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TheRoundabout
Dedication Excellence
Our Annual Employee and Retiree Service Recognition Program will be held on August 28, 2024, at 3 p.m. We will be recognizing employees that have met milestone anniversaries in the past year, retirees, and former military employees. Jennie Montgomery, Channel 6 News Anchor, will return as our emcee this year. The location will remain at the Performing Arts Center. We are excited to recognize our hard working employees, and we hope to see you there!
Years of Service Recognition
Employees that achieved milestone work anniversaries this past year (5 years, 10 years, 15 years, etc.) will receive an invitation from HR through the mail. You will receive your service pin from your Division Director at some point before or right after the program. During the actual program,yournamewillbeannouncedbyJennieMontgomery,andyourpicturewillbedisplayedonalarge screenwithyournameandcurrentdepartment.Youdonothavetogetonstagetoberecognized.Allyou havetodoisraiseyourhandorstandifyouwant.Wewillkeepthisasstressfreeaspossiblesothatyou canenjoytheprogram.
MilitaryServiceRecognition
PartofourEmployeeServiceRecognitionPrograminvolveshonoringemployeesthathaveservedinthe militaryorcurrentlyserve(Reserves)Ifyouqualifyforthishonor,andyouwerenotrecognizedatoneof ourpreviousRecognitionPrograms,pleasecompletethisinformationbyJuly26,2024,sothatwecan includeyouthisyear.SurveyLink:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6PZKJ38.
Yourphoto,branchofservice,name,rank,andyearsofservicewillbedisplayedduringtheprogram.You donothavetogetonstagetoberecognized,sopleaseconsidersubmittingyourinformationifyouqualify forthishonor
Inviteesarewelcometobringguests,sobesuretoRSVPwithMarthaBartlesat mbartles@columbiacountyga.govonceyougetyourinvitation.ThedeadlineforRSVPsisAugust9. Therewillbeareceptionimmediatelyfollowinginthelobbywithheavyhorsd'oeuvres,sogettingan accuratecountofattendeesisveryimportant.
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AUGUST ANNIVERSAR
AUGUST ANNIVERSAR
23 Years
Lynn Johnson, Water Utility
Martha Partridge, Tax Commissioner’s Office
22 Years
Dennis Anderson, Stormwater Utility
Jerry Leonard, Sheriff’s Office
21 Years
Jennifer Willis, Clerk of Court
Natalie Gibson, Library
20 Years
James Graham, Sheriff’s Office
19 Years
George Eastman, Environmental Services
18 Years
Carey Simmons, Detention Center
Amber Thomas, Clerk of Court
Jerry Channell, Water Utility
Christopher Harrison, Traffic Engineering
17 Years
Stephanie Pilcher, 311 Customer Service
Jennifer Prince, Juvenile Court
Cindy Chastain, Detention Center
Christopher Lane, Sheriff’s Office
16 Years
Evan Kell, Water Utility
Alex Andrews, Sheriff’s Office
15 Years
14 Years
Anthony Gilbert, Detention Center
13 Years
Cara Harden, Finance
12 Years
Grant Mixon, Tax Assessors Office
Regina Flemming, Sheriff’s Office
11 Years
Jamarius Tate, Fire Rescue
Wesley Gower, Water Utility
Kyle McCellan, Fire Rescue
Edward Jones, Detention Center
Joseph Marrone, Fire Rescue
Ronald Bagwell, Water Utility
Richard Brassell, Magistrate Court
Jeremy Anderson, Sheriff’s Office
Kayley Nichols, Water Utility
Connor Whittle, Water Utility
10 Years
David Steedley, Engineering Services
Katie Beth Jennings, Stormwater Compliance
Rodney Quesenberry, Magistrate Court
Ronnie Kitchens, Parks & Recreation
9 Years
Michael Glasscock, Water Utility
Laya Claybrook, Permitting
Timothy Morelli, Public Transit
Amy Sorrow, Water Utility
Millie Lehr, Tax Assessors Office
Candy Goff, Procurement
Benjamin Fowler, Sheriff's Office
Julie Milford, 911 Dispatch
Adam Searcy, Tax Assessors Office
Leland Carruth, Roads & Bridges
Jalen Burns, Roads & Bridges
HAPPY Anniversary
AUGUST ANNIVERSAR
CONTINUED
8 Years
Andralyn Graham, Engineering Services
Gregory Flanigan, Fire Rescue
Kevin Glasscock, Water Utility
7 Years
Carmella Rivera, Detention Center
Sharon Taylor, Sheriff’s Office
Haleigh Cook, Fire Rescue
Jan Sward, Procurement
Rene Brown, Detention Center
Jon Robinson, Facility Maintenance
Jesse Reynolds, Stormwater Maintenance
Joshua Brown, Roads & Bridges
6 Years
Kimberly Bryan, Sheriff’s Office
Nathan Barton, Fleet Services
5 Years
Kevin Boyer, Parks & Recreation
Kristyna Smith, 911 Dispatch
Daniel Hyman, Water Utility
Dorretha Mitchell, Detention Center
Judge Charles Evans, Juvenile Court
Christopher Cooke, Water Utility
Curtis Durden, Information Technology
Jarvis Hardy, Roads & Bridges
Kristen Colon, Tax Assessors Office
4 Years
David Akins, Facility Maintenance
Colton Tribble, Roads & Bridges
Stephanie Laws, Tax Commissioner’s Office
David Hawkes, Fire Rescue
Jeffrey Thornton, Fire Rescue
Silas Lovett, Detention Center
Kayla Herron, 911 Dispatch
Martavious Martin, Roads & Bridges
Jared Mason, Sheriff’s Office
Madeline Corbin, Sheriff’s Office
Shannon Stoddard, Board of Elections
HAPPY Anniversary
AUGUST ANNIVERSAR
CONTINUED
3 Years
Judge J. Grady Blanchard, Superior Court
Chief Judge Sheryl Jolly, Superior Court
Pamela Royal, Savannah Rapids Pavilion
Christian McAlister, Fire Rescue
Robert Boggs, Performing Arts Center
Amber Brantley, District Attorney’s Office
Cynthia Wilkinson, GIS
James Webb, Parks & Recreation
Kathy Rogers, District Attorney’s Office
Brandon Reeves, Sheriff’s Office
Olivia Chalmers, Performing Arts Center
Zachary Raines, Fleet Services
Sariah Payne, Detention Center
Zachary Allen, Property Acquisition
Miranda Lane, Detention Center
Donald Tuten, Detention Center
Joseph Epperly, Fire Rescue
Elliott Stephens, Fire Rescue
Landyn Biggs, Fire Rescue
Michele Dillard, Performing Arts Center
William Wright, Roads & Bridges
Ann Malay, Performing Arts Center
Ashley Muller, District Attorney’s Office
Pamela Goble, Probate Court
Dustin Hadden, Parks & Recreation
Courtney Baldridge, Water Utility
Moriah Sims, 911 Dispatch
Roy Herren, Water Utility
Michelle Wright, Superior Court
Rachel Gifford, Tax Commissioner’s Office
Lexis Broadwater, Tax Commissioner’s Office
Andrew Porter, Water Utility
2 Years
Lindsay Foster, Sheriff’s Office
Stephen Peacock, Facility Maintenance
Dylan Douglas, Planning
Troy Davis, Fire Rescue
Rhoda Kimble-Wheeler, Superior Court
Katie Cason, Performing Arts Center
Kendra Bell, Detention Center
Anita Jenkins, Detention Center
Alec Chavez, Fleet Services
Darryl Adams, Sheriff’s Office
James Gaston, Detention Center
Hunter Martenn, Environmental Services
1 Year
Tiffany Wardy, Juvenile Court
Stephen Holloway, Water Utility
Viktoria Wannamaker, Community Services
Jared Thigpen, Roads & Bridges
Robert Couch, Facility Maintenance
David Aycox, Fire Rescue
Travis Burns, Traffic Engineering
Devin Robinson, Library
Travis Knight, Stormwater Maintenance
Chase Sakers, Detention Center
Brenda Brantley, Parks & Recreation
Charles Abbitt, Detention Center
Samuel Villarreal, Parks & Recreation
Linda Peplau, EDA
Brandon Landers, Broadband Utility
Timothy McNair, Roads & Bridges
Jarod Wilson, Roads & Bridges
Martha Shorte, Sheriff’s Office
Aaron Andrews Fleet Services
McKenzie Hitt, Water Utility
Latarcia Steinlage, Sheriff’s Office
HAPPY
Anniversary
AUGUST BIRTHDAYS
1st
Christopher Ganther, Fire Rescue
2nd
Soleta Bartles, Tax Assessors Office
Michele Dillard, Performing Arts Center
Madlen Chavous, Sheriff’s Office
Aaron Price, Sheriff’s Office
3rd
Rodney Quesenberry, Magistrate Court
Vera Anderson, Sheriff’s Office
Jennifer Prince, Juvenile Court
Ryan Whittle, Sheriff’s Office
Kaitlin Bowling, Stormwater Utility
Kiernan Short, Library
Camron Nielsen, Facility Maintenance
4th
Chief Judge Sheryl Jolly, Superior Court
Heidi Curlee, Tax Commissioner’s Office
Evan Davis, Fire Rescue
Tavonne Gadson, Roads & Bridges
Clayton Lariscy, Fire Rescue
Matthew Kitchens, Detention Center
Dalton Giles, Detention Center
Connor Bruce, Fire Rescue
