3/16/23 @ 10:45 a.m. - Two employees were recognized at yesterday's Board meeting for years of service to the County.

William Allen began his employment in high school through a work program 30 years ago and has worked his way up to a Grader Operator position. Road Director, Cameron Hansen, stated, "He takes care of all the roads in the northwest portion of the County. I have never once in my 5 years as Director had a complaint about any of the roads he maintains. He's proactive in his work.... he knows when bad weather is coming, he knows when materials need to be added... and he takes care of those citizens. I often get calls from citizens who appreciate him. I want to thank him today for doing a fine job". 

Becky Liddell is celebrating 20 years of service to the County this month. She is currently serving as a Permit Coordinator for the Development Services Division. Development Services Director, Caleb Hurst, stated, "Without Becky, all of our lives would be much harder here. She issues driveway permits, works with the public to ensure that they get the permits they need, and trains new employees entering the department. Her work is much appreciated". 

Congratulations William and Becky! Thank you for all you do for Nassau County and for the residents. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

2/23/23 @ 3:00 p.m. - At the Wednesday, February 15, 2023 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners recognized Tina Keiter on her achievement of 20 years of service to the County. 

Tina began actually began her employment in 1997 as a student in the Human Resources Department but left the County temporarily when he daughter was born. Tina returned to the County in February 2003 as a Benefits Specialist and for the last 20 years has worked in the Human Resources Department in different capacities, working her way up to her current position as Employee Services Manager. Last year, Tina earned her certification as a Professional in Human Resources, further demonstrating her commitment to the Human Resources Department and her desire to improve her overall knowledge of HR Management. 

Tina is an outstanding public servant and always goes above and beyond to the call of duty to ensure a task is done efficiently. At the meeting, County Manager Taco Pope stated, "Tina does a fabulous job of working within the organization to make lives better for all of us. Throughout the years, I've called on Tina numerous times to help me with insurance matters and retirement related issues. Her service is both internal to the employees and external facing to the community. It's a great pleasure and an honor to recognize her on 20 outstanding years". 

Congratulations Tina and thank you for all you do for Nassau County!

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer   

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2/15/23 @ 2:30 p.m. - In January 2022, County Manager Taco Pope, instituted new Customer Care Standards to govern both internal and external interactions and to create a more positive work environment. Part of this initiative includes an Employee Recognition Program in which employees can nominate co-workers who have demonstrated Nassau County's Customer Care Standards and/or has provided exceptional performance beyond established duties and responsibilities. 

We are pleased to announce that our new Employee of the Quarter is David Hearn. David has worked for Nassau County in various capacities since March 1999, beginning as a Maintenance Helper, and working his way up to Assistant Road Director.

David is hard working, devoted and passionate about serving the County. He has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to develop a new Apprenticeship Program for the Road Department so that Road Department personnel have a clear, defined career path with opportunities to advance. This program will ensure that employees obtain the skills needed to be successful in their positions and help them excel both professionally and financially. And true to David's commitment to success, Davis is working to provide a similar program for the fleet/mechanic division as well. 

These are just a few examples of David's service and dedication to the County and its residents. If you see David, be sure to congratulate him on being our Employee of the Quarter!

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

12/21/22 @ 2:50 p.m. - At today's meeting, the Board of County Commissioners recognized Engineer Edward McLarty on 35 years of service. 

Mr. McLarty currently serves the residents from Nassau County Fire Rescue Station 20. In addition to responding to emergency calls for service, Mr. McLarty is an apparatus operator who is responsible for the safe operation of our vehicles and ensuring that the vehicles are well-stock with supplies needed for an emergency call. 

We appreciate Engineer McLarty and commend him on his service and dedication to Nassau County and its residents. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

​10/31/22 @ 6:30 p.m.

In January 2022, County Manager Taco Pope, instituted new Customer Care Standards to govern both internal and external interactions and to create a more positive work environment. Part of this initiative includes an Employee Recognition Program in which employees can nominate co-workers who have demonstrated Nassau County's Customer Care Standards and/or has provided exceptional performance beyond established duties and responsibilities. 

We are pleased to announce that our new Employee of the Quarter is Road & Bridge Supervisor, Darren Marsh. 

Mr. Marsh was selected for leading the way to accomplish what needed to be done during a period of record low manning levels in the Road Department. Mr. Marsh, on two separate occasions, went beyond the expectations of his position when he donned chest high waters and entered outfall ditches with areas of up to 4 feet of swamp water to remove beaver dams and other debris in an effort to improve waterflow.  Mr. Marsh walked several miles of outfall ditches and removed multiple beaver dams, some as big as 7 feet high by 20 feet wide.  While cleaning one pipe, Mr. Marsh was faced with an alligator and was not only able to safety remove himself, but also made sure the alligator was safely removed and relocated without incident as well. 

