On April 11, the Prairie Research Institute honored employees for their outstanding achievements and excellent work. Selection committees composed of staff from across the organization reviewed multiple strong nominations before selecting these 2018 honorees: INHS April Burgett was awared the Distinguished Support Staff Award.
April has been employed with the Illinois Natural History Survey since June 2004. Her nominator notes that she is the central source of information and staff support for the Illinois River Biological Station in Havana and the Great Rivers Field Station in Alton. Her responsibilities include finance and budget, HR, facilities, contracts, purchasing, travel, and general administrative processes. Even though on any given day she is called upon to facilitate and troubleshoot issues in all these areas, April is unfailingly optimistic and helpful, promoting positive morale among staff members. In addition, she distinguishes herself by being an enthusiastic point of contact with sponsors, external agencies, institutions, and the public. April is resourceful, innovative, and creative and plays a very active leadership role in joint outreach events in the local community as well as serving on professional organizations and committees.
