Of Submitted story on November 7, 2024

City Engineer David Ryan, center, receives the 2024 Earl Murray Jr. Award. Employee of the Year at the November 6, 2024 meeting of the Nags Main Board of Commissioners. Pictured left to right are: Mayor Pro Mike Siers, Commissioner Bob Sanders, David Ryan, Mayor Ben Cahoon and Commissioner Megan Lambert.

During the November 6, 2024 meeting, the Nags Head Township Board of Commissioners honored Township Engineer David Ryan as the recipient of the 2024 Earl Murray Jr. Employee of the Year Award.

Named in memory of Police Sergeant Earl Murray, who heroically lost his life in the line of duty on May 15, 2009, the award recognizes outstanding service and dedication among Nags Head employees. It celebrates those who demonstrate the city’s core values ​​and who contribute significantly to the betterment of the community through exceptional performance. The city’s highest honor, the Earl Murray Jr. Award. The Employee of the Year reflects the recipient’s dedication and positive influence.

To select the award winner, employees nominate their peers for exemplary service. Department heads then review these nominations, selecting an Employee of the Year within each department. These departmental awardees become nominees for the award at the local level. Each departmental nominee receives a paid day off and a $200 gift card, while the city winner receives a plaque, a $300 gift card and an additional paid day off.

“This decision is always challenging as we are fortunate to have many employees who go above and beyond in their service,” noted Nags Chief Mayor Ben Cahoon. “David’s dedication stood out this year, exemplifying the very spirit of this award. A neighbor recently mentioned seeing him, dressed in his office clothes, working diligently along the roadside right-of-way. This is David, ready to get out of the office and into the field whenever needed. He does not hesitate to take on any task that will best serve our community.”

David Ryan joined the City of Nags Head in February 2013, bringing both expertise and dedication as a licensed professional engineer. His extensive responsibilities include managing the city’s shoreline conservation initiatives, leading stormwater management planning and overseeing vital infrastructure projects. David has been integral to the city’s most recent beach nourishment efforts, working with coastal engineers, contractors, and federal and state agencies, including FEMA, to ensure the smooth progress of these complex, large-scale projects.

In addition to his coastal and stormwater work, David leads the development of Nags Head’s new Public Services Complex, a 35,000 square foot facility that serves as the operational center for the city’s largest department. His hands-on approach with both contractor and staff minimized disruptions and kept the project moving forward smoothly.

“David is far from a 9-to-5 employee,” said Nags Chief Public Service Officer Nancy Roop Carawan. “He is known for going above and beyond, from monitoring drainage during heavy rains to physically cleaning the briars from live oaks at the new Public Services Complex. Regardless of his schedule, David always makes time to help others, whether it’s answering questions or lending a hand in various departments.”

This year’s other nominees for Earl Murray Jr. The employee of the year are:

• Administrative Services/Local Director’s Office – Payroll Specialist Fay Sims
• Fire and Rescue – Fire Engineer James Phillips
• Planning and Development – ​​Planner Chris Trembly
• Police – Police Officer Tyson Wild

Congratulations to all!