As another calendar year comes to a close, the Emanuel County Board of Commissioners is saying goodbye to a combined 85 years of service from its 2024 cohort of retirees. Their impact leaves big shoes to fill, but as shown by this year's seasoned group of 22 employees receiving anniversary milestone awards, the county will be in good hands.
The two groups (retirees and service award recipients) were honored at the county's 2024 Employee Appreciation Program on Monday night at the Emanuel County Courthouse. The semi-formal event, inaugurated in 2018 and paused during the pandemic, has quickly become a cherished tradition for county staff, leaders, and employees alike. Designed to celebrate and incentivize employee achievements, the event fosters camaraderie and boosts morale across departments.
The evening began with a catered reception at 6 PM, generously sponsored by Workmate Benefits, featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres. Assistant Recreation Director Mitchell Hudson offered a heartfelt blessing before the program commenced at 6:45 PM in the courthouse’s main courtroom. County Administrator L. Guy Singletary and department heads delivered keynote remarks, praising the honorees for their enduring commitment.
2024 Retirees
The board of commissioners proudly recognizes the outstanding individuals who retired this year, marking a true changing of the guard in Emanuel County. This cohort of retirees includes some of the most senior and experienced leaders, from a commissioner with two decades of service to a tax commissioner with nearly three decades of dedication, along with key figures from the judiciary, local law, and public works. Together, these retirees represent decades of public service, a testament to their dedication and impact on our community.
Of the retirees with the longest tenure is Tax Commissioner Sandra Wright, who retires after 28 years in her position. However, that number only scratches the surface of her legacy.
In his introduction of her, Guy explained, “Sandra actually started working in the tax commissioner's office in 1977. That's 47 years. That's service. And over those 47 years, she has proven herself to be dedicated, honest, reliable--all the things you look for in a tax commissioner."
After accepting her award, Sandra then called forth and introduced tax clerk Vanessa Coxwell to the crowd as a retiree. She started in her position in 2007, but the tax commissioner says they’ve been colleagues much longer than that.
“Vanessa and I have worked alongside each other for most of our careers. She came to work with me in 1993, but she started working with the county in 1989,” Sandra said. “She has been very devoted, loyal, trustworthy, and a good, good, friend.”
Probate Judge Don Wilkes closes out 22 years of service since 2002. He was unable to attend the program. Commissioners instead honored him at a drop-in reception inside the courthouse the previous Friday.
District 3 Commissioner Hugh Foskey steps down from his role after serving a total of 20 years. His tenure began with a four-year stint in the 1970s and resumed when he took office again in 2009. The county administrator spoke with great respect about the last of the five commissioners who hired him, saying there’s a reason “Mr. Hugh” made it five terms.
“I’ve known Mr. Hugh as long as I’ve been in county government, so that’s 15 years now,” Guy said. “In my role, I get to see some of the unique challenges and people commissioners deal with. Their job requires a lot of hours and when you take into account the pay for which they do it, they’re basically volunteering. They can’t make everyone happy. It’s a balancing act, balancing the wants and wishes of a community versus ultimately what they see as the need. To my notion, Mr. Hugh has done that well over his time in office.”
Two employees also retire with 20 years of combined service to Emanuel County: Gibson Way and Morris Brantley. Gibson, with 11 years of service since 2013, and Morris, who contributed 9 years beginning in 2015, both briefly left and later returned to their roles, showcasing their dedication to the department and the community. Public Works Director Justin Morris and Road Superintendent Brad Kirby introduced the pair, heralding their experience as invaluable.
"We have one of the largest road systems in the state, and most of it is made up of dirt roads. Being part of the road department comes with its fair share of challenges, but it’s an important job so we have to do it well," Justin explained. "Gibson and Morris, the level of commitment and the amount of expertise they bring to the table is going to be hard to replace.”
Rounding out this year’s retirees is Magistrate Judge Bill McWhorter, who retires after one year in the role. While his time as magistrate judge may be brief, it caps a distinguished legal career spanning decades.
The county administrator reflected on McWhorter’s career, saying, "Bill’s contributions to Emanuel County’s legal system are numerous. From four years in the solicitor’s office to 24 years as a state court judge and six months as probate judge, he has a lot of feathers in his cap, and we’re thankful for the opportunity to have worked with him in all these different capacities.”
