Last summer, thousands of unaccompanied minors from Central America streamed across the Southwest border of the United States, creating a massive humanitarian crisis.

Kevin L. Hannes and the FEMA Operation Precious Cargo Team were dispatched to the South Texas border, to coordinate the government’s response to the situation.

Working with Customs and Border Protection (CPB), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the military and local authorities, Hannes and his team ensured the children received the medical care they needed along with clean, safe places to eat and sleep, and access to legal aid to help them with their immigration issues.

The FEMA team worked countless hours to help these children find safe outcomes.

“The HHS shelter capacity was overwhelmed and we needed help in this crisis,” said Brent Peters, U.S. Border Patrol assistant chief. “Kevin Hannes and his FEMA personnel quickly gained knowledge of the complexity and peculiarities of how unaccompanied minors are handled. They were able to see the situation from the outside, recognize where efficiencies could be gleaned and how to quickly bring about interagency agreements and coordination to enhance our capabilities.”

For their efforts in helping these unaccompanied minors, the Partnership for Public Service named Hannes and his team as finalists for the 2015 Management Excellence Medal. The award honors federal employees who demonstrate superior leadership and management.

Getting to know Kevin Hannes

Federal News Radio asked each of the Sammies finalists questions about themselves. Here are Hannes’ responses:

What three words best describe your leadership philosophy?

1. Listen
2. Learn
3. Lead

I believe these three simple but powerful words are the foundation to leading in any environment

What’s the best piece of advice (or words of wisdom) you’ve ever received and who gave it to you?

“Surround yourself with good people and listen to them, empower them.” This was the advice from my first Command Master Chief Petty Officer during my first operational tour in the Navy

Who is your greatest role model and why?

I could not select just one role model, but I look toward inspirational leaders across the spectrum from government, private sector and faith based

What’s the last thing you read and what’s next on your reading list?

“The One Day Contract” next on the list “The Old Man and the Sea”

Who would you most like to have lunch with and why?  

My wife and kids, as I am have been deployed much of our life serving in the Navy or now with DHS/FEMA and away from home.

The Management Excellence Medal is just one of the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals (Sammies) presented annually by the Partnership for Public Service. View a photo gallery of all the Sammies nominees.

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