After most staff in the Community Food and Nutrition Assistance bureau left for one reason or another, Teresa Skaggs stepped up to fill all the necessary gaps.
For making sure the Summer Food Service Program went on according to schedule, Rob Hargis and Angela Fritch from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services nominated her for State Employee of the Month.
The bureau also administers the Child and Adult Care Food Program and Commodity Supplemental Food Program.
Skaggs made hundreds of phone calls to help returning and new sponsors complete the necessary paperwork and online information. She also resolved numerous issues with contracts, debt collection and other extraordinary issues.
While helping keep the other clients and programs running, Skaggs maintained her own work as well.
"Even with the added work, Teresa maintained a positive attitude and cheerful disposition," Hargis and Fritch said in their nomination. "She is always willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done right."
Customers have shared several comments of appreciation and respect for Skaggs' efforts.
"Teresa consistently demonstrates what it takes to be not just a good employee, but a great employee," the nomination said. "She never even hints at having an "it's not my job' attitude.
"She does what needs to be done, and she does it well."
The State Employee of the Month is selected by the Missouri State Employee of the Month Selection Committee from among nominations submitted by the 16 state departments and some elected offices. The six committee members also are members of the State Training Advisory Council.