Lexington, SC (Paul Kirby) – At a recent county council meeting, the council took a few moments to recognize some its employees for their hard work and dedication to serving the citizens of the county. Often, their days are long and many work behind the scenes doing jobs that the everyday citizen doesn’t even realize are being done. Yet, these jobs are very important and support the core functions of our government.
Vance Vollmer of the county’s Community Development Department was named the Employee of the Quarter. According to the person who nominated Vance, he has been at the forefront for many county projects, ensuring that each one is completed to everyone’s satisfaction. One of note occurred last fall, when Vance nominated a turkey oak tree at the Cayce-West Columbia Branch Library to be recognized as a SC Champion Tree. Because of his expertise and detailed work on the project, the tree was recognized as the largest of its species in the state.
Vance always responds promptly to requests for service, including addressing potential problems with two rain gardens at the Cayce-West Columbia Library. Vance addressed the concerns immediately, working to restore the gardens’ ability to collect rainwater for native plants. It is because of Vance’s high-quality customer service to the county’s residents and employees that makes him Employee of the Quarter.
Karen Linto of Family Court was also recognized as a nominee for her work. In her nomination letter, the author wrote that since the day Karen started with Family Court, she has been a ray of sunshine. She greets everyone with a smile and an encouraging word. No matter what the day may bring, she approaches each task with dignity, heart and warm embrace. They continued by saying, “Karen is an asset to the family court team and makes every situation better. Most of all, when her coworkers are not having a good day, Karen has knack to do whatever she can to uplift your spirits.” It is because of her positive and team-driven attitude that she was nominated for Employee of the Quarter.
Sharon Kinard of Building Services was also a nominee for the award. According to her supervisors and co-workers, Sharon works hard to make sure that the facilities at the Lexington County Auxiliary Administration building stay spotless. Even as a new employee to the county, she has become a model one, never failing to leave a job unattended. For those that work in the County’s Health and Wellness Center, Sharon is always offering a helping hand to the staff and attending to matters twice a day to make sure the facility is clean for those that work there and the patients. Sharon’s drive to ensure that the job done for the day makes tomorrow better in Lexington County.
Last, but certainly not least, Donwell Swinson of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, was also nominated by his supervisor and peers for the Employee of the Quarter Award. As a Community Services Bureau Sergeant in the North Region, Donwell Swinson has received the praise of several of his colleagues. He supervises 20 employees and has distinguished himself as a true leader in all aspects of his duty. Often when there seems to be a problem, Donwell is right there offering a solution. It has been noted by many who’ve worked with and under him that he is one to listen to others when considering a solution. He then makes a decision that is best for his colleagues and the department. It is because Donwell’s steadfast leadership that he was a nominee for Employee of the Quarter.
Congratulations to each of these dedicated civil servants. Each of their jobs is very important and their dedication to doing a great job with a smile on their faces make it a better day every day in Lexington County.
