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During the November 6, 2024 meeting of the Town of Nags Head Board of Commissioners, town engineer David Ryan was honored as the recipient of the 2024 Earl Murray Jr. Employee of the Year award.

“Named in memory of Police Sergeant Earl Murray, who heroically lost his life in the line of duty on May 15, 2009, the award highlights outstanding service and dedication among Nags Head’s employees,” stated the announcement of the award from the Town of Nags Head. “It celebrates those who demonstrate the Town’s core values and who significantly contribute to the betterment of the community through exceptional performance. The highest honor given by the Town, the Earl Murray Jr. Employee of the Year award reflects the recipient’s dedication and positive influence.”

To select the award’s winner, employees nominate their peers for exemplary service. Department heads then review these nominations, selecting an Employee of the Year within each department. These departmental honorees become the nominees for the townwide award. Each departmental nominee receives a paid day off and a $200 gift card, while the townwide winner receives a plaque, a $300 gift card, and an additional paid day off.

“This decision is always challenging because we are fortunate to have many employees who go above and beyond in their service,” noted Nags Head Mayor Ben Cahoon. “David’s dedication stood out this year, exemplifying the very spirit of this award. A neighbor recently mentioned seeing him, dressed in his office attire, working diligently along the roadside right-of-way. That’s David – ready to step out of the office and into the field whenever it’s needed. He doesn’t hesitate to take on whatever task will best serve our community.”

Ryan joined the Town of Nags Head in February 2013, bringing both expertise and dedication as a licensed professional engineer. “His extensive responsibilities include managing the Town’s shoreline preservation initiatives, spearheading stormwater management planning, and overseeing vital infrastructure projects,” stated the announcement. “David has been integral in the Town’s most recent beach nourishment efforts, working with coastal engineers, contractors, and federal and state agencies, including FEMA, to ensure the smooth progress of these complex, large-scale projects.”

Additionally, Ryan is leading the development of Nags Head’s new Public Services Complex, a 35,000-square-foot facility that serves as the operational hub for the town’s largest department. His hands-on approach with both the contractor and staff has minimized disruptions and kept the project moving forward seamlessly, noted the announcement.

“David is far from a 9-to-5 employee,” said Nags Head Public Services director Nancy Roop Carawan. “He’s known for going above and beyond, from monitoring drainage during heavy rainfall to physically clearing briars from the live oaks at the new Public Services Complex. No matter his schedule, David always makes time to assist others, whether answering questions or lending a hand across departments.”

This year’s other Earl Murray Jr. Employee of the Year nominees are:

• Fay Sims – Administrative Services/Town Manager’s Office – payroll specialist
• James Phillips – Fire and Rescue – fire engineer
• Chris Trembly – Planning and Development – planner
• Tyson Wild – Police – police officer

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