The SAMs of the Month recognition returned in April with a nod to Safety and Hospitality Team Member Donna Riley and Maintenance Team Member Ethel Frye.
Donna Riley has been on the SAM Team for more than nine years. The native West Virginian is a self-described smiler who enjoys church, the comforts of home, indulging in a good movie and helping people. No wonder she’s a SAM. Donna says it’s rewarding to assist visitors and be hospitable. “Life is so stressful and busy. I enjoy helping people get around as easily as possible,” says Donna, a recipient of multiple SAM of the Month awards. In 2002, the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) and Destination DC (901 7th Street) selected the former security guard, wife and mother as one of five citywide finalists for the Hospitality Employee of the Year Award.
Ethel Frye loves her job so much she is forced to take annual leave. Perhaps you’ve seen the five-year veteran riding around on the 525 Green Machine, the sweeper used to clean sideways and curbs Downtown. The native Washingtonian enjoys assisting with SAM workshops, job fairs and training classes for new recruits. Married with two children, Ethel is an avid softball player and became a grandmother this year. Like Donna, she has had the distinction of being named a SAM of the Month several times.
Congratulations, ladies!