Region RAVES about employees

August 01, 2025

Waterloo Region – Recipients of the Region’s Employee Awards for Values Excellence, also known as RAVE awards, were recognized at Regional Council today for their outstanding contributions to the Region. 

Service, integrity, respect, innovation and collaboration are all values which guide how staff and Regional Council work with citizens, customers, colleagues and community partners.  

“Regional Council encourages, supports and indeed expects high standards for its employees because it believes in them and because our community deserves no less,” said Regional Chair Ken Seiling. “These awards highlight just a few of the many examples where this is happening and why we are so proud of Regional employees.” 

The 17 award recipients were celebrated for everything from staying with families in distress on New Year’s Eve to a kind bus driver who went above and beyond for an elderly bus passenger. They were recognized for the tremendous collaboration involved in developing the Museum’s new galleries and exhibits, for reducing greenhouse gases, improving the Region’s water system, launching the Region’s Open Data program, and for innovations that have saved thousands of dollars through energy efficiencies.

“I was pleased to see over 200 employees nominated for their exceptional work that demonstrates our values in action. Our staff take pride in the fact that the Region makes a positive difference every day in our community. It’s what motivates all of us,” said Mike Murray, Chief Administrative Officer. 

These employees were recognized in the following categories:

  • Carolyn Hilborn Vasco, Property Manager, Housing Service – Service Excellence Award
  • Oriana Sharp, Manager of Information Management & Archives – Collaboration Award
  • Kaoru Yajima, Senior Project Engineer, Water Services – Innovation Award
  • Lee Ann Paiva, Case Aide, Employment and Income Support – Service Excellence Award
  • Brian Stahle, Supervisor, Facilities Operations – Integrity Award
  • Diana Fox, Sharon Michael and Sheryl Wilk, Team of Healthy Babies Healthy Children Program Trainers, Public Health – Innovation Award
  • Kathleen Barsoum, Waste Management Coordinator – Respect Award
  • Roger Mitchell, Chief Building Operator, Facilities – Innovation Award
  • Lorraine Eisenporth, Community Relations Worker, Housing Service – Collaboration Award
  • Robert Arseneault, Bus Operator, Grand River Transit (GRT) – Respect Award
  • James Jensen, Philip Ower, Richard Fuller, Stacy McLennan and Thomas Reitz, Waterloo Region Museum Exhibit Team – Collaboration Award

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For further information please contact:
Bryan Stortz, Director, Corporate Communications, 519 575-4408