East Tennessee Homes Director Receives Governor's Honor

Gov. Bill Haslam presented Margi Story, Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities East Tennessee Homes director, with the Governor's Excellence in Service Award on Wednesday, a news release says.

Margi Story's career working with people with intellectual disabilities spans more than 25 years, and her service as the director of the East Tennessee Homes began in 2010. In this position, Story oversees 16 homes in Greene County that provide 24-hour support to the daily health, safety and welfare of up to 64 people, the release says.

"I cannot say enough about Margi's leadership, dedication, and passion for her work," said DIDD Commissioner Debra K. Payne in the release. "This award is well-deserved for the life-changing effect she's had on people at the East Tennessee Homes and throughout her career."

In an emailed statement, Story described receiving the award as an honor.

"I am humbled and honored to have received this award from my peers," Story wrote. "The real credit for this accomplishment is shared with the hard working, dedicated staff at the East Tennessee Homes who provide the highest quality of care and support to the people in our program and our DIDD East Regional Office support team.

"These folks are willing to go the extra mile every day to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities," she added. "I am proud to be the leader of such an exceptional Team."

According to the release, while director of the East Tennessee Homes, Story led the development of a comprehensive safety program, which adheres to the Centers for Medicaid/Medicare Services regulations for best practice planning and preparation.

"Additionally, her extensive research and development of training mechanisms has resulted in outstanding staff performance," the release says.

Twice a year, the Governor's Excellence in Service Award program honors one employee from each of the 23 cabinet-level state departments.