This is just one small example of Darren's service and dedication to the County and its residents. If you see Darren, be sure to congratulate him on being our Employee of the Quarter!

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

10/20/22 @ 3:45 p.m. - At yesterday's meeting, the Board of County Commissioners recognized Permit Specialist Supervisor, Melanie Liddell, for 25 years of service to the County. 

County Manager, Taco Pope, stated, "This morning, we have a very special recognition. Melanie's leadership and experience has been instrumental. She has been placed in a management position and is training the new permit specialists. She also provides guidance every day to the Building Department staff". 

Building Official, Keith Ellis, echoed Taco's comments adding, "I can't say enough about Melanie. She's worked for the County for 25 years and I've had the pleasure of working with her for 21 of those years. Melanie never complains and she's a model employee. If I could clone her, I would", joked Keith. "She comes in every day with a positive attitude and gets the work done, no matter what it takes". 

Congratulations Melanie! We appreciate your hard work and dedication to Nassau County and its residents. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

The Board of County Commissioners is excited to announce that at the Florida Engineering Society’s (FES) annual conference held in late July, Deputy County Manager/County Engineer, Robert Companion, was named the FES 2022 Government Engineer of the Year.

The FES is the State’s leading organization committed to supporting engineers and the engineering profession. The FES supports their 3,000+ members by providing educational opportunities, professional licensures, and promotion of ethical and competent practices.

To be considered for this prestigious award, an individual must be able to demonstrate outstanding contributions within their communities, as well as to the advancement of other engineers employed by the Federal, State, County or Municipal Governments in the State of Florida.

Jess VanEyk, Chair of the Florida Professional Engineers in Government, stated, “When reviewing potential award recipients, we look at the applicant’s noted contributions to the engineering practice and how they have improved or enhanced that practice. Mr. Companion’s adaptation and enhancement of capital improvement projects and corresponding mobility projects were the key factors in our vote. Another factor in this vote was Mr. Companion’s development of Nassau County’s first pavement management plan. Mr. Companion’s contributions are a demonstration of meaningful engineering planning and its benefit to Nassau County and its residents”.

As Deputy County Manager/County Engineer, Mr. Companion provides direct support to the County Manager as part of the executive leadership team charged with strategically aligning the County’s goals and resources. He also oversees the County’s Public Works and Community Development Divisions as they relate to community planning, capital improvement projects, stormwater/drainage improvements, and construction/maintenance of roads.

Taco Pope stated, “As County Manager, I am extremely proud of Robert. As a citizen of Nassau County, I am thankful that Robert has chosen to apply his professional talents to making our community the best it can be. Every day, I witness the time, effort and passion he puts into executing his craft on behalf of the residents and visitors of Nassau County”.

Mr. Companion is a life-long resident of Nassau County who is committed to improving the quality of life for our residents. Mr. Companion’s education includes an Associate of Science Degree in Computer Aid Drafting and Design (CADD) from ITT Technical Institute, as well as a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of North Florida.

Companion’s work experience includes over a decade of roadway and development design experience in both the private and government sectors. He has served the Nassau County residents as both the Senior Transportation Engineer and County Engineer before being promoted to Deputy Manager/Assistant County Manager earlier this year. Mr. Companion also serves his community through volunteer efforts which have included the Relay for Life of Fernandina Beach / Yulee and most recently Kairos Prison Ministry.
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In response to receiving the award, Mr. Companion stated, “It is a privilege to serve the residents of Nassau County every day and an honor to be recognized by FES for the good work we have been doing to better serve the citizens”.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer

8/1/22 @ 12:10 p.m. - In January 2022, County Manager Taco Pope, instituted new Customer Care Standards to govern both internal and external interactions and to create a more positive work environment. Part of this initiative includes an Employee Recognition Program in which employees can nominate co-workers who have demonstrated Nassau County's Customer Care Standards and/or has provided exceptional performance beyond established duties and responsibilities. 

We are pleased to announce that our new Employee of the Quarter is Nassau County Animal Control Officer, Marty Pruitt. Marty has worked for Nassau County since 2016 and is well known and loved among members of our community. In fact, the County recently received emails from residents commending him and thanking him for his service. One citizen expressed their gratitude to Marty for his help in handling a pack of aggressive dogs that had been trespassing onto his property. He stated, "I truly believe Officer Pruitt's exceptional professionalism is the primary reason for the peaceful and amicable resolution". 

This is just one small example of Marty's service and dedication to the County and its residents. If you see Marty, be sure to congratulate him on being our Employee of the Quarter!

Also, in case you missed it, Marty was also featured in our "Proudly Serving Nassau" series last year. This video highlights the service he provides to the community every day. To view it, please click here. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

7/15/22 @ 2:40 p.m. 

