The Tioga County Employee Recognition Committee is pleased to congratulate Ken Smith on being selected "Employee of the First Quarter, 2003."

 Ken began his work with Tioga County in June of 1999 when he was hired by the Tioga County Department of Mental Hygiene. He had just finished earning his Master's degree at Syracuse University and was hired as a Clinical Social Worker in the Alcohol and Drug Services unit. Through the years, Ken has run the Intensive Outpatient Program, Mentally Ill Chemically Addicted, Beginning Treatment, Relapse Prevention, and Transition groups. This has been in addition to individual counseling sessions with clients. The ADS clientele are often referred to the agency by the legal system or DSS, and are not attending voluntarily. Ken handles this difficult population with professionalism and fairness.

 Currently, Ken is doing all of the clinical supervision of his fellow employees in the ADS unit. He is also covering the Forensic Program, while another individual is out on medical leave. Ken willingly accepts additional duties, and is always there to assist his fellow employees.

 Ken is a quiet dynamo who relates well to his clients, peers, and other professionals. His fellow staff members stress how he is always aware when someone may be having a difficult time, and takes the time to stop and not just ask about it, but to really listen. His level-headedness allows for all points of view to be addressed in team meetings and case conferences.

 Ken resides in Groton with his wife Liz, and their dog, Carmen. He has two adult sons, who are out of the household. Ken is an avid outdoorsman, who enjoys camping, canoeing, hiking and cross country skiing. He and Liz have vacationed in Maine the last couple years, where they have climbed some of the large mountains.