Walton County Commissioners recognizes multiple staff members at BCC Meeting
According to a news release, Court Security Sergeant Bobby Hoke of WCSO, Human Resources Generalist Samantha Spain, staff member Jennifer Anderson, long-time staff member Dave Sell, and Walton County Planning Director Mac Carpenter were recognized for their hard work and dedication.
Although Hoke was recognized previously before his retirement, during Tuesday's meeting, he was honored with a plaque commemorating his 25 years of dedicated service to Walton County, with 17 of those years spent maintaining order at commission meetings.
Commission Chair Donna Johns read the plaque's inscription, pointing out that Hoke displayed 'unwavering dedication to maintaining order at our meetings. Your steadfast commitment and courage have made a lasting impact. With deep gratitude, we celebrate your legacy.'
Spain was recognized as Employee of the Quarter and County Administrator Stan Sunday voiced his gratitude for her, stating that due to a 'transition in leadership in the Human Resources Department during that time and in the absence of a department director, Ms. Spain stepped up and carried the weight of the department. She went out of her way to coach, teach, and mentor.'
The current Human Resources Director, Tarey Franxman, also expressed his appreciation for Spain, stating, 'She kept the department running and made sure work was processed in a timely manner, she followed up with all the departments, and I've got nothing but praise for the great job she did.'
'Everybody in the department deserves this award. We all worked really hard with the unprecedented times we were in, and I couldn't have done it without their support,' Spain added.
Anderson, Assistant County Veterans Services Officer, was unable to attend the meeting and will be honored at the next meeting. However, she was named the Exceptional Customer Service of the Quarter recipient.
Sell, a 22-year county veteran, was honored in recognition of his upcoming retirement.
Sunday said that Sell started his career with the county in TDC Beach Operations, then moved to administration as Risk and Safety Manager, and lately has worked in Facilities Maintenance as Project Manager.
Facilities Maintenance Director Brad Alford admired Sell, stating that 'I've had the honor of working with him for the last two years, and he has been a joy to work around. So, in this well-deserved next chapter of your life, we wish you nothing but the best.'
Carpenter, who will be retiring in a few days, was thanked by Sunday for '17 and a half years of dedicated service to the growth and betterment of Walton County. Your professionalism and contributions to our community will be remembered and appreciated with sincere gratitude by the Walton County Commissioners.'
Carpenter had told the commissioners how much he enjoyed his time with Walton County and recalled some of the challenges the county faced during his time there.
'I am so proud of the staff in the Planning Department. They work tremendously hard every day for our citizens, and they have supported me for all of these years. For that, I am truly grateful. Thank you for the opportunity,' Carpenter said.
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