​The Florida City-County Management Association (FCCMA) has recognized Nassau County Manager Taco Pope for his personal and professional excellence in local government administration. Last month, the FCCMA publicly celebrated achievements of its members and their significant contributions to the management of local government as part of the association’s annual State conference. County Manager Pope was one of only two City/County Managers selected statewide for the FCCMA’s 2022 Who’s Who Under 40 Award.

The Who’s Who Under 40 Award was created by the FCCMA to acknowledge the industry’s top emerging talent who will serve as an integral part of local government for years to come. To be considered, the recipient must have a great aptitude for local government work and must exemplify the tenets of the code of ethics established by the International City/County Manager’s Association (ICMA).

FCCMA’s Association Services Coordinator, Nykierama Cooper, stated, “The Who’s Who Under 40 Award recognizes top local government leaders in Florida under the age of 40 for their personal and professional excellence. Those selected are among the industry’s top emerging talent and will be an integral part of the FCCMA and local government administration for years to come. Mr. Pope was selected for this award because of his contribution to the field of Public Administration and for his positive community impact.”

Board of County Commissioners Chairman Jeff Gray stated, “Taco is an excellent example of what a true public servant should be. He is devoted to the success of the County and the well-being of its residents. His long-term vision and strong work ethic provides the foundation needed to establish generational sustainability and a quality of life that our residents can enjoy for years to come. We are happy to have him on our team and are excited about the County’s future under his leadership.”
In response to receiving the state-wide recognition, County Manager Pope stated, “I am humbled to be recognized by my peers from across the State. I am extremely appreciative to receive validation from a respected independent third-party like the FCCMA. This recognition reaffirms that we, as a collective community, are making tremendous strides forward. Ultimately, this is our home and it is what we make it.”

As County Manager, Mr. Pope serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the county government. He provides fiscal, strategic, and operational leadership to the organization, as well as sound analysis and professional recommendations and implementation of the Board’s policies. The County Manager promotes quality-of-life/quality-of-place and generational sustainability through the professional management of the organization’s resources.

Mr. Pope is a native Floridian and 35-year resident of Northeast Florida. He is a certified professional planner through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) with seventeen years of local government experience in the State of Florida. Taco has served Nassau County citizens as both a technical practitioner in the field of urban/community planning and as an administrator/program manager. Prior to accepting the position of Nassau County Manager in 2020, Taco served the citizens of Nassau County in several roles including, Assistant County Manager, Planning and Economic Opportunity Director, and as a community planner. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and two Bachelor’s Degrees in Business Administration.

Beginning this Fall, Mr. Pope will be hosting “Ask the County Manager” sessions across the county where citizens can discuss current topics with the County Manager and senior staff members. Be sure to sign up for the weekly County news blast at https://bit.ly/NassauNews to be notified of the meetings.

7/12/22 @ 4:30 p.m.

Commissioner John F. Martin was presented with the Advanced County Commissioner Level I (ACC I) designation from the Institute for County Government (ICG) at an award ceremony held at the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) Annual Conference and Educational Exhibition in Orange County, Florida on June 30, 2022.
 
The ACC I designation signifies the commissioner's completion of a comprehensive study program designed by ICG. The ACC I education program, consisting of three two-day seminars and 27 hours of total coursework, focuses on leadership development with an emphasis on the future of Florida. Commissioners are given the opportunity to participate following their graduation from the Certified County Commissioners (CCC) program.
 
“As an optional program, it takes a commissioner who is truly dedicated to serving their community to pursue this designation and it speaks volumes about those who do,” shared the Institute for County Government’s Executive Director, Eric Poole. “This program brings together commissioners who are committed to facing Florida’s greatest challenges and allows them to collaborate and grow as they learn new strategies, which they may use to better their communities.”
 
Upon completing the program, Commissioner John Martin stated, “The Advanced County Commissioner Program has provided me with a better understanding of the complex issues that counties are facing around the State. This knowledge has further prepared me in planning for Nassau County’s future and will be useful in effectively representing our constituents. I highly recommend the Advanced County Commissioner program to any Elected Official who wants to expand their expertise in governmental affairs and maximize their leadership skills”.
 
The ACC I education program was launched in 2006 and commissioners must fully commit to the coursework to graduate from the program. Participants are challenged to act, think and lead during times of uncertainty and adversity. Alongside Commissioner Martin, 17 commissioners earned the designation at the 2022 award ceremony and a total of 285 commissioners have earned the designation since the inception of the program.
 
The education program is made possible in partnership with the University of Florida/IFAS Extension, who has sponsored this program for the last fifteen years and has offices in all 67 Florida counties.
To learn more about the ACC program and other education programs offered through the Institute for County Government, please visit flicg.org.
 
Founded in 1929, the Florida Association of Counties has represented the diverse interests of Florida’s counties, emphasizing the importance of protecting home rule – the concept that communities and their local leaders should make the decisions that impact their community. The Florida Association of Counties helps Florida’s counties effectively serve and represent their communities through Advocacy, Collaboration, and Education.