NCDOT Employee Recognized for Adopt-A-Highway Coordination Efforts

The administrative clerk wears several hats in the N.C. Department of Transportation district office covering Anson and Union counties. 

Her favorite hat? Adopt-A-Highway Coordinator.

Mullis was recognized this week for her efforts as the statewide “Outstanding Coordinator” in appreciation for providing exemplary service to the Adopt-A-Highway program, comprised of more than 120,000 participants across North Carolina.

Employees in NCDOT’s Litter Management Section select an award recipient based on criteria such as how the coordinator handles requests, how efficiently he/she processes Adopt-A-Highway applications, and overall customer service. 

“My thoughts on receiving the award were many – surprise and appreciation for the acknowledgement are the two that stand out the most,” said Mullis. “I like to think that I always do my job to the best of my abilities and try to keep these families and communities in mind with how I want to be treated when dealing with this type of thing.”  

As one of the program’s coordinators, Mullis works with applicants to choose a two-mile stretch of a state-maintained road to adopt in Anson and/or Union counties. In Union County alone, she works with 144 groups that clean up approximately 263 miles of roadway. She works with nine more groups in Anson County that volunteer to clear another 21 miles of roads.

What motivates her? The desire to see the roadsides clean.

“Honestly, the litter on all the roads is motivation enough,” Mullis said. “Growing up and living in this area all my life makes it home. I grew up with the understanding you shouldn’t litter, and we just don’t seem to be doing that anymore.”

Mullis also says that word of mouth is a big help in recruiting for the program, as well as seeing existing signage on adopted road sections, prompting others to consider participating, as well.

To learn more about the Adopt-A-Highway program and other efforts, visit NCDOT​.