Silver Winner:
Tommy Swank, IT Specialist, Kettle River-Buckhorn
Tommy is well known across Kinross as the ‘superhero IT guy’ thanks to his skills and professionalism in assisting employees across the Company.
Although based in Kettle River-Buckhorn, as an IT Specialist, Tommy is responsible for maintaining all IT and communication systems across several sites to ensure his colleagues can seamlessly access the various programs they need. He always makes himself available to help make a colleague’s day easier.
Tommy implemented telecommunication and dashboard systems that allow for real-time monitoring and management of projects from remote locations. At Kettle River-Buckhorn’s water treatment plant, Tommy’s remote monitoring systems have increased accessibility and the Operations, Maintenance, and Environmental teams can now remotely measure water discharge outfalls around the mine.
During implementation, Tommy was always available to explain the system or troubleshoot when needed, allowing teams to more accurately report water discharge remotely to meet compliance guidelines.
“Tommy has spent his evenings, weekends and days off working to monitor issues and ensuring our employees were comfortable with new technologies,” said Jacquelyn Nutt, Environmental Manager, Kettle River-Buckhorn. “His skills and dedication to colleagues is irreplaceable, and he will always sacrifice personal time to lend a hand when needed.”
A well-rounded IT specialist, employees from all departments can rely on Tommy when they have an IT-related issue. Without the systems he has implemented and maintained, the teams at Kettle River-Buckhorn could not do their jobs as safely and effectively.
Tommy is also a well-known face in the community, volunteering for community events and coaching youth wrestling programs. Putting his specialty to good use, Tommy also volunteers to assist with IT needs for community-based non-profits, and the local fire and sheriff departments.
Tommy during a community event in Republic
Tommy works on an appliance at KRB
Tommy at work in the field
Tommy (left hand side, in the red hat) works together with colleagues during the Prospectors day festival in Republic.
