2015 Kennedy-Kafer Service Award Recipient: Renee Fullerton
Renee Fullerton, the J-1 visa waiver program manager for the Washington State Department of Health, and 3RNet member since 2012, has been named the 2015 Kennedy-Kafer Service Award recipient.
Renee was presented with this award at 3RNet’s recent Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon, because of her dedication to 3RNet and the great work she has done both within her state and across the country. Renee exemplifies what the Kennedy-Kafer Service Award represents: service, kindness, a generous manner, and willing to go above and beyond.
When asked what this award means to her, Renee responded, “Jerry and Nikki are such sweet people, always helpful and lovely to work with. I try to do the same in my work, it is government service after all and I am here to help the people of Washington State to the best of my abilities.”
Renee was chosen by 3RNet staff to receive this award, which was created in 2014 to honor the work of then-retiring 3RNet employees Nikki Kennedy-Kafer and Jerry Kafer. Mike Shimmens, 3RNet executive director, felt strongly that their legacy should be remembered for years to come.
What does she enjoy most about 3RNet?
“I really enjoy working with the sites here in Washington State, knowing my communities and being able to tell their stories to the candidates I meet,” Renee said.
Renee has been working with 3RNet since 2012 when she started work at the Department of Health. Prior to that, she worked with the Western Washington Area Health Education Center and helped promote the site in that role as well. Renee has served on both 3RNet’s annual conference planning and membership committees.
As the recipient of the 2015 Kennedy-Kafer Service Award, Renee received a set of coasters embellished with the award name and her own. The coaster symbolize Nikki and Jerry – when you invite someone into your home or office, you serve them, show kindness, and make sure they are satisfied – similar to how Nikki and Jerry dealt with 3RNet members for many years.