Bonilla & Accounts Payable Team Receive Employee Awards

At the Mayor and City Council meeting on Monday, December 1, 2025, Program Supervisor Ana Bonilla and the Accounts Payable Team were recognized with Employee Recognition Awards for the third quarter of calendar year 2025.

Made up of peers from each department, Gaithersburg's Employee Recognition Committee (ERC) reviews nominations for individuals and teams on a quarterly basis. Each individual and team has been nominated by their peers based on criteria reflecting the City's five values under the strategic plan - accountability, caring, excellence, integrity, and teamwork, or "ACE IT." These winners are then eligible for the annual Employee and Team of the Year Awards.

Ana Bonilla, Casey Community Center Program Supervisor with the Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture, was named Employee of the Third Quarter. Ana was nominated for her leadership in organizing and executing the largest National Night Out event that Casey Community Center has hosted. More than 800 participants, exhibitors, entertainers, staff, and volunteers participated in the block party, featuring a local DJ, line dancing, free ice cream, and coffee. Ana's organization of the event also reflected her commitment to equity by providing meaningful and needed resources for members of the community. Her efforts resulted in the event providing more than 200 backpacks with school supplies that were donated through coordination with local businesses and organizations and more than 100 bags of free food distributed, as well as onsite connections to community resources providing housing, transportation, food banks, and financial empowerment programs. Her leadership was evident in her management of a team of more than 25 staff and volunteers, ensuring Casey Community Center, through National Night Out, served as a community center where all are welcome and where those needing help could access resources.

The Accounts Payable Team, comprised of Mimi Min, Brittany Saravia, Mandy Chen, Francis Dohnji, Janice Gacuma, Ashenafi Arega, and Terri Reese, was named Team of the Third Quarter. The team was nominated for its teamwork and coordination in handling an especially high influx of invoices with the start of the new fiscal year in July, requiring them to process invoices for two different fiscal years. The team gave special attention to detail while ensuring the City's internal policies were honored. The team's work reflects a high level of accountability, commitment to excellence, integrity, and care and concern in working with City departments and staff to offer guidance, correct mistakes, and ultimately ensure the City's overall needs were met.

For more information about the Employee Recognition Awards please contact the Office of the City Manager.