9/20/24 @ 2:00 p.m.

At the Wednesday, September 18th meeting, the Board of County Commissioners recognized two employees for years of service. County Manager Taco Pope stated, "When we have major milestones with employees, we like to celebrate those in a public way. Not only to recognize their contribution to the organization and the citizens of Nassau County, but also to recognize the value that comes with longevity and the expertise that is developed over time. The two individuals we're going to recognize today are absolute rock stars."

Jennifer Kirkland is celebrating 25 years of service. She began her employment with Nassau County in August 1999 as a Weighmaster with the Road Department. Jennifer worked in various administrative positions at the Road Department until March 2023 when she became the Administrative Coordinator for the Facilities Maintenance Division. Assistant Facilities Director David Hearn stated, "I've had the privilege of working with Becky for two decades. You will not find a more dedicated person than Jennifer Kirkland." 

Celebrating 30 years is Becky Diden. Many of you may recognize Becky from her many, many years at the landfill where she organized recycling events and greeted every guest with a helpful attitude. Becky was recently moved to Facilities Maintenance where she serves as an Administrative Coordinator for the Public Works Division which includes Solid Waste. Public Works Director Doug Podiak stated, "Becky has 30 years of service that you can't hold a candle to. You couldn't ask for a better employee. And what she gives the County is none the best."

Please join us in congratulating Jennifer and Becky on their achievements. We appreciate them and all their hard work and dedication. 

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer
​

9/18/24 @ 4:15 p.m. - At today's meeting, the Board of County Commissioners recognized two-long time employees for their retirement from Nassau County Fire Rescue. 

NCFR Engineer Gregory "Scott" Roberts retired after 25 years of service. He began his employment on January 19, 1999 as a Firefighter/EMT. He was promoted to Engineer on October 19, 2013 where he remained until his retirement on August 2, 2024.  Chief Brady Rigdon stated, "Scott has demonstrated an exemplary career here in Nassau County. We're sorry to see him go but he has big plans moving forward. We thank him very much for 25 years of service." 

Paramedic Edward McLarty retired after 36 years of service. He began his employment on December 24, 1987 as an EMT. He was promoted to Paramedic on February 17, 1989 where he remained until his retirement on August 31, 2024. Chief Brady Rigdon stated, "Edward has been at Station 20 on the south end of Amelia Island for the latest part of his career. He too will be greatly missed and we appreciate everything he has done for the County."

The BOCC publicly commends Engineer Roberts and Paramedic McLarty for their outstanding service and dedication to Nassau County and its residents. Best wishes to both for continued health and happiness in the years to come. 

8/23/24 @ 1:30 p.m. - At the Wednesday, August 21, 2024 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners recognized Dale Green on 30 years of employment with Nassau County Fire Rescue. 

County Manager Taco Pope stated, "We are celebrating 30 years with Nassau County. 30 years dedicated to the citizens, protecting our family and friends. It's a great honor to recognize Mr. Green and it's also a great testament to our organization that someone would be willing to dedicate their entire career to us."

Nassau County Fire Chief Brady added, "Dale Green is one of our Engineers. He drives ladder 20 at Station 20 (south Amelia Island). He's been married to his life Leoni for 29 years, has two children, and he enjoys coaching basketball. We appreciate his years of service and wish him the best."

Congratulations Dale on 30 years of service! We appreciate your hard work, dedication and everything you do for Nassau County and its residents.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

​

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact:
Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer
(904) 530-6010
[email protected]
 
COMMISSIONERS HUPPMANN AND FARMER ACHIEVE ADVANCED COUNTY COMMISSIONER LEVEL I DESIGNATION
 
Nassau County, Florida, July 11, 2024 -  Commissioners A.M. “Hupp” Huppmann and Klynt Farmer were both 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. 
 
The ACC I designation is the first level of leadership achievement in the Advanced County Commissioner Program offered by ICG and signifies the completion of 27 hours of coursework.
 
“The ACC courses help prepare a commissioner for the complex challenges they will face during their time in office,” stated Eric Poole, Executive Director of ICG. “By striving to earn this designation and completing the coursework involved, they exemplify great leadership and a commitment to bettering their community.”  
 
Upon completing the program, Commissioner Huppmann stated, “I found the ACC I program to be greatly beneficial. It provided us with an opportunity to meet with representatives from around the State and share information on issues of mutual concern. It also provided invaluable knowledge that will guide me in serving Nassau County to the best of my abilities. I greatly appreciate ICG for making this great program available.”
 