2024 Service Award Recipients
The board of commissioners also recognizes the employees who celebrated significant service milestones this year. These individuals, representing various departments across Emanuel County, embody dedication and commitment. Many of these honorees have been guided by the wisdom and mentorship of their predecessors, ensuring that the knowledge and expertise gained over decades of service remains a vital part of the county's operations. Their milestones highlight the diversity and strength of the county’s workforce, from emergency services to infrastructure management and beyond. Together, their contributions ensure the continued success and resilience of Emanuel County.
The road department, one of Emanuel County’s most vital operations, celebrated three of its employees reaching significant milestones this year. Road superintendents Anthony Bennett and Brad Kirby were each recognized for 10 years of dedicated service. Their leadership in maintaining the county’s extensive road system, including a vast network of dirt roads, ensures safe and reliable transportation for all residents. Justin remarked, “This is probably one of the hardest positions in the county. They’ve got a lot of people they try to make happy, and it doesn’t always happen. They get beat up, but the job they do day in and day out, I can’t thank them enough. I just can’t say enough about them, the work, and the time they put in each and every week.”
James Elliott, a backhoe operator, reached his 5-year milestone with the department. Recruited by Anthony Bennett after previously working together, James has become a cornerstone of the team. Anthony praised his contributions, describing James as a “blessing” and highlighting his exceptional ability to shoulder a heavy workload.
The solid waste department, another brother branch to the road department under the public works umbrella, honored two employees for reaching 5-year service milestones. Travis Bishop and Richard Hermann were recognized for their dedication to one of the county’s most essential and humbling operations.
Justin introduced these honorees as well and highlighted the importance of their work. “Managing waste is one of those jobs people don’t think about often, but if it stopped tomorrow, the effects would be significant and widespread. These guys keep our community clean, and that’s no small feat,” Morris said. He also emphasized their unwavering commitment during the holiday season. “With Christmas coming up, most people will be off enjoying time with family. Not them. Dumpsters will be piling up with discarded wrapping paper, boxes, and everything else—but thanks to these guys, those dumpsters won’t overflow. Their work makes a real difference, and it doesn’t stop, no matter the time of year.”
The clerk of court’s office also celebrated milestone anniversaries this year. Clerk Kristin Hall introduced her honorees, starting with Carla Daughtry, who reached her 20-year milestone. Though she was unable to attend the program, Carla was recognized in her absence for her significant contributions to the office.
Kristin then introduced Renee Akridge, who marked 5 years of service. Kristin shared both personal and professional admiration for the juvenile and civil court clerk, stating, “Renee adds so much to our office. She brings laughter every day, which brightens everyone’s mood. On a professional level, she always understands what I need her to do and when I need her to do it.”
Stuart Bowen, director of the information technology (IT), celebrates 10 years of official service to Emanuel County. The county administrator introduced him, emphasizing that Stuart’s contributions extend far beyond this milestone. He began his work with Emanuel County as a contractor in 1988, laying the groundwork for much of the county’s technological infrastructure.
“Stuart is somebody who rises to the occasion when it’s time,” Singletary remarked, referencing Stuart’s recent efforts in addressing a complex countywide cyber event. “The work he’s done over the years, especially in the past two weeks, cannot be overstated, and we’re lucky to have him.”
The Emanuel County Sheriff's Office and its jail recognized several dedicated employees for reaching significant service milestones, with Sheriff Jeff Brewer introducing the honorees.
Faye Clayton was honored for her 10 years of service, and Lekisha Harden reached her 5-year milestone. Although neither could attend the recognition event, their contributions have been invaluable to the detention center.
From the sheriff's office, Regina Jones celebrated 10 years of service. The sheriff heralded her leadership and organizational skills as the Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC) for every deputy and as the office manager.
David Way, also marking a decade of service, was acknowledged for his commitment, although he was not present at the event.
Edwin Fulghum was recognized for 5 years of employment upon his return to the sheriff's office. After many years of prior service, he briefly departed to work with the road department for a year. He returned five years ago to serve as backdoor security, where he greets guests, promotes the county, and ensures the safety of our courtrooms.
