At the NLCL, our awards are not just accolades; they are a reflection of our unique spirit and commitment. These recognitions allow us to honor the exceptional efforts of our employees, highlighting the significance of both peer recognition and acknowledgment from laboratory leadership. Each award is crafted to underscore the diverse strengths and contributions of our team members. This dual-recognition approach ensures that accolades come from those who work alongside the awardees every day, as well as from those who guide our strategic vision and goals.
Our awards are distinctive—just like us—designed to celebrate the individuality and the collective excellence that propel us forward in our mission to serve with integrity and expertise.
Anchor Award
The Anchor Award celebrates employees who serve as pillars of stability within the organization, fostering a sense of security and continuity amidst change and uncertainty. These individuals embody steadfastness, reliability, and resilience, offering a steady hand to guide the organization through turbulent times.
Here are the key qualities and competencies associated with the Anchor Award:
Consistent Communication
Dependable Leadership
Reliable Processes
Strong Relationships
Meet the Winners
2025 - Leola Sumerville
2024 - Hannah Frost
2023 - Katie Traweek
2022 - Carla Pettis
2021 - Randall Robillard
Battle Axe Award
The Battle Axe Award recognizes individuals who embody the spirit of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to success in the face of adversity. These warriors possess a mindset and approach that enable them to overcome challenges and obstacles with courage and fortitude.
Here are the key qualities and competencies associated with the Battle Axe Award:
Resilience
Determination
Courage
Adaptability
Meet the Winners
2025 - Sonia Nunnery
2024 - Will Veal
2023 - Tiffany Davis
2022 - Jessica Esparza
2021 - Alanna Brauer
Bulldozer Award
The Bulldozer Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional initiative and determination in paving the way for innovation and growth within the organization. These trailblazers fearlessly navigate obstacles, challenge the status quo, and forge new paths to success.
Here are the key qualities and competencies associated with the Bulldozer Award:
Identifying New Opportunites
Challenging the Status Quo
Developing New Products or Services
Building Partnerships and Collaborations
Meet the Winners
2025 - Jessica Esparza
2024 - Kari Dicken
2023 - Ashley Brummett
2022 - Steven Fleming
2021 - Michelle Jackson
Chess Piece Award
The Chess Piece Award recognizes employees who demonstrate exceptional skill in business strategy. These individuals possess a keen ability to understand, analyze, and navigate the complex landscape of market dynamics to drive long-term success for the organization.
Here are the key qualities and competencies associated with the Chess Piece Award:
Analytical Thinking
Creative Problem-Solving
Strategic Planning
Adaptability
Meet the Winners
2025 - Alanna Brauer
2024 - Carly Desselle
2023 - Emily Raley
2022 - Deneshia Williams
2021 - Phillip Stout
Celebrating Our Champions
Each year, our laboratory leadership honors exceptional individuals within our organization as "Champions." These distinguished team members are celebrated not merely for their ability to handle significant caseloads—though they excel in this regard—but for their extraordinary commitment to going above and beyond the call of duty.
These exemplary individuals embody and amplify our Core Values of Persistence, Teamwork, Creativity, Customer Service, and Continuous Improvement.
They serve as models for our entire organization, demonstrating what it means to drive change and foster a culture of excellence and innovation.
By recognizing these Champions, we celebrate the profound impact of visionary actions and the pursuit of excellence in service to our community and each other.
