Tahoe Regional Planning Agency employee Jeff Cowen was honored as the recipient of the North Lake Tahoe Chamber and Resort Association’s Employee of the Year Award for his outstanding work as TRPA’s community liaison, according to a Friday statement from the agency.

“I was shocked and truly honored to receive this recognition,” Cowen said in the statement. “I am lucky in my job because I get to inform the community about all the great work being done by TRPA staff. I know I share this award with them,” he said.

Cowen was honored during the 58th Annual Community Awards Dinner held at the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe on Feb. 16. He was among multiple other recipients of the 2011 Employee Service Awards from businesses and agencies throughout the Tahoe Basin.

At the award’s ceremony, Cowen was described as having “done yeoman service as a liaison between the TRPA and the community, never hesitating to tackle difficult issues and situations, and always bringing to the encounter enthusiasm, good humor, and a real regard for the public understanding of what the agency is doing and why.”

TRPA Executive Director Joanne Marchetta congratulated Cowen saying, “TRPA is committed to providing excellent public service as part of our new strategic direction. Jeff exemplifies this with his commitment and hard work on behalf of our communities and the Tahoe environment,” she said.

Chuck Green was also honored as Volunteer of the Year as a member of TRPA’s Advisory Planning Commission. He was described as being a driving force behind preserving the history of the region. “Chuck is tireless in his contribution and provides value wherever he works. He exemplifies the volunteer spirit in the region,” explained Chief Operating Officer Ed Gurowitz.