A PROCLAMATION BY THE HUMAN RESOURCE COMMITTEE ON BEHALF OF ANDERSON COUNTY EMPLOYEES RECOGNIZING COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR JOEY R. PRESTON FOR HIS LEADERSHIP, VISION, DEDICATION AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ANDERSON COUNTY COMMUNITY AND ALL ANDERSON COUNTY EMPLOYEES
WHEREAS, Joey R. Preston came to Anderson County in 1996 to assume the duties of County Administrator and during his employ has exhibited qualities of leadership that have brought honor and positive recognition to Anderson County from respected outside individuals, private organizations and government agencies. The SC General Assembly recognized Preston for “his outstanding success as a county administrator and being one of the most innovative and effective local government officials in South Carolina” in 2005. Other honors and awards include: City and County Magazine’s Leader of the Year, 2002; Salvation Army Volunteer of the Year, 2001; Anderson Independent Publishing Company’s Pointing the Way Leadership Award, 1999; 263d AAMDC Volunteer of the Year, 2006; People’s Choice winner in the 263d AAMDC and Cancer Association of Anderson’s ‘Dancing for Our Heroes,’ 2007; 263d Order of St. Barbara, 2008; and,
WHEREAS, Joey R. Preston has encouraged excellence and high performance from county employees, leading by his example. Under his leadership, Anderson County has earned consistently clean, unqualified audits; the Government Finance Officers Association Budget Presentation Award for 3 consecutive years; Government Finance Officers Association’s Excellence in Governmental Performance for 11 consecutive years; ‘All America City’ since 2000; SC Association of Counties Barrett Lawrimore Award, 2002, 2006, runner-up in 2008; J. Mitchell Graham Award, 2001, 2002; National Association of Counties’ NACIO Award, 2006 (2), 2008 (2); International Association of Emergency Managers’ Interagency Disaster Preparedness Award, 2006; and,
WHEREAS, Joey R. Preston’s efforts have stirred motivation, fostered progressive dynamics among county employees and resulted in a better work environment with improved benefits. In 1996, Preston worked with County Council to institute a wage and compensation study, evaluating, comparing and ensuring employee benefits are inline with private industry, thereby laying a foundation to recruit and retain a quality workforce. Due to Preston’s efforts, the employee retention rate has significantly increased; and,
WHEREAS, Joey R. Preston has championed staff development, working to further educational and training opportunities for staff and thereby helping individuals further their individual career goals while simultaneously improving the county’s overall skill base and increasing the quality and efficiency of service to Anderson County residents; and,
WHEREAS, Joey R. Preston has continuously worked with the Personnel Department to recognize employees for their service to the County through the creation of the Human Resource Committee’s Employee of the Month program, with annual Employee Picnics, the Annual Christmas Dinner, Employee Christmas bonuses in the form of Chamber Checks and most recently, the 401K match for employee’s retirement; and,
WHEREAS, Joey R. Preston has fostered and encouraged the spirit of communication and diversity within the workplace by hosting the first SC Legislative Black Caucus Economic Development Conference in Anderson County in 2003 and continuing to promote and encourage diversity within the county including the Human Relations Council, Senior Citizens program and special populations program; and,
WHEREAS, Joey R. Preston has effectively nurtured a culture of volunteerism by assuming his place as a role model of servant leadership and civic-mindedness, actively participating in charitable organizations and thereby, encouraging county employees to volunteer. Under his leadership, employees have exceeded goals in raising funds and collecting bicycles for the Salvation Army during the Holidays, held various canned food and toy drives for organizations such as Good Neighbor Cupboard and Meals on Wheels, participated in the Alzheimer’s Bowling Tournament, participated in the March of Dimes Walks, collected items for deployed soldiers and raised funds for soldiers during the annual Celebrate Anderson event; and,
WHEREAS, the Anderson County Human Resource Committee, on behalf of all Anderson County employees desires to honor Joey R. Preston for his outstanding dedication to Anderson County employees and the community in which we live, work and play:
NOW, THEREFORE, it is hereby resolved by the Human Resource Committee, on behalf of Anderson County employees:
1. The employees of the Anderson County hereby recognize Joey R. Preston for his leadership, commitment and support of Anderson County, SC, its employees and residents.
Mr. Preston: Under your leadership, our County has flourished in so many ways. You truly exemplify the qualities of Servant Leadership. Your dedication to this community and to the employees who serve with you is appreciated.
2. This proclamation shall take effect and be in force immediately upon enactment.
RESOLVED in meeting duly assembled this 18th day of November 2008.
ATTEST: FOR THE HUMAN RESOURCE COMMITTEE
