On Tuesday, March 31st, Reynolds Lake Oconee held its annual dinner and awards ceremony at the Lake Club ballroom. With over 85 guests in attendance, company executives recognized several employees for their hard work, dedication and community efforts in 2014.
Charlie Vaughn, director of marinas, and Barbara Overton, administrative assistant of golf course maintenance, were the recipients of the Leader and Employee of the Year awards.
Vaughn joined Reynolds Lake Oconee as a forklift operator in February 1997. For 18 years, he has remained in marina operations having received a promotion to his current role as director in May 2007. As Director of Marinas, Vaughn oversees all four marina facilities inside the gates of Reynolds Lake Oconee.
“Charlie continues to be an exemplary leader for his team and many others in the company,” says Gray Ferguson, senior vice president of operations. “He is dedicated to customer service, and never hesitates when asked for assistance by a member, guest or fellow colleagues. Charlie truly leads by example, and he is well-deserving of this high honor of Leader of the Year.”
Working as the office manager at Greensboro Ford, Barbara Overton (Employee of the Year) transferred to Reynolds Lake Oconee in April 1992 as the administrative assistant of golf course maintenance. Overton, with almost 23 years under her belt, currently assists with four of the six golf courses; Oconee, Plantation, National and Creek Club.
“Barbara is the administrative assistant for four golf course superintendents, two turf equipment managers and one horticulturist, so it’s easy to say she stays very busy,” says Lane Singleton, vice president of agronomy. “She is very knowledgeable of golf course terminology and knows the needs of each individual manager. Barbara is always pleasant with a very positive attitude no matter what is asked of her, and she is always more than willing to help anyone at any time.”
Ron Kalpak and Don Weir were recognized as Sales Team of the Year for Reynolds Plantation Properties, LLC for 2014. The two agents totaled 25 transactions for the year, earning the duo the highest numbers for the company. Kalpak was also recently named 2014 top transaction producer by an individual sales executive for the company.
“Ron and Don had a fantastic year in 2014,” says Lee Arberg, senior vice president of sales at Reynolds Plantation Properties. “Both are highly recognized with their many efforts in giving back to the community – Ron is the tennis coach and avid supporter of Lake Oconee Academy, while Don and his wife Sarah are very instrumental in the local arts scene. Their involvements only help in sharing the overall lifestyle with their clients.”
Recipients for the 2014 “Helping Hands” award for Reynolds Lake Oconee were Pete Stephan, course advisor at Creek Club, Kent Horton, Property Owners Association, and Michael Edwards, restaurant manager at Creek Club. The “Helping Hand” award is given to employees who give their time and energy to the community and charitable organizations.
Pete Stephan is fondly known as “Porch-Man-Pete” at the local Habitat for Humanity where he is currently helping construct his 37th and 38th homes while serving with the organization. He and his wife are advocates for Circle of Love, a battered women’s shelter, helping with fundraising events as well as gathering furniture and other household items needed. He recently started to assist in building the play sets at the Plaza Arts Center for Putnam Alliance for Performing Arts. Stephan is always available and willing to build, repair or just be the “handyman” at Lake Oconee Community Church. Last year, Stephan was awarded the prestigious Presidential Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award for over 4000 volunteer hours in a lifetime.
For Kent Horton helping children and young adults is a true passion. Horton volunteers in numerous ways to better the lives of younger generations that include: volunteering to help the Boy Scouts of America; helping Tri-Kids Inc. on Saturdays with sports activities; attending workshops and training sessions for the Greene County Tri-County Mentoring Program to help high school students with their academics; volunteering during school hours as a WATCHDOG to ensure the safety and welfare of Greene County students; assisting in various local church-sponsored Back to School events handing out free book bags, supplies and food to low income families; and participating in monthly food distributions in Putnam County delivering food boxes to vehicles. If his plate isn’t full enough already, Horton also volunteers at the Plaza Arts Center as an usher, as well as setting up and breaking down equipment and tents during the Movies in the Summer events.
Known for his pleasant attitude and hard work, Michael Edwards donates much of his time as an auxiliary volunteer at St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital. Edwards is a regular participant at the Lake Oconee Community Church Second Harvest monthly food distribution held at Greene County High School. He also volunteers at the United Methodist Church of Greensboro’s annual Christmas program, even filling in as the man of the hour – Santa Claus – a time or two.
Lastly, the milestone anniversaries for Reynolds Lake Oconee employees were recognized and include six 5-year, eighteen 10-year and ten 15-year recognitions. A special recognition to Mary Miller (Sales Executive), Kay Vandiver (Plantation Snack Bar), J.C. Williams (Golf Operations-Creek Club) and Brandy Williamson (Oconee Snack Bar) for 20 years of service, and Laurie Cicco (Vice President of Membership) for 25 years of service.
“Our employees are what make our company such a great company, and we enjoy every opportunity to highlight their dedication and achievements,” says Rabun Neal, president of Reynolds Lake Oconee. “This is a very special annual event celebrating our work family.”
