Adaryll Ferguson was awarded Naval District Washington's Senior Civilian of the Year award during command quarters at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, March 31, for outstanding performance of duty as Navy GetAways recreation lodging manager at Navy Recreation Center Solomons.

Capt. Heidi Fleming, NAS Patuxent River commanding officer, presented the plaque to Ferguson on behalf of Rear Adm. Yancy Lindsey, Commandant, Naval District Washington.

In his role as manager, Ferguson provides supervision to 45 support personnel and serves more than 130,000 patrons annually. His team provides comprehensive, safe and clean amenities and recreational lodging that includes 64 rental units, 364 recreational vehicle and camp sites, and 28 related community recreation facilities.

"Through management by walking around, sound leadership and best business practices, Mr. Ferguson ensured high standards of efficiency coupled with expert facility, program and resource management for over $50 million in assets, resulting in a seven percent increased cash flow and a five percent reduction in repairs and maintenance," said Mike Jones, director, Fleet and Family Readiness.

Ferguson worked with NRC Solomons marketing staff to improve customer service by developing electronic postcards to correspond with patrons and creating an enhanced welcome package upon check-in. He also promoted teamwork and cohesiveness with housekeeping and lodging department personnel which reduced customer complaints by 12 percent and staff turnover by 7 percent.

Through his restructuring of various internal processes, other accomplishments included retaining revenue by back filling 40 percent of no-shows and cancellations through summer months, increasing recreational lodging revenues by $75,000, increasing overall occupancy by seven percent, and increasing property storage occupancy by 16 percent.

"Under his management and supervision, the Navy GetAways program at Solomons has flourished and continues to be recognized as an enterprise standard and flagship of program initiatives," Jones said. "With his steadfast approach and patient decorum, Mr. Ferguson's lead-by-example approach is one of producing a high standard example of excellence."

Ferguson said he was grateful for the award, and mentioned the employees who helped him achieve it.

"I'm not the type of person who goes looking for accolades, but this was a tremendous honor," said Ferguson. "If you do your job and take care of people - your customers and your employees - then you're also taking care of the managers above you. It's all one fluid motion. I couldn't do it without the people who work hard for me. I gave the direction, but they carried it out. I'm very grateful."

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