5th
Darlene Lui, Tax Assessors Office
Jason Water, Sheriff’s Office
Nicholas Collar, Water Utility
6th
Craig Murphy, Sheriff’s Office
Michael Blanchard, Information Technology
Ryan Barry, Detention Center
Sara Masciola, Library
Tabitha Grogan, 911 Dispatch
7th
Danielle Colton-Couch, Human Resources
Anthony Davis, Water Utility
Brandon Cooper, Detention Center
Noah Bowers, Library
8th
Edie Casteel, Water Utility
Edison Moseley, Sheriff’s Office
Chris Nattinger, Parks & Recreation
Emily Glisson, Stormwater Utility
9th
Shelley Usry, Tax Commissioner’s Office
Andre Clementi, Sheriff’s Office
Cassidy Harris, County Administration
Madeline Corbin, Sheriff’s Office
Mary Kate O’Steen, Water Utility
10th
Reanna Tovar, Library
Clarissa Hogan, Facility Maintenance
Chase Abbott, Fire Rescue
Brandon Cahrier, Information Technology
11th
Jennifer Willis, Clerk of Court
Stephen Peacock, Facility Maintenance
Aubrey Burke, Detention Center
12th
Josefina Gaspard, 911 Dispatch
Kimberly Powell, Clerk of Court
Curtis Oglesby, Roads & Bridges
Brian Newman, Water Utility
John Smith, GIS
Kayla Herron, 911 Dispatch
Nicholas Williams, Fire Rescue
AUGUST BIRTHDAYS
13th
Phoebe Atkins, Information Technology
Emily Leggett, Recycling
14th
Leland Carruth, Roads & Bridges
15th
Patti Pursley, Probate Court
Dennis Anderson, Stormwater Utility
Rhusha Mack, Fire Rescue
Christie Cheek, Recycling
Brandie Cramer, Sheriff’s Office
Chris Tomlinson, Information Technology
Justin Hughes, Water Utility
17th
Mary Skidmore, Probate Court
Robert Yahn, Fire Rescue
James Graham, Sheriff’s Office
Melissa Sidener, Stormwater Maintenance
Bennie Slappy, Water Utility
David Bullard, Fire Rescue
Brandon Walker, Detention Center
Jarred Viehl, Water Utility
18th
Ken Cooter, Building Standards
Maria Jessie, Water Utility
Malissa Bonsack, Parks & Recreation
Tonny Williams, Traffic Engineering
Jonathan Santa Maria, Sheriff’s Office
19th
Christopher Williams, Water Utility
Benjamin Jackson, Tax Assessors Office
Annaelise Wilson, Performing Arts Center
Ashar Evans, Water Utility
20th
Rory Hanson, Fire Rescue
Kirsten Wright, Facility Maintenance
Dale McClung, Library
Devin Gray, Fire Rescue
21st
Brenda Brantley, Parks & Recreation
Audrey Williamson, Sheriff’s Office
Steven Harris, Facility Maintenance
Polly Champion, Clerk of Court
22nd
Carmella Rivera, Detention Center
Kevin Goeddel, Water Utility
Timothy Gantt, Fire Rescue
Damion Rich, Detention Center
23rd
Nayna Mistry, Planning
Ken Summers, Sheriff’s Office
Elizabeth Edwards, Probate Court
Christi DeLoach, Parks & Recreation
George Whetstone, Water Utility
Brandon Martin, Parks & Recreation
Devin Robinson, Library 24th
Jennifer Neal, Risk Management
Brooke Anger, Magistrate Court
Cheney Eldridge, EDA
Steven Scott, Water Utility
25th
David McCarty, Fleet Services
David Nesbitt, Fire Rescue
Conrad Beaulieu, Fire Rescue CONTINUED
Glenda Simons, Probate Court
Matthew Strickland, Fire Rescue
Brandi Bell, Procurement
AUGUST
BIRTHDAYS
26th
Rita Shelton, Information Technology
27th
Julianne Hartman, GIS
Brett Carani, District Attorney’s Office
Melissa Coston, Superior Court
Tammy Walden, 911 Dispatch
Will Butler, Planning
28th
Silas Lovett, Detention Center
Robert Benedetto, Building Standards
Larry Hobbs, GIS
Nicholas Pravato, Water Utility
29th
Melissa Kitchens, Tax Assessors Office
Randall Bao, Sheriff’s Office
Mitchell Roberson, Fire Rescue
Jonathon Combs, Sheriff’s Office
30th
Richard Haygood, Water Utility
Russell Fralick, Water Utility
Brenden Alvarez, Fire Rescue
In 2022, we began our new employee referral incentive where current employees could earn a day of PTO for referring a new hire Once the new hire completes one year of service, our current emp
Congratulations to the following employees who have earned a day of PTO as of 7/18/24:
Trent Bowling - Building Standards
Kerston Bell - IT
Thomas Hancock - Roads & Bridges
