Gonzalo “Gonzo” Romero, P-MIP Construction Engineer, accepts for his friend and colleague June’s recipient of the Governor’s Employee of the Month recognition - Larry Gene, P-MIP Civil Engineer, who unfortunately could not be present to receive his award.
Mr. Gene’s work beyond normal business hours for the past 17 months was instrumental in having the Community receive $36.8 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act revenue (ARRA). He motivated his design staff during this time to meet the eligibility requirements of the ARRA stimulus money with “shovel ready” design projects much needed for the Community’s canal systems and related works. The import of his work ethic and conscientious efforts brought service not only to this Community but employment to the community of contractor’s that faithfully support all facets of these works as well.
Since the construction work began, Mr. Gene has also been instrumental in executing several value-engineering changes in the design works that have saved well over $1,000,000 in construction. He is notably also able to forecast the impacts of his works to direct new operations and maintenance required well into the future. This leadership and direction now and throughout his time with the Gila River Indian Community has won him the admiration and respect of colleagues and coworkers alike.
On the lighter side, Larry brings a certain wit and wisdom to the work place. In times of dire stress in meeting certain operation deadlines, Larry brings direction and timeliness by adding both humor and insight to accomplish the tasks at hand. No sooner is a project brought to the table than he has already accomplished an insightful overview of its requirements with both tact as well as a spirit of light-heartedness.
Mr. Gene comes to this community from Many Farms on the Navajo Nation where his mother still resides. He has two grown children, one boy and one girl. His wife Helen is a nurse with the Indian Health Service in Page. He currently resides in Glendale but owns a ranch and home north of Flagstaff.
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