The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio presented awards to honor exceptional advocacy, support and legal work in 2018

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio presented awards to honor exceptional advocacy, support and legal work on behalf of the district’s six million residents in 2018.

“These awards recognize the best efforts put forth by our office on behalf of the citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “Whether it’s combating violent crime, protecting taxpayers, trying to curb the tide of the opioid epidemic, just to name a few, these employees embody the best of public service.”

Details of the award winners are below:

Assistant United States Attorney of the Year: Patricia Fitzgerald was recognized for exceptional overall performance, taking into account all the required responsibilities in the performance of the person’s duties, which demonstrates a superior commitment to the interests of justice, and the mission of the United States Attorney’s Office.

Support of the Year: Janeth Herman was recognized for exceptional overall performance, taking into account all the required responsibilities in the performance of the person’s duties, which demonstrates a superior commitment to the interests of justice, and the mission of the United States Attorney’s Office.

Administrative Support of the Year: Judy Spar was recognized for exceptional overall performance, which demonstrates a superior commitment in the execution of the person’s duties.

Bill Edwards Career Award: Lisa Hammond Johnson and Robert Kern were recognized as an AUSA with more than 15 years of experience who has demonstrated superior professionalism in the execution of the AUSA’s duties, and excellence in leadership and mentorship throughout the person’s career.

Roberta Sladick Career Award: Marilyn McKean was recognized as a support staff person with more than 15 years of experience who has demonstrated superior professionalism in the execution of the support staff’s duties, and excellence in leadership and mentorship throughout the person’s career.

Excellence in Criminal Advocacy: Megan Miller was recognized for exceptional advocacy. Nominees were considered for their professionalism, the difficulty of the legal arguments briefed or argued, and any other challenging case-related circumstances, regardless of verdict or court opinion.

Excellence in Civil Advocacy: Angelita Cruz Bridges was recognized for exceptional advocacy. Nominees were considered for their professionalism, the difficulty of the legal arguments briefed or argued, and any other challenging case-related circumstances, regardless of verdict or court opinion.

Excellence in Criminal Support: Sarah VanDromme was recognized for exceptional overall performance.

Excellence in Civil Support: Linda Bartolozzi was recognized for exceptional overall performance.

Excellence in Paralegal Support: Sarah Perkins was recognized for exceptional overall performance.  

Excellence in Administrative Support: Heidi Lyons was recognized for exceptional overall performance.

New AUSA Award: Ranya Elzein was recognized for exceptional overall performance for a person with less than five years of experience who demonstrates a superior commitment and significant growth in the execution of the person’s duties.

New Support Award: Albion Manellari was recognized for exceptional overall performance for a person with less than five years of experience who demonstrates a superior commitment and significant growth in the execution of the person’s duties.

Jane Corrigan Award: Torrey Steele is recognizes as the supportive staff member who is always professional, ready to help other in the performance of their duties, who expresses a “can-do” attitude, and whose demeanor is always engaging.