Valdosta Mayor John Gayle and Public Works Director Richard Hardy honored Sharon McKinnon as the July 2015 Employee of the Month at the July 9 City Council meeting. McKinnon received a framed certificate and a check for $200, and her name appears on a plaque displayed in City Hall.

McKinnon has been an Administrative Secretary with the Public Works Department since April 2002, where her office management skills serve the Public Works Director, Operations Superintendent and other department supervisors. She maintains employee files and department accounts, monitors department expenditures, prepares requisitions, tracks purchases and oversees the accuracy and completion of departmental monthly reports, and all vehicle mileage and fuel usage reports. McKinnon also assists citizens with inquiries regarding the services and programs of the Public Works Department.

Over the past several months, McKinnon has devoted her personal time and efforts to serve citizens in four city-sponsored events.  During the Azalea Festival, Sharon worked at the city’s Public Information Booth providing information on recycling and mosquito control and by handing out pamphlets and larvacide tablets to citizens at the weekend event.  She took the lead during the annual Spring Electronics Recycling event, as she directed traffic and assisted in the collection of over 20,000 pounds of electronic recyclable goods.  McKinnon took the initiative to arrange the meals and helped coordinated the Public Works Department presentation for the 2015 City Government 101 class, which provided insight on the functions and operations of the divisions. Last but not least, she was requested to help at the city’s annual Job Shadow Day, where she helped with set-up, lunch arrangements and the award presentations for over 25 local high school students.    

The City of Valdosta applauds Sharon McKinnon for selflessly and enthusiastically volunteering her time—much of it off-duty time—to provide citizens with meaningful programs and for being named the July 2015 Employee of the Month.