Human Resources

Employee of the Month

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  October 2025: Kary Gedge

  I nominate Kary Gedge for employee of the month. Kary Gedge is a highly motivated individual who rolls up his sleeves and devotes his time, energy and talents to getting a job done. Kary is skilled in solving problems and making things run smoother while encouraging and uplifting others. Kary has a contagious positive attitude and a can-do personality that motivates others to be better. Kary has the State Tax Code memorized, well almost… His well worn, marked and highlighted copy of the State Tax Code is his work bible. He wants to know and follow the law and be fair to all taxpayers. He takes his stewardship in valuing properties seriously and with a smile at the same time. Kary’s stature is more than his physical height, it is his reputation he has gained by using his abilities and kind heart.

  Kary has helped many co-workers jump-start their cars, fix flat tires, haul items to their home and let them use his truck. He will haul his tractor to dig and rototill after work and on the weekends. Kary is an example of service and those who have a relationship with him have struck gold. The Assessor’s Office and Utah County are fortunate to have Kary as an employee and advocate.

  -Diane Garcia

  Kary Gedge is an invaluable employee at Utah County. As our Valuation Manager, he consistently works with speed, dedication, and professionalism, often working long hours to ensure the job gets done right. He handles the public with ease and professionalism, even in challenging situations, and never hesitates to jump in and solve problems quickly and effectively. He has an ability to diffuse tense moments, especially with frustrated taxpayers. Kary is patient and very committed to doing his best.

  Kary brings unique energy to the workplace. His wit and humor keep spirits high, making the office a more enjoyable place to be. Kary is especially good at lighthearted joking that keeps the mood positive without ever slowing down the work. He knows how to strike the perfect balance between keeping things fun and keeping things productive.

  He is a caring coworker who goes out of his way to recognize and celebrate others’ contributions, never seeking credit for himself.

  With his positive outlook and open-mindedness, Kary approaches every challenge with a solution-oriented mindset and encourages others to do the same. His passion for his work is contagious, motivating and energizing those around him.

  -Liz Hawkins

  I would like to nominate Kary Gedge for the Assessor’s Office employee of the month. I believe Kary has more than earned it.

  Kary is a natural leader, a very hard worker, and extremely intelligent. As the valuation manager, he was successful in leading his team to complete valuations for the 2025 assessment roll well before the due date. Since becoming the valuation manager, he has quickly earned the respect of not only his own team, but the Assessor’s Office as a whole.

  Kary does everything with the most positive and forward-thinking attitude. He is extremely organized and will take on anything, even the most challenging projects or situations. Kary is very caring about people, and is always dedicating his time to helping others, both in and out of the office. He has a way of diffusing difficult situations, which I have witnessed several times in Board of Equalization hearings.

  Kary really is a model of positivity, teamwork, hard work, dedication, kindness, and humor that we should all strive to follow. He is an invaluable asset to the Assessor’s Office, and to Utah County as a whole.

  -Christina Dobecki

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  2024 Employee of the Year: Crystal Thorne

  I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Crystal Thorne for the Employee of the Month award. Crystal has consistently demonstrated outstanding qualities that align perfectly with the mission of the Children’s Justice Center. One of Crystal's most commendable strengths is their exceptional collaboration skills. In various team projects, Crystal has consistently gone above and beyond to foster a cooperative and inclusive environment. Her ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with team members from different teams and agencies has significantly contributed to the overall well-being of the child victims and families in our community.

  Moreover, Crystal possesses remarkable communication skills, which are especially crucial when working with child victims. Her ability to convey empathy and understanding while ensuring appropriate boundaries has made a profound impact on the children we serve. Crystal has shown an unwavering commitment to providing support in a manner that is sensitive to the unique needs of each child, creating a safe and trusting environment.

  Furthermore, Crystal has proven to be an invaluable mentor to their multidisciplinary team members. Her willingness to share knowledge, provide guidance, and offer constructive feedback has greatly enhanced the professional development of her colleagues. Crystal's mentorship style encourages a collaborative and learning-oriented atmosphere, fostering growth and cohesion within the team.

  One of the standout qualities of Crystal is her relaxed and even temperament. In high-pressure situations, Crystal maintains composure, providing a calming influence on the team. This ability to stay calm under pressure has not only contributed to a positive work environment but has also been instrumental in resolving challenges efficiently.

  One of Crystal’s most notable qualities is her empathetic and adaptable nature. She is not only a good listener but also make a conscious effort to validate the perspectives and contributions of all team members. This creates a collaborative and inclusive work environment, where everyone feels heard and valued.

  In conclusion, Crystal is an exceptional employee and coworker who consistently exemplifies great collaboration skills, communication skills, sensitivity when working with child victims, and mentorship abilities. Her relaxed and even temperament in the face of challenges sets a standard for professionalism and leadership within the Children’s Justice Center.

  I am confident that Crystal is more than deserving of the Employee of the Month recognition. Thank you for considering my recommendation.

  Sincerely,

  Children’s Justice Center

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