WASHINGTON – In a heartfelt gathering last month, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) held its annual awards ceremony, an event dedicated to honoring the remarkable achievements and notable milestones of its devoted staff.
The ceremony served as a platform to announce award recipients in ten specific categories, reaffirming the dedication and professionalism that underpin USTR’s mission.
Ambassador Greer expressed deep appreciation for the staff, stating, “I could not be more appreciative or proud of every individual who makes up the Office of the United States Trade Representative.
Whether you’re a lawyer or economist, a human resource professional or posted abroad, our staff’s unwavering commitment to public service is the backbone of our mission.
Thank you for your dedication, integrity, and professionalism brought into this agency.”
The 2025 award recipients exemplified the spirit of dedication and service within USTR.
The Ambassador’s Award, which honors a senior USTR employee for contributions that significantly exceed their role, was awarded to Matthew Siordia, Deputy Assistant United States Trade Representative for the UK and Europe.
Michelle Yang, Deputy Assistant United States Trade Representative for Innovation and Intellectual Property, received the William B. Kelly Award for displaying professional excellence and leadership, demonstrating initiative and earning the respect of peers and superiors.
Della Little, a Security Specialist in the Office of Administration, Security Office, was recognized with the Excellence in Service Award for her extraordinary contributions in a support role.
The Linda Enoch Award, which honors exceptional service in administrative management, went to Lynettle Johnson, a Trade Research Specialist for the Office of Africa Affairs.
Colette Morgan, Deputy Assistant United States Trade Representative for Southeast Asia and the Pacific, received the Erland Herfindahl Award for her embodiment of values such as compassion and kindness, which contribute to the cohesion of USTR.
A group of individuals was honored with the Superior Achievement Award for going above and beyond their roles: Angela Brown, Taiwo Carmichael, Linda Chambers, Brian Cochran, Cassie Ender, Emily Fischer, Daniel Fumagalli, Sarah Morningred, Leo Roytman, Orlando Roman, Sigrid Simpson, Deborah Tidwell, Alan Treat, Tim Wedding, Tina Williams, and Yingying Xu.
The Overseas Mission Support Award is granted at the Ambassador’s discretion, recognizing individuals serving in international posts. This year, Maria Moreno Lopez from the Department of State was honored for her exemplary dedication and performance.
Three notable former USTR employees received the Distinguished Career Service Award: Tom Fine, former Director for the Office of Services and Investment; Maria Pagan, former Deputy United States Trade Representative; and Chris Wilson, former Assistant United States Trade Representative for Japan, Korea, and APEC Affairs, were recognized for their long-standing commitment and significant contributions to USTR.
In addition to individual accolades, USTR honored exceptional teams with the Team Award. This is a recognition of groups that demonstrated remarkable teamwork and problem-solving abilities.
The Chile Geographical Indications Team, consisting of Ariel Gordon, Sarah Morningred, Shannon Nestor, Raquel Silva, and Michelle Yang, was recognized along with the Office of Economics Team (Daniel Aria, JoAnne Allen, and Yingying Xu) and the Office of Human Capital (Angela Brown, Taiwo Carmichael, Cassie Ender, Tiffany Enoch, Emily Monitz, and Deborah Tidwell).
Moreover, recognition was granted to various teams involved in specific projects, such as the Section 301 Four Year Review Team, Section 301 Ships Team, Special 301 Team, USMCA Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) Team, and Uyghur Forced Labor Protection Act Enforcement Team, highlighting the collaborative spirit of USTR.
The Way to Go Award allows colleagues to recognize each other for outstanding efforts, and this year the recipients included Tameka Cooper, Amanda Hardy, Simon Hudes, Asad Nawaz, and Leo Roytman.
Additionally, the Length of Service Award acknowledges employees for their years of dedicated service.
This year, Connie Hamilton celebrated 45 years of service, while Janice Kaye and Zeba Reyazuddin were recognized for 30 years.
Joanne Allen, Laura Buffo, Taiwo Carmichael, Ellen House, Juan Millan, and Carlos Romero achieved the milestone of 25 years, and numerous employees were noted for their 20, 15, 10, and 5 years of service.
This annual awards ceremony not only celebrated individual and team accomplishments but also reinforced the collective spirit within USTR.
It highlighted a commitment to excellence in public service, innovation, and collaboration, distinguishing USTR as a stronghold of professional dedication and achievement.
As USTR continues to face the challenges of global trade, the recognition of its exemplary staff serves as a testament to the agency’s commitment to its mission.
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