A CRD marine technician was named Employee of the Quarter on Sept. 29. 
 

Sean Tarpley, a marine tech with the Marine Sportfish Population Health Survey, was given the honor for his outstanding work ethic and commitment to outreach and education, said Doug Haymans, CRD director. 
 

“He was incredible as the 2023 Career Academy CRD Coordinator.  He truly went over and above the call of duty to connect with the students and serve as an example of an exceptional CRD employee,” Haymans said. “His mentorship to the students was evident in their exit surveys—many of which specifically mentioned him by name as someone who impacted their experience at the camp.”
 

The DNR Career Academy, in its second year in 2023, is a week-long, overnight program for high school students to learn about career paths with DNR. Tarpley acted as the CRD coordinator, helping to ensure students learned as much as possible while visiting the coast. 
 

“When an extra van driver was needed, he volunteered to give up his issued vehicle and drive a 15 passenger van full of enthusiastic teenagers all the way from Mansfield down to the coast,” Haymans said.  “He was always positive, professional, and engaged during the entire week—over 70 hours of scheduled activities over 6 days! His hard work and dedication helped make Career Academy a success!”
 

In his free time, Tarpley is an avid angler and enjoys fishing on his boat, “Long Last.”