SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelli L. Taylor, Paralegal Specialist Cheri Buxbaum, and Information Technology Specialists John Mancine and Kevin Carlis of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California were among 183 Department of Justice employees recognized by Attorney General Todd Blanche and Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys (EOUSA) Director Francey Hakes at the 2026 Director’s Awards Ceremony held today in the Great Hall of the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building in Washington, D.C. The awards recognize outstanding achievements by employees of the U.S. Attorney’s Offices.
“It is my honor to recognize Kelli Taylor, Cheri Buxbaum, John Mancine and Kevin Carlis for their outstanding achievements on behalf of the Eastern District of California,” said U.S. Attorney Eric Grant. “Kelli’s award for Excellence as a Civil Assistant U.S. Attorney reflects her steady judgment and exceptional legal skill in navigating an extraordinarily complex FTCA matter. Likewise, the Director’s Award for Superior Performance by an Administrative Team presented to Cheri, John, and Kevin underscores the critical impact of their work in developing an automated case-intake system. Each of these recipients has strengthened our office through their expertise, collaboration, and commitment to public service, and we are grateful for their contributions to the mission of justice.”
Excellence as a Civil Assistant U.S. AttorneyAUSA Kelli L. Taylor received the Director’s Award for Excellence as a Civil Assistant United States Attorney for her work in Navarrette v. Penzone, D. Ariz. No. CV-20-1206. Ms. Taylor defended the United States in Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) litigation arising from the shooting death of a cooperator who had assisted a task force in attempting to apprehend a fugitive. When the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona was recused, she undertook the matter despite its complexity, geographic distance, and public visibility. Managing extensive discovery, securing protective orders to prevent the release of sensitive video evidence, and ultimately negotiating four settlements totaling $1 million, Ms. Taylor resolved the case without a trial and demonstrated exceptional skill in navigating a highly complex, high‑stakes civil action.
Superior Performance by an Administrative TeamParalegal Specialist Cheri Buxbaum and IT Specialists John Mancine and Kevin Carlis received the Director’s Award for Superior Performance by an Administrative Team for their critical role in developing an automated case‑intake system. Drawing on Ms. Buxbaum’s extensive experience in docketing and Mr. Mancine’s and Mr. Carlis’s programming expertise, the team created a system that automated case opening, generated required forms, created case folders, and drastically reduced assignment delays. Their solution saved hundreds of employee hours, reduced human error, and created a flexible platform that can evolve with staffing and court‑procedure changes. Their innovation, dedication, and collaboration exemplify the highest standards of service in the district.
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao.