Richard Combs Named New Horizon Winner

Richard Combs has an upbeat attitude, a smile, and a kind word for everyone on campus. Looks like you re working late tonight, or Do you need some help with those books? Be careful on those wet roads, are frequent comments Richard offers to students, faculty, and staff. He stands out as someone who can be depended upon to consistently to do an outstanding job and to be on hand when there is a need, great or small. He is a vital part of the college family and goes out of his way to make each person feel also like a member of the family. Combs of Jackson is honored by Hazard Community and Technical College and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System with the New Horizons Support Staff Excellence Award. He will be recognized at a statewide event in May.

Combs has worked for HCTC in the Maintenance and Operations Department since November 1998. His efforts have been continuously valued. HCTC President Dr. Steve Greiner noted, We appreciate Richard because he is a perfect example of the importance of our maintenance and operations staff in public relations and the visual image of the college. He is committed to excellence and I m pleased to see him honored for his work.

Tom Caudill, M and O Supervisor, noted, Richard is a gifted employee that will go above and beyond to complete tasks and help other departments in any way possible. He is a dedicated worker who knows how to motivate his crew to perform the assigned work.

Another reason Richard is so important to our college is that he helps HCTC to shine in the community. HCTC hosts many functions for local and regional citizens and organizations that put HCTC in the spotlight. Combs helps make each event run smoothly through his communication skills with the facilities department and assuring events are presented in a professional manner so that guests can enjoy the event.

Combs is praised for his extra effort to insure facilities are maintained to a high standard. His dependability and professional attitude are an asset to the college and are to be commended, Caudill said.

As a Facilities Management Team Leader, Combs directs the work of a crew that is primarily responsible for facilities/events management, evening security of the campus, as well as general maintenance duties. I like the surroundings at HCTC and the people. This is a good place to work, Combs said.

Combs is a 1978 Breathitt County High School graduate. He lives in Jackson with his wife, Vickie, who is HCTC s Senior Director of Human Resources. The couple has three sons, Richard, 28; Brian, 24; and Ben, 19.

Yes, HCTC is a good place to work, and Combs helps to make that happen. Congratulations, Richard Combs, HCTC is proud to have you as recipient of the New Horizons Support Staff Excellence Award.