December 28, 2009—Mike Angle, Geologic Mapping and Industrial Minerals Group Supervisor, has been chosen as the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Geological Survey Employee of the Year for 2009.

“I appreciate the hard work, dedication, and support of all of my staff at both Fountain Square and Alum Creek,” said Angle. “Their cooperation and hard work make the Survey a great place to work!”

Originally from Akron, Ohio, Mike earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in geology from the University of Akron, then went on to Miami (Ohio) University as a Ph.D. candidate before joining the Survey in 1984. He moved to the Division of Water in 1989 and rejoined the Survey in 2007. In all, he has nearly 25 years of service with ODNR.

As Geologic Mapping and Industrial Minerals Group Supervisor, Mike oversees numerous Survey programs, such as bedrock and surficial geology mapping efforts; completion of the annual Report on Ohio Mineral Industries; the H. R. Collins Core Repository in Delaware, Ohio; geohazards research; and Lake Erie geologic research, which includes sand monitoring and working with the Office of Coastal Management on the Lake Erie Shore Erosion Management Plan and the Coastal Erosion Area program. Mike also writes grant proposals annually for submission to the U.S. Geological Survey and the Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Coalition.

Mike is also a notorious punster who says he appreciates his co-workers “putting up with [his] twisted sense of humor.” But despite his penchant for bad jokes, he’s known as a role model to both colleagues and interns.

Division Chief Larry Wickstrom presented Mike with a plaque recognizing his achievement at the Survey’s annual holiday luncheon and awards ceremony. Mike was chosen as the 2009 recipient by a special committee that reviewed nominations submitted by his colleagues.

“Mike is a tireless worker and a dedicated supervisor,” said Chief Wickstrom. “No matter how busy he is, he is always willing to pitch in and assist with what needs done.”

To that end, as noted by the nominees, Mike went “above and beyond” his normal duties in 2009. In addition to his regular supervisor role, he took on the supervision of responsibilities that were formerly conducted by the Lake Erie Geology Group and during an interim period, took on the administrative duties for the Energy Resources Group. Combined with the various talks he gave at conferences and forums and the countless number of public service requests he fulfilled, there’s no doubt that Mike played an important role for the Survey in 2009.