Coney named county employee of the year

Historic City News learned that Benjamin Coney was honored today when he was named “Employee of the Year” when St. Johns County held its annual Employee Service Awards ceremony.

Coney works as the Assistant Director with St. Johns County Housing and Community Services and was selected from a highly talented and deserving group of nominees for this special award. The award is presented to the employee who, through nomination, has demonstrated public service excellence and made exemplary organizational contributions throughout the year.

“Ben’s commitment to community revitalization, leadership and volunteer work throughout the county were just a few of the qualities that set him apart,” said Karen Pan, Communication Manager for the Office of the County Administrator.

As a board member and the county’s liaison to the Northeast Florida Community Action Agency, Coney worked diligently to expand the programs of Jacksonville-based agency in St. Johns County.

Coney was credited for recognizing that the Solomon Calhoun Community Center would provide a great opportunity for expansion and make Northeast Florida Community Action Agency even more accessible for the residents of West Augustine. Under Coney’s leadership, the agency now operates two St. Johns County sites, one at the Solomon Calhoun Community Center and the other at Blocker, Collier, Puryear Park.

Thanks to Coney’s vision and hard work, Northeast Florida Community Action Agency programs now bring more than half a million dollars annually to families in St. Johns County through after school programs, health services, low-income energy assistance, food distribution services and more.

“Congratulations to Ben on being named the County’s Employee of the Year for 2010,” said County Administrator Michael Wanchick. “His hard work and leadership symbolize the dedication and commitment of many public employees which often goes without proper recognition. Even during less than favorable economic times when staff is asked to do more with less, employees like Ben are what continue to make St. Johns County a wonderful place to live and work.”

During the awards ceremony, Linda Fielder from the Utility Department and Geralyn Sachs from Agricultural Extension Services were also recognized as runners up for the employee of the year award.

Additionally, County employees with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years of service were recognized for their contributions to St. Johns County. In total, 192 County employees with a combined 1,960 years of service were honored, with these six employees recognized for 30 years of dedicated service: Robert Hall Jr., Deresa Lane, Frank Mergl, Charles Stevens Jr., Shelley Wood and Chris Woodard.

St. Johns County officials congratulate each of these employees on their dedication and public service.