Meet the 2023 Brookhaven Award Recipients
September 27, 2024
Brookhaven Awards are given to recognize key contributors in support functions whose performance and achievements represent outstanding service to the Laboratory. The 2023 recipients were:
Joe Gettler, Stakeholder Relations Office
The 2023 Brookhaven Award was presented to Joe Gettler in recognition of his exceptional contributions for strategic communications on the Lab's behalf.
A writer by trade, Joe works with senior leaders, scientists, support staff, employee resource groups, and others to build support for some of Brookhaven's most significant opportunities and challenges. Many of his clients are repeat customers.
Joe was a member of the small team that secured $100 million from New York State as part of Brookhaven's proposal to host the Electron-Ion Collider. For the Lab's rebranding initiative, he organized focus groups to seek differing perspectives and avoid a top-down-only approach. Joe helps advance the Lab's efforts for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility internally and externally. He also works on outreach and briefings for stakeholders, ranging from local students to state and federal officials.
This is in addition to producing newsletters, announcements, and campaigns to keep staff informed.
Joe is a leader who helps others lead.
Steve Giordano, Information Technology Division
Steve Giordano, with a distinguished twenty-one-year service at Brookhaven, is deserving of this award for his outstanding contributions as an Applications Architect in the Information Technology Division. Steve's journey began as the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS) webmaster, and over the years, he has consistently demonstrated innovation, adaptability, and a commitment to improving systems within the Lab.
Steve's remarkable history includes pivotal projects such as the NSLS web site and subsequent initiatives for NSLS-II, evolving alongside the organization's changing needs. Notably, Steve played a crucial role in transitioning NSLS-II's proposal system into a conglomerate of applications shared with other Department of Energy synchrotron facilities, showcasing his ability to drive innovation and facilitate expansion.
The exceptional nature of Steve's contributions is exemplified by his focus on the Proposal Information Management System (PIMS). PIMS, a second-generation application, has become integral to managing proposals and forecasting growth. Steve's efforts in creating and enhancing PIMS have positively impacted multiple Brookhaven Lab initiatives, providing critical information for decision-making and contributing to the overall growth and improvement of the Lab.
Maria Pacella, Legal Office
Maria Pacella received this award for exceptional contributions as a senior staff specialist in the Legal Office. Over the past decade, Maria's steadfast management of patent-related matters within the Intellectual Property Legal Group and the Office of Technology Transfer (OTT) has been exemplary. Her ability to reform procedures and forms in response to changes in laws and internal/external database systems, coupled with her collaboration with OTT, has significantly enhanced the efficiency of patent-related operations.
Managing the complexity of patent matters, from invention reporting to expiration, Maria has demonstrated specialized skills vital to the Intellectual Property Legal Group. Noteworthy is her meticulous review of outside patent counsel invoices, resulting in substantial cost savings for the Lab.
Maria's impactful contributions extend to collaborative efforts with OTT, improving the integrity of shared internal databases, and facilitating efficient operations. Her entire career underscores enduring commitment, with this award recognizing her specific contributions over the past decade.
Vincent Racaniello, Environmental Protection Division
Vincent Racaniello, a Groundwater Protection Group project manager with 28 years of dedicated service at Brookhaven Lab, received recognition for his outstanding contributions to environmental safety and health. Vincent's impact is evident through his pivotal role in managing the design, construction, and operation of eighteen groundwater remediation systems, showcasing unwavering commitment. His exceptional project management skills shine when it comes to completing high-profile projects, such as the two recent PFAS groundwater treatment systems, on time, under budget, and without any worker safety incidents.
As a licensed professional geologist and adept project/program manager, Vincent navigates complex challenges in engineering and environmental restoration. His troubleshooting prowess, coordination of repair efforts, and budget management, often in the millions, minimize system downtime and ensure compliance with regulatory cleanup goals. Vincent's strategic planning has led to the successful remediation of groundwater, returning nearly 30 billion gallons of clean water to the sole source aquifer. His meticulous approach has garnered trust from regulatory agencies and the community, enhancing the Lab's environmental stewardship.
Timothy Welty, Radiological Control Division
Timothy Welty, an Environment, Safety & Health (ES&H) engineer I with the Radiological Control Division, was recognized for outstanding contributions as the Radiological National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPS) expert, playing a crucial role in the Laboratory's success, particularly in supporting Medical Isotope Research and Production (MIRP) operations. Over one-and-a-half years, Tim's efforts were pivotal, notably in securing the NESHAPS application for the Bldg. 801 AP Hot Cell, a prerequisite for processing Thorium targets to extract Ac-225. His effective liaison with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and meticulous documentation ensured timely permit approval well before commissioning.
Tim's expertise, as one of two authorized Brookhaven staff for CAP88 program use, has been vital for annual dose dispersion analysis, crucial for EPA's NESHAPS rule compliance. His dedication to the NESHAPS process maintains air emission requirements adherence. Tim's contributions directly benefited MIRP, prioritizing Ac-225 production and supporting the DOE Medical Isotope Program.
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