Service Desk and Procurement Manager in the Computer Services Department (CSD), Tia Parrott, has received the 2019 Employee of the Year Award from the Ministry of Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure.

The award was presented to her by Deputy Chief Officer in the Ministry, Ms. Tamara Ebanks at a CSD event recently.

Ms. Parrott has been recognised for consistently exceeding the expectations of her position by finding new, innovative and efficient ways to manage the operations of CSD’s service desk and information technology procurement process.

She has been with the department for over twelve years and her primary responsibilities are to manage the Service Desk team. Ms. Parrott is responsible for overseeing the timely delivery of quality technical support service to clients and she focuses on resolving technical issues related to applications, hardware, software, and data communications as well as ensuring support requests are logged to resolve any technological issues. Ms. Parrott is responsible for accelerating complex incidents, performing dynamic project management tasks, and communicating with users to keep them informed of progress. She overseas impending changes, agreed-on outages, and other notifications as well as ensuring procurement requests are actioned.

Deputy Director, Service Delivery in the Computer Services Department Darvy Whittaker who supervises Ms. Parrott said her leadership qualities have positively influenced her team to make a difference and enables her to successfully manage the service desk, which a crucial point of contact for the Customer Services Department.

Mr. Darvy continued, “Her customer centric approach to leadership has also influenced her team to provide better customer service to meet or exceed CSD’s targets. She demonstrates a visionary approach to improving the services provided to core government. Through her guidance, staff are routinely reminded that they must provide excellent service as the service desk is the single point of contact between the provider and customers”.

CSD Director Simon Spiers has also praised Ms. Parrott for her initiative, resourcefulness and contribution to the Department. “She dedicates a lot of her free time to keep up with CSD’s procurement demands. She uses her negotiation skills to meet with vendors, and work out beneficial contracts terms for the government,” he said.

Mr. Spiers further noted, “Ms. Parrott saw that some government departments were having difficulties keeping track of their Microsoft licences and took the initiative to manage this process. She has also played a key role in the Department’s purchase of some 1200 computers for the various ministries, departments and agencies to comply with Microsoft Windows 7 software going end of life earlier this year”.

Deputy Chief Officer, Ms. Tamara Ebanks congratulated Ms. Parrot on the award and thanked her for her contribution to the civil service. “The Computer Services Department is very enthusiastic about Ms. Parrott’s professionalism and her contribution to the Cayman Islands government over the years. She demonstrates an extraordinary commitment through the multiple hats that she wears at work. Her continued dedication and hard work has allowed her to acquire a specialised set of competencies, which makes her an asset to CSD and the government on a whole,” she stated.

Ms. Parrott emphasised that she is grateful that she can add value to the Department and the Ministry. “I am also thankful for the support of my colleagues and my senior management team. CSD has given me the opportunity throughout the years to work in multiple areas of the department. Learning what other sections do and working with them on collaborative projects are ways to avoid losing sight of the organisation’s vision and goal. Working with another team can give you new skills and a fresh perspective. You can simultaneously help serve your organisation’s mission along with improving your professional development. They have accorded me a supportive working environment, and while this award is addressed to me, their efforts in making this possible should not go unrecognised,” she said.

In addition to the award, Ms. Parrott received a gift certificate from Cayman Airways Limited.

Stores Manager in the Public Works Department, Crosby Solomon and Trade Officer at the Department of Commerce and Investment, Charmane Dalhouse also received honourable mentions for their exemplary performance in the Ministry of Commerce, Planning and Infrastructure in 2019.