Commissioner Klynt Farmer added, “Receiving the ACCI designation is an honor and a testament to my commitment to serving the residents of Nassau County. The program’s comprehensive curriculum has equipment me with invaluable skills to tackle the complex challenges our community faces.”
 
 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 Huppmann, twelve commissioners earned the ACC I designation at the award ceremony.
 
ACC I is made possible through a continuing partnership with the University of Florida/IFAS Extension.
 
To learn more about ICG and the ACC I designation, please visit www.flicg.org.   
 

5/23/24 @ 9:00 a.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. 

At the Wednesday, May 15th meeting, the Board recognized JD Morgan and Steven Hallmark as our new Employees of the Quarter. 

Steven Hallmark was selected for continually going above and beyond to ensure that employees and citizens are satisfied with his work. One particular instance was when he was installing sports netting at the Yulee Ballpark. Since installing netting isn't a typical task of facilities employees, Steven researched proper installation methods to ensure it was being done correctly. Upon installation, Steven noticed that the netting wasn't the proper size, so he cut and weaved the netting back together to make sure of proper fitting. He always takes great pride in his work and want to ensure that the product Facilities Maintenance delivers is professional. 

J.D. Morgan went above and beyond working on a transfer switch for the generator at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).  Since the part had to be specially built to fit our needs, JD kept in constant contact with the contractor, to ensure the County would not get pushed back in installation.  As soon as JD received word that the part had arrived, he ensured all prep work was completed, made sure all vendors were aware of the installation dates, and communicated to the internal departments about the shut down. The coordination between JD, his crew, 2 outside contractors and two IT departments went off flawlessly thanks to JD's attention to detail, work ethic, and leadership.

Please join us in congratulating Steven and JD on their accomplishments. We are proud of them and the outstanding service they provide to the residents and their fellow co-workers and are glad to have them on the Nassau County team. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

5/16/24 @ 3:15 p.m. - At the Wednesday, May 15, 2024 meeting, the Board recognized two employees for years of service. 

Sabrina Robertson is celebrating 20 years of service this month. Sabrina began her employment as an Office Specialist III in the County Manager's Office in 2004. Her main job duties included providing administrative support to the County Manager and five County Commissioners, preparing agendas, scheduling meetings, tracking inventory and other basic administrative duties. Her job duties increased over the years leading to two promotions, first as an Administrative Assistant and then as an Administrative Manager. Sabrina accepted a new position as Public Information Officer in March 2020 and currently writes press releases and newspaper articles, and maintains the County's news blog and social media pages. She also helps coordinate special events and other programs as part of the County's community outreach efforts. Senior Management Analyst Amy Bell stated, "For 20 years, Sabrina has been the face and voice of the County Manager's Office and the Board of County Commissioners. She lives in the community, she's raising a child here, and it's important to her that we (the County Manager's Office) put out good information. She always works hard to portray a message that everyone can understand. She puts out your annual report, your monthly newsletters,  and she's just really dedicated."

Walter Price is celebrating 30 years of service with the Road Department. He began his employment as a Maintenance Helper in 1994. He was promoted to a Sign Technician I in 2001 and again in 2023 to a Traffic Sign Technician III. In this position, Walter fabricates, assembles, installs and repairs traffic and street signs; paints pavement markings; and he oversees the work of assigned helpers. Interim Road Director Darren Marsh stated, "Walter is one of the most loyal and dedicated employees with a strong work ethic. In his 30 years of service, 20 of it was spent in the sign department which plays a vital role in the safety of the public. They make and install stop signs, crosswalks and other types of traffic signs. You won't find a more loyal or dedicated employee than Walter Price and I just appreciate all he does."

Congratulations Sabrina and Walter. We appreciate all your hard work and dedication to Nassau County. 

- Amy Bell
  Senior Management Analyst 

4/19/24 @ 9:30 a.m. - At the Wednesday, April 17 meeting, the Board recognized three employees for outstanding years of service. 

