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LINCOLNTON, N.C. – Two “Of the Year” awards were recently given out to two dedicated Lincoln County Employees.  Kathryn Saine, Senior Services Director, was named Lincoln County’s Department Manager of the Year for 2023 and the 2023 Lincoln County Employee of the Year Award went to Barry Hill, Facilities Maintenance Technician.

County Commission Chairman Carrol Mitchem presented the award to Saine and had the following to say about her during the presentation:

Our Manager of the Year Award is a very special honor for a Lincoln County Government employee to receive. Nominations are accepted from fellow managers and commissioners, afterwards, a committee reviews all nominations received and selects the award recipient based several criteria:

• This year, the manager of year is a person that selflessly gives of their time to accomplish goals and objectives for ALL of Lincoln County.
• This person demonstrates a lot of what it means to be a county employee and manager. This person works hard to assure their department meets its mission in enhancing the quality of life for citizens in Lincoln County.
• This manager started at a young age, with the passion to help others.  They have gone above and beyond to extend and expand the number of people and programs their department serves.
• This department provides so many important resources and services around Caregiver Support, transportation and information assistance just to name a few. There are a lot of Programs and services that require a lot of attention each day to make successful and this manager is the heart of this success.
• Programs have been revitalized and participation has grown over the past years, while working hand-in-hand with her team to keep quality services available to every senior adult countywide.

But, there is more to it than just the delivery of services; this manager must have a personality that is warm and caring for everyone they serve. She is that personality. She cares that everyone is treated warmly and respectfully. She works hard to know those we serve and to listen to their stories.

Senior Services offers so much to maintain the enrichment of our senior adult population and that dedication requires a dedicated leader with a vison for what is best for seniors of Lincoln County. Whether she is offering cooking demonstrations, assisting with fun activities or helping someone set up nutrition support; She does it with passion and a smile.

She has been employed with Lincoln County for six years.  She spends her time outside of work with her husband, and her son, traveling, attending ballgames and just spending quality time together as a family; as well as supporting her community.

Lincoln County is fortunate to have this dedicated Department Manager.

It is our pleasure to announce Kathryn Saine, Senior Services Director, as Lincoln County’s Department Manager of the Year 2023.

Lincoln County Commissioner Cathy Davis presented the award to Hill and had the following to say about him during the presentation:

Our Employee of the Year Award is a very special honor for a Lincoln County Government employee to receive. Nominations are accepted from fellow county employees and a committee reviews all nominations received and selects the award recipient based on four categories of eligibility.

In the award recipient’s nomination letter, it states:

This person is a rare individual whose attitude and work ethic never change. From the time they became employed, they have always had a wonderful attitude of, happy to be here, happy to work, happy to help.

This person reaches the lives of nearly all departments with a great attitude and they boost the morale of any room they walk into.  You will never hear them complaining and there is always a huge smile on their face, no matter what type of work they are doing.

He is referred to as the happiest man in Lincoln County.  Anyone that has ever interacted with him would say the same.

He has received many praises from both County personnel and citizens who have interacted with him. His dedication to performing his duties accurately, coupled with his innate ability to create a positive and comfortable environment, has garnered him widespread admiration.

His has a perpetual smile and hearty laugh that can brighten anyone's day. However, as time progressed, it became evident that his value in Maintenance extends beyond his uplifting spirit. He continually seeks opportunities for improvement, displaying a genuine commitment to enhancing his skills for the betterment of the team. Even in unfamiliar tasks, he willingly steps in to provide support, showcasing an admirable willingness to learn and adapt.

You will find this person in his spare time volunteering at his church and spending time with family. He is constantly trying to learn and take things he’s learned at work with him to help him maintain his church. Many times, as most dads do, he finds himself helping his grown children by working on their cars or helping them at their homes. Even if it nothing more than moral support.

Without question, he stands out as an invaluable asset to our County Government. Our award recipient has been employed with the County since 2016.   It is our pleasure to award the 2023 Lincoln County Employee of the Year Award, to Mr. Barry Hill, Facilities Maintenance Technician.

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