College Intern Spotlight
Name: Chandler
Hawes
College: University of Georgia
Year of Study: Graduate Student
Major: Urban Planning & Design County Department: GIS
What I hope to learn: I hope to gain hands-on experience with GIS technologies and their application in urban planning, in addition to learning about the integration of GIS with other planning tools and software.
What has surprised you the most?
One thing that has surprised me the most is the level of collaboration and communication required across various departments. I did not realize how interconnected different departments are and how important GIS data is in facilitating these connections.
What are you learning that can be used for your career goals?
I am learning a great deal about GIS software in addition to data collection and analysis. I am also learning about real-world applications of GIS in urban development, land use planning, and community projects. These experiences will be invaluable as I pursue my master's degree and eventually a career in the planning field.
What advice do you have for future interns:
My advice to future county interns would be to make the most of the many resources available to you which will help you grow both academically and professionally.
After graduation, would you consider working for the county government?
Yes...working at the county level offers the opportunity to be directly involved in projects that improve people's quality of life. Columbia County is one the best counties in Georgia to live in, and my internship has demonstrated that it is also one of the best counties to work in.
College Intern Spotlight
Name: Abbie Dixon
College: Georgia College and State University
Year of Study: Senior
Major: Construction Marketing County Department: Administration
What I hope to learn: I hope to gain hands-on experience in public relations, enhance my communication skills, and learn how to effectively manage and promote the public image of Columbia County. As a marketing major, I am eager to understand how PR strategies and campaigns align with overall marketing goals. I hope this internship will help me apply my academic knowledge to real-world situations and preparing for a successful career in marketing and public relations. What has surprised you the most?
I was surprised how approachable the County Administrative office is. They maintain a high level of professionalism while having a fun and enjoyable work environment.
What are you learning that will be useful in your career? I am learning several valuable skills that will be crucial for my future career goals. These include effective communication and media relations. I'm also gaining practical experience in social media management and event coordination. Understanding how to navigate and influence public perception and brand image will greatly enhance my ability to succeed in the marketing field. What advice would you give to future county interns? My advice to future county interns would be to take every opportunity to learn and engage. Seek out new experiences and don't hesitate to ask questions. After college graduation, would you consider working for the county government?
I would definitely consider working for the county government after graduation. The supportive and collaborative environment I've experienced during my internship has made a career with the county very appealing. Additionally, seeing many employees who have been here for over 40 years speaks volumes about the positive work culture and long-term opportunities, making it an even more attractive option.
College Intern Spotlight
Name: Nate Henry
College: Harvard Law School
Year of Study: Graduate Student
Major: Juris Doctorate County Department: DA’s Office
What I hope to learn: Exposure to prosecutorial work. What has surprised you the most? The range of casework that the DA’s Office deals with.
What are you learning that can be used for your career goals? Professional networking, preparation to take cases to trial or plea.
What advice do you have for future interns: Enjoy, ask questions, be friendly, learn to listen. After graduation, would you consider working for the county government? Yes
Name: Wilkes Riggins
College: Mars Hill University
Year of Study: Senior
Major: Business County Department:
Performing Arts Center
What I hope to learn: Work experience in all environments and fields. What has surprised you the most? How welcoming everyone is. What are you learning that can be used for your career goals?
I am learning how to play a role in the success of a business at the PAC.
What advice do you have for future interns: Work hard and do as many different tasks as you can.
Parking Update
We want to thank everyone for their cooperation with the new parking plan on the Evans Campus With a large number of employees moving to their new spaces before July 1, the change was much smoother than anticipated.
Remember to call or email HR when someone is parked in your spot and give us their tag number This helps us track where the problems are happening As of 7/16/24, we’ve had 9 calls and 6 of those involved employees returning from lunch and finding a citizen in their spot Each of our employees handled it perfectly, and we appreciate it
Several departments have vacant spaces due to vacant positions If your department has vacant spaces, you can use them in lieu of visitor spaces when someone is parked in your assigned spot Ask your manager if there are any vacant spaces that can be used this way until that vacant position is hired
If you update your vehicle tag during the year, please let HR know of your new car tag We keep a current list of employee parking spaces and the tag numbers assigned to those spaces
The contractor has been selected for the new Building A project, so we will update you on any traffic pattern changes that need to be made.
Call HR if you have any questions, and keep up the GREAT work!
National Safety Council Defensive Driving (8 Hours) at the EOC 8:30am-5pm
**Participants will receive a ResQme Car Escape Tool as part of our Safety Grant from LGRMS; while supplies last**
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
National Safety Council Defensive Driving (4 Hours) at the EOC 8:30am-12:30pm
**Participants will receive a ResQme Car Escape Tool as part of our Safety Grant from LGRMS; while supplies last**
Thursday, July 25, 2024 *CLASS IS FULL*
Thursday, September 26, 2024 *LIMITED AVAILABLE SPOTS*
Hands-On Defensive Driving (8 Hours) at the CCSO Track 8:30am-5pm
Friday, September 13, 2024 *CLASS IS FULL*
Red Cross CPR/AED & First Aid (8 Hours) at the EOC 8:30-5pm
**Participants will receive a First Aid Kit as part of our Safety Grant from LGRMS; while supplies last**
Thursday, August 29, 2024 *CLASS IS FULL*
Please note that Risk Management classes have been filling up fast this past year. Our classes are subject to the availability of our trainers based on their schedules. The classes are also limited to the amount of space we have for attendees. If there is a class on the schedule you would like to attend, please do not wait to register.
If you register for a class and at any point in time realize you will not be able to attend, please inform Risk Management to open the spot for other employees.
To register contact RiskManagement@columbiacountyga.gov Or call Jennifer or Darlene at 706-312-7475 for information
TrainWithSwain
Information Security Classes
If you clicked on a test phishing email, you are required to attend one of the meetings listed below But anyone is welcome to attend!
Wed 7/31/24 @ 9 am Mon. 9/30/24 @ 2 pm
Evans Government Center Auditorium, Building A, 630 Ronald Reagan Dr.
To sign up for one of these classes, please contact Phyllis Swain at (706) 312-7302 or via email at pswain@columbiacountyga.gov
Wednesday, July 17 at 1:00 PM EST
The RMD landscape has gone through many changes over the past couple of years. With SECURE 2.0, we’re faced with even more. Here we look at those changes and how you can help prepare yourself for the inevitable day when you need to begin your RMD.
Retirement Income Planning: Tips to Help Make Your Money Last
Wednesday, July 24 at 1:00 PM EST
Understanding how much income you’ll need to support the retirement you want, and positioning your assets to provide that income, is important While there’s no one-size-fits-all plan, there are steps you can take to maximize the possibility of a financially secure retirement
Market Update Workshop
Wednesday, July 31 at 1:00 PM EST
Join MissionSquare Retirement for an update on the financial markets including popular topics such as: economic overview, inflation/raising interest rates, and much more!