Finally, Marcus Guerra, a road deputy, reached his 5-year milestone. He was praised for his unwavering desire to learn and his commitment to ongoing training. His most notable achievement, according to the sheriff, is providing crucial interpretation assistance during the November arrest of three suspects. These individuals were believed by the sheriff's office to be connected to a Venezuelan gang and were charged with the theft of multiple vehicles out of Texas.
In the E-911 Center, three employees were recognized for their service milestones. Crystal Guest and Jonia Reid were honored for 5 years of service while Cheryl Ellington was celebrated for an impressive 30 years of dedication. Introduced by 911/EMA Director Martha Culbreth, the honorees were commended by the county administrator, who highlighted the critical role of E-911 personnel as the first line of responders in life-threatening situations. Guy also praised their ability to multitask and communicate effectively under intense pressure, emphasizing the vital impact they have on the safety and well-being of the community.
Elections Director and Registrar Kerry Curry was recognized for her 10 years of service. After introducing her, the county administrator sang Kerry’s praises for exceptional leadership and knowledge.
“Kerry has been here as long as I have, and because of that, I’ve never had to worry about the elections office,” Guy shared. “In so many other places, across the state and even the country, you hear about election challenges, but here in Emanuel County, we don’t have those issues, and that’s a direct result of Kerry’s hard work and her management of the office. She’s on top of compliance, rules and regulations, and the equipment, and we thank her for 10 years of that.”
At the senior center, two dedicated individuals were recognized for their service milestones, highlighting their profound impact on the community.
Senior Services Director Beth Gibson was honored for 5 years of service. Introduced by Guy, she was praised for her leadership and the fresh energy she brings to the center.
“When the county took over the senior center five years ago, we were scrambling to find a director,” he explained. “We advertised the position, but we never expected to find someone like Beth. With her qualifications and experience, having served in a similar role in another community for years, she’s been great for us from the start and continues to do good things, keeping the senior center exciting and engaging for everyone.”
Beth then introduced Mr. Moses “Pete” Archie, who marked 5 years officially delivering Meals on Wheels for the county but whose journey with the program stretches back decades. Returning from Vietnam 57 years ago, Pete began delivering Meals on Wheels and has been a cherished figure in the community ever since. Reflecting on his dedication, Beth shared, “There’s nobody in this town that he probably doesn’t know, between delivering for Meals on Wheels and just helping in general. Everybody is ‘his baby.’ That’s why he’s still working for us: he can’t leave ‘his babies.’”
The commissioners’ office was the final department recognized during the milestone ceremony, honoring two of its longest-serving employees. Human Resources (HR) Director Rhonda Scarboro, marking 25 years of service, and Accounts Receivable Clerk Carol Henry, celebrating 35 years, were praised for their pivotal roles in keeping the county’s operations running smoothly.
The county administrator, who works alongside them every day, introduced the duo and emphasized their immeasurable contributions.
“These two ladies are the epitome of what you look for in people to fill these roles: honest, reliable, and committed,” he shared. “Rhonda handles onboarding and payroll and manages our insurance and retirement plans. Carol oversees putting our money in the bank. Together, they’re a foundational piece of Emanuel County and what we do. Whenever we’re thinking about how we’re going to function and make it all work, these are two employees you never doubt. They show up, do their jobs, and are amazing at what they do every single day.”
Looking to 2025
As the program concluded, the Emanuel County Board of Commissioners extended heartfelt gratitude to this year’s retirees and milestone recipients. Their unwavering dedication and commitment ensure that Emanuel County is ready to embrace the future as The Place to Grow.
We encourage you to join us in congratulating these honorees and wishing our retirees a joyful and fulfilling next chapter. Together, we look forward to a prosperous 2025, building on the strong foundation laid by these outstanding individuals.
You can check out the scenes from the program in the event's photo gallery.
The Emanuel County Board of Commissioners governs Emanuel County, focusing on legislative and administrative responsibilities. Comprised of representatives from five districts, the board oversees policies and programs that impact local development, budgeting, and public services. Commissioners work collectively to ensure fiscal responsibility and address community needs, collaborating with other county departments and agencies. They are committed to supporting economic growth, public safety, and community well-being across Emanuel County.
For more information about the commissioners and for the latest from the county government, visit call 478-237-3881; follow us on Facebook; or visit www.emanuelco-ga.gov.
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