Reynolds Lake Oconee is pleased to announce the recipients of its Second Quarter Employee Awards for 2021. Massie Ellis, Manager, Landing Marina, has been named Leader of the Quarter, while Newana Nelms, Accounting Coordinator, and Travis Hatley, Great Waters Bartender, have been named Employees of the Quarter.
A Reynolds employee celebrating five years this month, Massie leads The Landing Marina. Massie's humble leadership inspires his team to pursue excellence and ensure fun for Members out on the lake.
"I love the diversity of people I get to meet here and the challenge of running a marina," says Ellis. "I love working at Reynolds, I enjoy helping people, and it is a rewarding feeling to know I am helping people enjoy the lake."
Massie is originally from Savannah and worked at a national food supplier for many years before joining Reynolds. At Reynolds, he started as a forklift operator and has worked his way up into management through hard work. Along the way, he has gained respect from his peers for his hard work and ability to handle tasks given to him with a positive attitude. This positive attitude and commitment to improving himself makes him stand out as a great leader.
When not at the Marina getting Members in and out of the water, you can find Massie listening to music, cooking, drawing, and traveling. He would like to travel to Africa on his next trip.
Newana Nelms joined the Reynolds family over two years ago. As a member of the Accounting Department, she enjoys maintaining a standard of excellence to produce high-quality work for Reynolds Members.
"I enjoy being part of a team that supports each other," says Nelms. "I like working with numbers, problem-solving, and volunteering my assistance when needed. I also love the quality of care and support Reynolds gives to their employees."
Before coming to Reynolds, Newana was an Administrator of a church in Conyers, Ga. for 10 years. In her spare time, you can find her gardening, crafting, reading, and spending time with her four children and eight grandchildren. She is also very proud of her husband of 39 years, Captain Doug, who owns Big Fish Heads Guide Service at Lake Oconee.
Travis Hatley, Bartender at Great Waters, joined the Reynolds family six years ago. Travis worked a various restaurants while pursuing his degree at Georgia College in Milledgeville. In his role as Bartender, Travis strives to ensure that Members and guests always have the best customer service possible. He has become known to Reynolds Members for always serving with a positive attitude and a warm and welcoming smile. With over six years in the food and beverage industry, he is sure to recommend the best beer, wine, or cocktails Great Waters has to offer.
"It's nice being able to contribute to an atmosphere where people love visiting to relax and enjoy themselves," says Hatley. "The atmosphere and community are parallel in the ease of getting to know one another and the ability to socialize."
When not at Great Waters helping Members and guests, you can find Travis hiking, riding his bike, and grilling outdoors as long as the weather is nice!