Laura Marino is an Administrative Asst. I for the Nassau County Extension Office and is celebrating 20 years. Extension Agent I for 4-H Youth Development Kelsey Irvine stated, "Laura is the face of Extension for Nassau County. She's the first one you hear on the phone and the first one you see smiling when you walk in the door. She leads programs, orchestrates so many tasks, and shes's one we can give duties to and we know she'll follow through. She has so many communtiy connections and really helps us expand. But also, she's just a really good person. She's dependable, she's lovely, and she's dedicated to everything she does.". 

Interim Road Director Darren Marsh is also celebrating 20 years of service. County Manager Taco Pope stated, "Darren has done an amazing job. Some of the newer employees have told me personally how much they appreciate his mentorship, getting out in the field with them and teaching them how to properly execute work, use equipment and be a problem solver." Assistant Public Works Director David Hearn added, "Darren goes the extra mile for our citizens. There's been many problems that he's come up with solutions to make our residents happy. It's been nice to watch him grow and he's just been a pleasure to work with."

Last but not least, Engineer Greg Jones has worked for Nassau County Fire Rescue for 30 years. Mr. Pope stated, "Can you image 30 years of service, 30 years of responses, watchign the evolution of Nassau County and the industry (fire/rescue) as a whole, and being able to stay abreast of that while at the same time, serving as a mentor of other firefighters and EMTs? Our Fire Rescue organization wouldn't work with employees like Mr. Jones that can teach and provide guidance to others coming through the ranks."  Chief Brady Rigdon stated, "In addition to his fire department duties, he's an ordained Minster and he's also our department Chaplain. Several years ago, Greg approached me about creating a Peer Support Team to look after our members, to come along side those in our department that may be having a tough time with issues at home or dealing with a bad call that they responded to. These actions demonstrate his passion and his committment to service. He's a great asset to our department." 

Congratutions to Laura, Darren and Greg on your years of service. We appreciate you and your dedication to the County and its residents. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Public Information Officer

3/26/24 @ 9:00 a.m.- At the Wednesday, March 20, 2024 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners recognized two County employees for years of service. 

Julie Elliott with our Faciliites Maintenance Department is celebrating 20 years of service this month. In her position as Facilities Foreman, Julie coordinates the labor, materials and equipment needed for assigned projects and oversees/directs labor operations in the maintenance and construction of facilities. Though she instructs and oversees the work of technicians, Julie is still actively involved in completing projects and work orders and is efficient in many areas including hanging sheetrock, performing plumbing work, installing water and sanitary fixtures, troubleshooting electrical, refridgeration, heating and air conditioner issues, and oversight of the construction or repair of sidewalks on County property. 

David Hearn is our Assistant Public Works Director and is celebrating 25 years of service. In this position, David has a variety of responsbilities, including but not limited to: overseeing, directing, planning and coordination of all activities and personnel in the Road Department. He also makes recommendations to the Road Director for budgeting needs, operations and functions of the department, and reviews the work of subordinates for completion and accuracy. Under his supervision, projects are inspected for compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, laws, regulations, guidelines, County Ordinances and standards of quality and safety.  

County Manager Taco Pope stated, "Julie Elliott is celebrating 20 years. Quite frankly, there's nothing that Julie can't do. And David Hearn, your Assistant Public Works Director, it's the same thing. The two of them are spectacular. We're very fortunate to have both of them here. I can't thank Julie or David enough for their efforts and their professionalism." 

Thank you David and Julie for all you do for Nassau County!

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer 

At the Wednesday, February 21, 2024 meeting, the Board recognized Pat Gilroy on 25 years of service. 

After spending 20 years in the Air Force serving his country, Pat came to serve his county as a Construction Inspector in 1999.  Pat's wealth of knowledge and experience lead him to his current position as Plans Examiner where he has a variety of duties including review of engineering plans for commercial, residential and industrial projects; determining flood zones in order to certify building evaluation certificates; reviewing multi-family housing plans for ADA compliance in accordance with the Fair Housing Act; and much, much more. 

During the meeting, County Manager Taco Pope stated, "As a Plans Examiner, Pat is very detailed and on-point. He knows his job inside and out. When you think about the types of projects that Pat oversees, it's his due diligence that makes sure any infrastructure that gets put down has a proper life span."

Development Services Director Caleb Hurst added, "Pat has many accomplishments, many of which go unnoticed. He does a great job ensuring that the roads and infrastructure throughout the county are built correctly. He continues to provide a valuable service as Plans Examiner."

Thank you, Pat, for all you do for the County and the residents. And congratulations on your achievement of 25 years!

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer