Dwayne Harris, a Compliance Audit/Investigator II with the Division of Industrial Relations (DIR), Workers Compensation Section (WCS), has been named the April 2024 Nevada Employee Veteran of the Month. This recognition is given for his significant contributions and service to the State of Nevada.
The Employee Veteran of the Month award was introduced in January 2021. Each month, an employee veteran is recognized by the Nevada Department of Administration Director and the Administrator of the Division of Human Resource Management.
Harris started his military career at Nellis AFB in Nevada as a Response Force Member with the United States Air Force (USAF) Security Forces. Later, he joined the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), where he became an enlisted Special Agent and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant and Senior Enlisted Leader for AFOSI Detachment 322 at Creech AFB, Indian Springs, NV. Throughout his 23-year career with the USAF, he held various roles such as Senior Desk Sergeant, Tactical Automated Security System (TASS) Administrator, Fly-Away Security Team (FAST) Team Leader, and Law Enforcement Instructor. He deployed four times in support of Operation Iraq Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and the Global War on Terrorism.
Harris holds degrees in Criminal Justice and Instructor of Technology and Military Science from the Community College of the Air Force. He is certified as an Active Shooter Threat Instructor, Law Enforcement Driver Instructor, Law Enforcement Instructor, and Certified Distance Education Instructor with the Department of Homeland Security.
He was chosen for this honor due to his commitment to carrying out WCS’s mission to uphold high standards of health and safety services in Nevada. Since joining in 2023, Harris has been valued for assisting others and ensuring affiliated sections achieve their objectives. His responsibilities include conducting site visits for mandatory coverage requirements, training new investigators, performing payroll audits, handling complex uninsured employer investigations, and outreach efforts. His strong investigative skills have assigned him to rural areas in Southern Nevada.
Jodi McCollins, WCS Chief Administrative Officer stated that "Dwayne recognizes the strengths of his team members and inspires others by assisting whenever needed and working as a team." Additionally, Harris enjoys organizing team-building activities.