Fayette County, GA – After an extraordinary career with Fayette County, Pamela Reed, the county’s first African American employee of the Board of Commissioners Office and the longest tenured employee with 47 years of continued service, is retiring. Reed, a Financial Analyst, started in 1977, is leaving an indelible mark on the county’s government and its history.
Reed’s journey began in the County Commissioner’s Office, a time when county operations were vastly different. “We did everything manually back then,” Reed recalled.
“I remember when we got the first computer system which was kept in a temperature-controlled room. Reels were used to back up the files. It was a big thing, going from manual recordkeeping to computerized recordkeeping. But, we were able to do what we had to do to keep things rolling and to stay on top of things.
She described the transition from handwritten minute book indexes, using the copying machine to copy the minutes for the numbered pages minute books , keeping accounting ledgers, hand typing checks, to the streamlined digital systems of today. “I’ve was able to roll with the times coming from an era where I did the manual processes to where we are now.”
Over her 47 years, spanning two departments, Reed witnessed significant changes in Fayette County’s government. She spent her first five years in the Board of Commissioner’s office. Reed worked with the then County Clerk, Carol Chandler, who was also a great inspiration, she often referred to me as her “right arm”.
Ms. Reed stated that, “I was in the clerk certificate program in which I attended the training in February and September of each year in Athens, but I moved on to Finance before I completed it.”
After moving into the Finance Department she was responsible for many functions like receipting and recording incoming funds, issuing checks, making bank deposits, processing payroll deduction payments to various entities, performing bank reconciliations and other accounting procedures. She was involved in the overall functions of the department, all areas of the department, and was able to keep things rolling. She stated that at one point, it was just two of us working in the department, the director and me.
Reflecting on her proudest accomplishments. Ms. Reed said that, “I was overseeing a lot of the functions when we went to the computers. We kept things going smoothly. My accomplishment was to be able to roll with the times.”
Reed’s resilience and unwavering faith were key to overcoming challenges. “No challenge was too hard,” she stated. “It has to be faith and the things that mother put into us. Believing in God and believing we can get through things. I instill that in my children too that whatever you may face, this too shall pass.” She spoke candidly about the challenges of raising a family as a young, divorced woman, emphasizing the importance of staying focused and maintaining a positive attitude.
When asked about advice for those starting their careers in county government, Reed stressed the importance of mastering the basics. “Learn the basics. Making sure you are versed in the basics, makes life so much easier in doing the work. Take in whatever you can. Always learn, always read, ask questions, get to know what you are doing. Make it a part of who you are. It’s important to stay on top of that.”
Reed credited the late Emory McHugh as a significant mentor. “Of all the supervisors I had, he was the best,” she said. “He always said, “there are no problems, there are solutions”. We can fix anything that needs to be fixed. McHugh’s leadership style, characterized by fairness and trust, left a lasting impact on Reed’s professional philosophy.
Reflecting on her pioneering role as the first African American employee, Reed shared, “At that particular time, we were just coming out of the Civil Rights era of the 60’s, there weren’t any people of color working in the offices,” she said. That was a big and new thing.
“One day, a gentleman came in and said, ‘They told me to come see Pam. Who is Pam?’ My coworkers didn’t say ‘she’s the Black girl.’ I thought, wow, that made a difference. They didn’t see me as a color. They were open to teaching me whatever they knew. They poured into me, guided me, directed me, and never withheld information. They took me under their wings saying ‘This is what we do and why we do it.”
Reed’s commitment to education was also a highlight of her career. “One of my greatest accomplishments was earning my associate’s degree while working and raising my family. Although I did not go on to obtain my bachelor’s degree, I was elated to walk across that platform. I started several years before but had to drop out due to family matters. But, I went back to finish what I started. During my employment, I also obtained a Certificate of Public Management and Certificate of Finance Officer,” she said.
Looking forward to retirement, Reed plans to spend time with her three children, two grandchildren, and she will continue to take care of her mother. Reed wants to explore her artistic side through drawing and painting. She also plans to travel with her fiancé.
“It’s been a journey,” Reed said. “I have been blessed to work for my beloved Fayette County. It was really a big thing. My roots are deep here in Fayette County.”
“Pam’s retirement is well deserved after such a long time with Fayette County. She has been an invaluable asset to the County and the Finance Department. We will miss her and her wealth of knowledge as she travels,” said Sheryl Weinmann, Chief Financial Officer.
