NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A community planner from the Project Planning Branch at Nashville District Headquarters is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District Employee of the Month for February 2012.
Thomas Herbert has only been with the Corps since June 2010, but in that short amount of time, he has proven to be a great asset to his team. Recently, Nashville District officials recognized him for his outstanding efforts as the project delivery team leader for the May 2010 Flood’s Post Flood Technical Data Report.
The report is significant because it has allowed the Nashville District to update data on record flooding in 19 Middle Tennessee watersheds. Additionally, flood profile updates and economic damage assessments are now being utilized to assist with flood preparedness efforts in the Metro Nashville area and in communities throughout the state of Tennessee. The Corps also anticipates being able to utilize this data to advise on the feasibility of future studies.
The district has several studies in progress that are building upon the technical analysis of the report, including reconnaissance studies of the Cumberland, Harpeth, and Duck Rivers. Key partnerships meant to leverage the strengths and resources of sister agencies and local communities are moving forward with further evaluations on seven of the streams and rivers examined in the report. Together these measures have the potential to reduce the consequences of future flooding.
Recognizing the far-reaching impact of this report, Chief of Planning Russ Rote said, “Tom is a valued member of the district team and is well deserving of this honor. He worked tirelessly to complete the Post Flood Report and demonstrated great patience and initiative as a team leader.”
Lt. Col. James A. DeLapp, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District commander, also lauded Herbert for his hard work and determination on the project.
In order to meet a rollout date deadline when faced with a last minute mandate by the vertical team to have the Corps’ Risk Management Center perform an Agency Technical Review on the draft report, Herbert displayed outstanding leadership, initiative, and selfless service, said DeLapp.
Outside the office, Herbert enjoys spending time with his wife of nearly one year, Elizabeth, hitting the trails with his dog Layla, and rooting for the University of Tennessee Volunteers.