It's not unusual for first-time visitors to the Southwest to plan a short trip to Santa Fe and expect to get in a visit to the Grand Canyon, and maybe Carlsbad Caverns, while they're here.

Reggie Cox, who retired at the end of December as senior information specialist at the Santa Fe Convention and Visitors Bureau, has learned how to use gentle humor to help visitors revise their concept of what can realistically and enjoyably be accomplished during their stay.

Cox answered endless questions, gave directions, made suggestions and guided visitors to the city's attractions — in person and by phone and email — for more than 12 years. For the past seven years she worked with Patricia Baros and, eventually, the two alternated between information stations at the Santa Fe Convention Center and the Santa Fe Depot at the Railyard. "Our job is mainly helping people fall in love with Santa Fe and making sure that their visit and experience is as positive as it can be," Cox said.

It's a job that requires not only excellent knowledge of the city, which Cox has as a 40-year resident, but also a good ear for listening. When visitors, for example, would say they wanted to "see everything," she would smile and reply: "Well, let's narrow that down a little bit," and then try to determine their main areas of interest. "I loved talking about the city and showing off what we have," she said. "I feel honored to have worked for the city all these years."

Keith Wilson, senior planner with the Santa Fe Metropolitan Planning Organization, was named the City of Santa Fe's December employee of the month for helping pave the way for the opening of the Rail Runner's Zia Station. Wilson exhibited "great initiative and perseverance" in planning tasks involving working closely with multiple committees and agencies, according to his nominator and supervisor, Mark Tibbetts, director of the Santa Fe Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Wilson also was commended for his contributions to the development of the Santa Fe Master Bikeways Plan. As a result of his efforts, along with the city Bicycle and Trails Advisory Committee, the Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee and other groups, the American League of Bicyclists recently recognized Santa Fe with "bronze" status as a bicycle friendly community.

If you have news about a public employee, contact Fauntleroy at gussie7@fairpoint.net