David Simmons is Awarded the Virginia Tech Leadership Award

by Anne-Marie Bracken

On Thursday, May 7, 2009, Virginia Tech's Associate Vice President for Human Resources, Hal Irvin, presented Dave Simmons with the Virginia Tech Staff Leadership Award. Co-sponsored by Human Resources, University Organizational & Professional, and the Commission for Staff Policies and Affairs, this award recognizes strong leadership qualities among non-student wage, classified and university staff employees. It acknowledges employees who regularly demonstrate the behaviors of a strong leader in support of the goals of the university, college/VP area or department.

Dave Simmons is the manager of ESM's Machine Shop and therefore interacts with students (both within ESM and throughout other departments and Virginia Tech colleges), as well as faculty and staff members. He supports ESM senior level students as they work on their senior design projects. Paul Siburt, Dave's direct supervisor, stated that "He helps them convert imagination into engineering." Dave also works with graduate students as they design and create machinery for their experiments.

In the aftermath of 4/16, Dave Simmons was at the forefront of the emergency team of people ensuring that everyone was taken care of whether it was relocating offices, lab facilities or just providing an understanding ear and a broad shoulder to lean on. Dave's compassionate nature coupled with a practical aptitude enables him to provide assistance in finding solutions to many issues.

ESM is proud of Dave Simmons' accomplishments and fortunate to have him on our team. His contributions to our department are invaluable to our success.

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