Athletics & Aquatics Superintendent Edward Austin is the Town of Wake Forest 2018 Jon Ray Employee of the Year. Town Manager Kip Padgett made the announcement Dec. 7 during the Town’s annual Employee Christmas Luncheon at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre.
A 29-year Wake Forest employee, Austin was nominated for the award by several co-workers who praised his dignity, integrity and modesty.
Before recognizing Austin as this year’s Employee of the Year, Padgett read aloud several comments employees included in their nominations as a way of offering clues about the winner’s identity.
“I have worked with this person for many years,” wrote one town employee. “(He) is honest, genuine, sincere, and a true public servant. (He) has a strong sense of loyalty and commitment. His positive attitude and easy-going demeanor make him a pleasure to work around.”
Another person wrote, “(He) makes the effort to get to know staff on a personal level. (He) is approachable by all town staff and very willing to help if asked. (He) often works late and on weekends to ensure the citizens are served.”
Finally, one staff member noted, “In speaking with parents and kids who are now grown, there is one common theme about this person . . . they made a difference in the life of my child.”
After reading those comments, Padgett acknowledged Austin’s nearly three decades of service to the community and his leading role in guiding the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department to CAPRA (Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies) accreditation.
“Our winner has been teaching kids (important values) for over 29 years through our athletic programs, while at the same time, leading us on a three-year process to receive national accreditation of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources department,” said Padgett.
A native of Six Mile, SC, Austin is the son of a Baptist minister. As a result, Austin and his family moved often during his childhood to several cities and towns throughout North and South Carolina, including Jefferson, SC; Charlotte, NC; Kings Mountain, NC; and Morganton, NC.
A 1987 graduate of Gardner-Webb College, Austin began working for the Town of Wake Forest in January 1988 – first as a part-time employee, then in 1989 as a Parks Maintenance Supervisor. In September 1989 he was named Athletics Coordinator. Since then, he has been responsible for overseeing the Town’s athletics and aquatics programs, first as Athletics Coordinator and now as Athletics & Aquatics Superintendent.
Austin admitted to being “surprised and humbled” to hear his name announced as this year’s winner.
“There are many that are deserving of the recognition, and I’m honored to have been selected to represent all Town employees,” he said. “I am proud to be a Town of Wake Forest employee and am grateful that I get to work with such outstanding people. Quite often, I tell folks how much I enjoy my job and how fortunate I am to be compensated for doing something that I love!”
Austin also took a moment to acknowledge those who helped him along the way.
“I hope that my being named Employee of the Year honors those that have taken the time to mentor, direct, and advise me throughout my career,” he said.
The Jon Ray Employee of the Year Award is named after former Street Supervisor Jon Ray who passed away in November 2013. Padgett, along with a committee comprised of former EOY award winners, selects the Employee of the Year from nominations submitted by Town staff. Submissions must include a written narrative explaining why the nominee is deserving of the award.
Previous Employee of the Year Award recipients include Graphics Coordinator Bess Martinson (2017), Recreation Program Superintendent Monica Lileton (2016), Public Facilities Specialist Joseph Pennington (2015), Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Crew Supervisor Randy Hoyle (2014), Street Supervisor Jon Ray (2013), Senior Code Enforcement Official Tim Edwards (2012), Senior Planner Candace Davis (2011), Construction Worker Lance Pontrelli (2010), Police D.A.R.E. Officer Scott Graham (2009), Assistant Public Works Director John Thrift (2008), Maintenance Worker Gennie Williams (2007), Accounting Services Manager LaVerne Harding (2006), Inspections Administrator J.J. Carr (2005), and Human Resources Director Tammy Moody (2004).
