Reynolds Lake Oconee is pleased to announce the recipients of its Second Quarter Employee Awards for 2019. Zouhair Bellout, Chef de Cuisine at The Creek Club, has been named Leader of the Quarter, while Karen Mashburn, Café Attendant at Kathy’s Café, and Tajuan Lewis, Housekeeping Supervisor, have been named Employees of the Quarter.
Prior to joining the culinary team at Reynolds in January 2016, Zouhair Bellout was the Banquet Chef at The Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota, Florida and Chef de Cuisine at Keswick Hall and Golf Club in Charlottesville, Virginia. As Chef de Cuisine at The Creek Club, Bellout looks forward to creating specials each week and seeing faces, both new and familiar, in the restaurant.
“I really enjoy getting to know my employees and our Members on a personal level,” says Bellout. “I believe that developing those relationships and building rapport creates a positive work environment.”
When not whipping up a delicious meal, Bellout can be found at home with his wife, Jessica; daughter, Aya, 2; and son, Noah, 1. He also enjoys playing FIFA 19 on his PlayStation.
Karen Mashburn worked for 15 years at Rheem Manufacturing in Milledgeville before beginning at Reynolds in 2001. In her role as the Café Attendant at Kathy’s Café, located at The Lake Club, Mashburn strives to ensure that Members always have a great dining experience.
“Kathy’s Café is like my own child; I love it with all my heart,” says Mashburn. “I enjoy providing customer service to the Members, who are also like family to me.”
When not serving up sandwiches and chicken tenders to Members visiting The Infinity Pool, Mashburn likes to read, shop, visit flea markets, and spend time with family, including her daughter, Jennifer, and her five grandchildren.
Tajuan Lewis, Housekeeping Supervisor, joined the team nearly 17 years ago, after time spent as a stay-at-home mother. In addition to her tenure at Reynolds, Lewis is a long-time resident of Greene County, where she completed her education. That familiarity has facilitated her favorite part of the job – the people.
“Over the years, I have gotten to know a lot of the Members and I love them. Everyone knows me by Tootie and it is nice to be recognized,” says Lewis. “I also love the challenge of my job; every day is different and pushes me to learn more.”
When not helping keep Reynolds clean and beautiful, Lewis enjoys spending time with her four children: Anaiya, 19; Akara, 17; Treasure, 14; and Chace, 11. She also looks forward to cooking new recipes and reading.
