Sanctuary Official Named National Ocean Service Employee of the Year

The National Ocean Service honored Jacqueline Laverdure, a program support specialist at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, as its Employee of the Year on December 27, 2025. NOS Assistant Administrator Nicole LeBoeuf commended Laverdure for her “demonstration of exceptional and sustained effort,” a recognition that reflects months of work after key staff departures left gaps in the sanctuary office.

During 2025 Laverdure took on the responsibilities of another full time position while continuing her existing duties. She handled federal contracting processes, managed on site information technology tasks, served as property custodian, and acted as a trusted agent for facility security credentials. Those combined responsibilities kept procurement, operations and maintenance moving forward at the sanctuary when core staffing levels were strained.

Acting Superintendent David Burke summarized the effect on operations and partnerships, saying, “Throughout a turbulent year, Jacqueline was the key to keeping our business processes running and ensuring operations and maintenance continued without interruption.” That continuity was vital to the sanctuary as it contracts for services and goods that support conservation work and local vendors who rely on federal contracts.

Laverdure also developed an annual Industry Day to educate businesses on navigating the federal contracting process. The event was designed to help small and local companies better compete for sanctuary work, strengthening the Florida Keys economy while ensuring the sanctuary receives high quality and cost effective services. For Monroe County firms that supply boats, equipment, maintenance and professional services, clearer access to federal contracting can mean more stable revenue and stronger ties to conservation projects.

For residents and local business owners the award underscores the connection between administrative work and everyday community benefits. Reliable contracting and maintained facilities support field operations that protect marine resources and sustain tourism and fishing industries that the Keys depend on. As staffing challenges persist across many public agencies, Laverdure’s recognition highlights the importance of experienced administrators who bridge technical systems, contracts and community partnerships to keep public services functioning.