BOSTON – The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Information Technology Division recently recognized Tammy Tefft, Westfield’s Director of Purchasing with a 2015 Massachusetts Excellence in Technology Award in the Business Leadership – Technology Champion category. Tefft was recognized at the statewide Massachusetts Digital Government Summit at the Park Plaza Hotel in Boston on November 2nd.
Tammy was nominated by the City’s Information Technology Director, Lenore Bernashe, for her efforts in facilitating the Department’s complex work as related to building renovations and construction over the past two years. Tefft has demonstrated an ability to collaborate and coordinate procurement, contracting, and construction project management in the deployment of Information Technology systems.
“The Technology Champion award is for a non-technologist who has excelled at leveraging technology to meet business needs” stated Bernashe. “She is always willing to try technology pilots, provides valuable, intuitive feedback, and advocates to other departments,” she continued.
“Tammy is a special employee, in that she has been able to quickly grasp the language and goals set forward by a multitude of departments,” Acting Mayor Brian Sullivan said. “Certainly, as someone who has worked in the technology field for much of my career, I am impressed with how effectively she picks up on complex concepts,” he continued.
Each year the Summit provides opportunities to government IT workers to gather and learn about the latest technology initiatives from state leaders and industry experts. The awards are given to shine a light on best practices and the importance of partnerships.
“From the renovation of City Hall to the opening of the Senior Center, Tammy and Lenore have developed a great ability to work together,” Sullivan added. “This award provides us with an opportunity to recognize these talented and dedicated public employees who have gone above and beyond to make government work for the citizens of our community,” he concluded.
Also recognized at the Summit, with the Excellence in Technology Award – Cross Boundary Collaboration, was the Western MA Regional IT Directors Group, consisting of IT Directors from Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire Counties. The group has been meeting and collaborating together for over four years, sharing a wealth of expertise, and serving as a model for MassIT to start Eastern MA regional groups.
“We have found that, working together, keeps us on the cutting edge of technology, as we each bring our own specialty to the table and can offer hands on experience and support,” concluded Bernashe.
