Mayor to Present May 2025 Awards of Excellence

Published on September 08, 2025

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird today will present the Mayor’s Award of Excellence for May 2025 to Jennifer Hiatt, Planner II, Urban Development Department and Brandi Lehl, Assistant City Clerk, Finance Department. The awards will be presented at 3 p.m. at the beginning of the City Council meeting at the County-City Building, 555 S. 10th Street. The awards recognize City employees who consistently provide exemplary service and work that demonstrates personal commitment to Lincoln.

Hiatt and Lehl were nominated in the Economic Opportunity category for their work to promote and support the City’s food truck zone initiative. Hiatt was nominated by Hallie Salem, Redevelopment Manager, Urban Development Department; and Lehl was nominated by Hiatt.

Salem wrote in her nomination that Hiatt promoted the initiative, collaborated with other departments, and was present onsite to manage any issues as they arose. Hiatt’s energy, resourcefulness, and dedication to supporting small businesses through public spaces have had a meaningful impact on our local economy, Salem said.

Hiatt noted that Lehl offered proactive solutions, helped streamline the rollout, and ensured a smooth process for vendors. Her outstanding support, especially to first-time entrepreneurs, has helped small businesses thrive and added new energy to Lincoln’s streets, she said.

The categories in which employees can be nominated are:

  • Community Engagement – Fostering community member involvement and participation in local governance
  • Sustainability and Resilience – Promoting environmental stewardship and strengthening the City’s sustainability efforts
  • Inclusion and Belonging – Advancing equity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging within City government and our community
  • Public Health and Safety – Enhancing public health, safety, and emergency preparedness
  • Economic Opportunity – Supporting local businesses, workforce development, and economic growth
  • Education and Lifelong Learning – Expanding educational opportunities and promoting lifelong learning
  • Civic Innovation – Creating and implementing new solutions that improve municipal services
  • Youth Empowerment – Encouraging young leaders and increasing youth involvement in the community
  • Cultural Vitality – Enriching Lincoln’s cultural landscape through the arts, historic preservation, and storytelling
  • Fiscal Stewardship – Demonstrating exemplary management of public resources through efficiency and accountability
  • Customer Service Excellence – Providing outstanding service to residents and enhancing their experience with City services
  • Valor and Bravery – Displaying extraordinary courage and dedication in the line of duty

Consideration also may be given to nominations that demonstrate self-initiated accomplishments or those completed outside of the nominee’s job description. All City employees are eligible for the award except for elected and appointed officials. 

Individuals or teams can be nominated by supervisors, peers, subordinates, and the public. Nomination forms are available at lincoln.ne.gov/awardofexcellence or from department heads, employee bulletin boards or the Human Resources Department, which oversees the awards program.

All nominations are considered by the Mayor’s Award of Excellence Committee, which includes a representative with each union and a non-union representative appointed by the Mayor. Award winners receive a $100 gift certificate, a day off with pay and a certificate. All monthly winners and nominees are eligible to receive the annual award, which comes with a $500 gift certificate, two days off with pay and a certificate.

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