Orange County Transportation Authority in Orange received a project of the year award from the Southern California chapter of the American Public Works Association for its traffic signal synchronization master plan, which is set to synchronize 800 miles of Orange County traffic lights. The plan is scheduled to start in 2011 and will sync 2,000 traffic signals to improve the flow of traffic.
Jerre Stead, board member of Newport Beach chipmaker Mindspeed Technologies Inc., was recognized by the Outstanding Directors Exchange as one of the top independent directors for a public company. Prior to joining Mindspeed, Stead was executive chairman of Colorado’s IHS Inc. and chairman and chief executive of Santa Ana-based Ingram Micro Inc.
Chris Szechenyi, general manager of Laguna Beach restaurant Five Crowns, was named 2009 Business Rotarian of the Year at a Leadership Awards program of the Rotary of Orange and southern Los Angeles. Szechenyi was honored for his efforts in his profession, the Rotary and the community. He served as 2005 to 2006 club president and chair of environmental service. Five Crowns was recognized as a leader in supporting community events.
University of Califor-nia, Irvine Extension presented Distinguished Instructor Awards at its Instructor and Advisory Committee Member Appreciation Breakfast. Eleven instructors were honored. The recipients: William Campbell, Allan Elder, Delia Fernandez, Janice Gronvold, Katie Hickox, Mike Hixson, Derrick Lam, Carlos Oliveira, John Secor, Catherine Spear and Safineh Tahmassebi.
Robert Hidey was inducted into the Wm. S. Marvin Hall of Fame for Design at the 29th annual Builder’s Choice Design and Planning Awards gala held in Washington, D.C. Hidey established Irvine-based Robert Hidey Architects in 1992 and has completed designs for Newport Beach-based Irvine Company, Brookfield Homes and Taylor Morrison Inc. The firm designed the villas and suites for Irvine Co.’s Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach.
Patty Beverly of Santa Ana-based First American Title Insurance Co., part of Santa Ana’s First American Corp., was selected as the first recipient of the Orange County Escrow Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Beverly, vice president of escrow operations manager and Southern California regional escrow director for First American’s national commercial services, was selected based on her leadership, mentorship to her peers and her promotion of education. She also received the Distinguished Service Award, her third one since the award’s inception in 1980. She is a member of the American Escrow Association, Orange County Escrow Association and California Escrow Association.
Responsys Inc., a marketing consultant and software maker, awarded Irvine-based Pacific Dental Services its Best Service-Oriented Campaign award.
The city of Irvine received a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the U.S. and Canada. The award is said to be the highest form of recognition in government budgeting.
The Orange County Community Foundation of Irvine presented Susan Reese, owner of Susan Reese Design, with a Power-Packed Philanthro-pist Award. Reese was recognized for her contributions to advancing social justice and tolerance in Orange County. The award was accompanied by a $500 contribution to the charity of Reese’s choice, which she directed to Santa Ana-based Orange County Human Relations, which seeks to eliminate discrimination in OC. She created the organization’s logo, letterhead and tagline, which still are in use today.
Mission Viejo Police Services named Deputy Jay Christian Employee of the Year for his strong work ethic and commitment to the city. His past assignments include working on the Sheriff’s Department’s Special Enforcement Team.
