Mississippi River — a nationally significant environmental resource.

"Tom is an outstanding leader within the organization,” said Nate Wallerstedt, St. Paul District project management branch chief and Novak’s supervisor. “He works hard to accomplish the mission while helping others grow and develop in the process. He never shies away from challenging situations, and he will bring all the project stakeholders together to develop a plan that is beneficial to all. He is highly trusted and respected by those that work with him."                                   

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my career here at the St. Paul District,” said Novak. “It has gone by way too fast. I was very fortunate to work with so many talented team members through the years and feel like I am taking away so much more than what I brought to this great organization.” 

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