Grady Padgett Named September 2016 Employee of the Month

In Photo: Grady Padgett (second from right) was joined by his wife Leanna and their three children Ein, Macey and Hannah, as he was named the City of Valdosta's September 2016 Employee of the Month by Mayor John Gayle (far right) and City Engineer Patrick Collins at the Sept. 8 City Council meeting.

Valdosta Mayor John Gayle and City Engineer Patrick Collins honored Grady Padgett as the September 2016 Employee of the Month at the Sept. 8 City Council meeting. Padgett received a framed certificate and a check for $200, and his name appears on a plaque displayed in City Hall.

Padgett works as a Heavy Equipment Operator in the city's Arbor Division, where he operates an aerial lift truck, box truck and chipper, stump grinder and chainsaws. He also performs tree-related tasks, such as planting and pruning, and remove hazardous limbs and trees from city right-of-ways.

The Arbor Division consists of only two employees. Shortly after Padgett was hired in January 2016, the Urban Forestry Supervisor was out on medical leave for nearly 10 weeks. During this time, Padgett not only performed his job, but he made extra efforts to ensure the division operated as efficiently as possible in his supervisor's absence.

Padgett evaluated all open work orders and began working on the ones he could complete himself. Between January and July 2016, the Arbor Division completed 53 work orders, and 28 were completed by Padgett during the 10-week timeframe. In addition, he assisted with the coordination and planting of a memorial tree, maintained all written records, and assisted with site visits to confirm the size and health of trees when tree removal permits were submitted. Padgett also took the initiative to request a tablet and hot spot to allow him to respond quickly to work orders and emails while out in the field.

The City of Valdosta applauds Grady Padgett for demonstrating outstanding initiative, strong organization skills and impeccable customer service and for being named the September 2016 Employee of the Month.