It took just three words for Nicole Christensen to describe her coworker, Barb Johnson: Excellence, professionalism and positivity.
That full-throated endorsement from Christensen helped earn the Community Corrections administrative assistant the Support Excellence Award during last month’s Minnesota Association of Community Corrections Act Counties Statewide Support Staff Conference.
“Barb consistently goes above and beyond in everything she does. Her standard of excellence is not just a goal -- it is her norm. She approaches her work with dedication, precision and pride, ensuring that every task is completed thoughtfully, and ensures everyone feels heard and understood. Her clarity and transparency strengthen our team and foster trust across our office.”
Johnson, who began at Rice County in summer 2023 and was promoted the following year, said she had no idea of the nomination. But as the conference speaker began describing the winner and Christensen pulled out her phone to record the announcement, Johnson became suspicious.
“It was a nice surprise,” said Johnson, who clearly prefers to stay out of the spotlight. “But we’re all a team,” she said of her Community Corrections support staff colleagues, Christensen and Danielle McDermott. “I can’t do what I do without the help and support of everybody else.”
It’s not just her technical skills that make Johnson so outstanding. In her nomination, Christensen called Johnson “the heart of our workplace culture” by encouraging positivity, uplifting those around her, endearing herself to colleagues by bringing in treats and knowing just how to bring a smile to people’s faces.
“She is solution oriented and can always find a way to solve the problem. Her daily contributions make a lasting impact on our team, and she is more than deserving of this recognition,” wrote Christensen.
Community Corrections Manager Angela Brewer seconded Christensen’s comments, saying, “ We all appreciate Barb’s hard work, support and kindness at Corrections. We are so thankful for her and proud of her accomplishment.”
