Luke Devores honored as 2022 Employee of the Year

Urban Forestry Program Manager Luke Devores is the Town of Wake Forest “2022 Jon Ray Employee of the Year.” Town Manager Kip Padgett made the announcement Thursday morning at the Public Works Operations Center.

A Wake Forest employee since 2018, Devores was nominated for the award by several co-workers who praised his commitment to the Town’s core values of caring, commitment, character, and collaboration. Prior to presenting Devores with a plaque recognizing him as this year’s Employee of the Year, Padgett read aloud several comments employees recorded in their nomination narratives.

“Luke not only embodies each of the core values for the Town of Wake Forest, (but) he brings with him a vast knowledge of trees, ecology, and even (Town) codes, and makes Wake Forest a much better place for residents and his fellow employees,” wrote one co-worker.

“Luke is a walking ‘Google of knowledge’ when it comes to trees, and he is always happy to share his knowledge with residents and with co-workers,” wrote another.

A third Town employee noted: “Luke has amazing customer service skills for when he has to discuss tree issues with residents. The conversation may not (always) be what the resident wants to hear, but he goes about it in such a way that the residents are still happy at the end.”

The narrative continued, “Luke is honest and upfront all the time. He is a hard worker. Often you see him out with his team lending a helping hand and making sure everyone is safe. He comes in after hours during storms to assist with clean up.”

A native of Belington, West Virginia, Devores graduated from West Virginia University in 2013. He admitted to being “very surprised” to hear his name announced as this year’s winner, but says it is “one of the great honors” of his career.  

The Jon Ray Employee of the Year Award is named after former Street Supervisor Jon Ray who passed away in November 2013. Padgett, along with a committee comprised of former EOY award winners, selects the Employee of the Year from nominations submitted by Town staff. Submissions must include a written narrative explaining why the nominee is deserving of the award.

Previous Employee of the Year Award recipients include Public Works Director Tim Baily (2021), Police Sgt. Brandon High (2020), Telecommunications Shift Supervisor Bryan Bloodworth (2019), Athletics & Aquatics Superintendent Edward Austin (2018), Graphics Coordinator Bess Martinson (2017), Recreation Program Superintendent Monica Lileton (2016), Public Facilities Specialist Joseph Pennington (2015), Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Crew Supervisor Randy Hoyle (2014), Street Supervisor Jon Ray (2013), Senior Code Enforcement Official Tim Edwards (2012), Senior Planner Candace Davis (2011), Construction Worker Lance Pontrelli (2010), Police D.A.R.E. Officer Scott Graham (2009), Assistant Public Works Director John Thrift (2008), Maintenance Worker Gennie Williams (2007), Accounting Services Manager LaVerne Harding (2006), Inspections Administrator J.J. Carr (2005), and Human Resources Director Tammy Moody (2004).