PennDOT Honors Star of Excellence Recipients

"Every day, I am reminded of our employees' dedication, their excellent customer service, and in many cases, their sacrifices," said Carroll. "The accomplishments of our Stars of Excellence exemplify PennDOT's mission to provide the very best transportation services to Pennsylvanians every day."

Local winners Brandon Dalia and Michael Liuzza were honored this afternoon at an awards luncheon at the AACA Museum in Hershey.

"Brandon and Michael are outstanding employees dedicated to providing the best transportation system possible," District 5 Executive Christopher Kufro said. "This is a well-deserved recognition, and I congratulate both of them."

Brandon Dalia

Brandon is a Senior Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) in District 5, working specifically in Berks County. Since his promotion to a Transportation Construction Inspector Supervisor in 2012, Brandon has served as IIC on more than 20 construction projects with a collective value of over $130M.

Brandon has been involved in the construction of several Berks County roundabouts, including the dual roundabouts on US 22 2in Maidencreek Township. Transportation mobility and safety were noticeably increased upon completion of this 4-year, $27M project on this US 222 between Allentown and Reading.

Brandon is currently involved in the construction of SR2023 Section 01B, bridge replacement of the structure that carries Carsonia Avenue over Antietam Creek in Lower Alsace Township. After an unprecedented rainfall event in July 2023 that resulted in the destruction of retaining walls and the flooding of a nearby school, Brandon had to diligently work with the contractor and local and state officials to redesign and construction the area damaged from the flooding.

Michael Liuzza

Michael Liuzza has been with PennDOT's Monroe County Office since August of 1989 when he was hired as a Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee. In his nearly 35-year career as an operator, he has been a model employee will no discipline or safety violations on file.

Safety is of the utmost importance to Mike. He has participated on the county safety committee and has been involved in safety improvements including Job safety Analysis for pressure washing and crack sealing and recording videos regarding spotting and height clearance. He helped record PSAs regarding work zone safety on local media outlets. He also helped develop and deliver safety trainings for county safety stand down days and similar events.

Mike's contribution cannot be summarized by a momentary act or idea. His body of work over the course of his career centers on prioritizing safety, promoting the work of the department, and being an example to coworkers for his work ethic and job knowledge.

The Star of Excellence Awards are presented annually to employees who represent the department's values of service, performance and integrity. The recipients represent a variety of organizational positions, spanning from highway maintenance and driver and vehicle services workers, to traffic control specialists, communications staff and design and engineering specialists.

For more information, visit www.penndot.pa.gov/District5 or call 610-871-4556.

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