By Brenda Erdahl
Wright County Commissioners took time last week to reflect upon and recognize the great work done by Wright County staff at an annual Employee Recognition Ceremony at their March 19 board meeting.
Each spring an Employee of the Year and Group of the Year is chosen for their exemplary efforts over the previous year. For 2023, the Employee of the Year is Lieutenant Brian Johnson of the sheriff’s office and receiving the group achievement award is the highway department and the Oracle Phase II Implementation Team.
According to County Administrator Lee Kelly, 35 individuals were nominated and eight groups which is the most the County has seen in recent memory. Members of a selection committee ultimately choose the winners, which Kelly said from experience was a difficult task because of “all the great people working here.”
Johnson’s nominator Lieutenant Josh Hinton spoke to some of Johnson’s many attributes that made him a “great” choice for this award.
“Lt. Johnson has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence throughout the past year. (His) contributions to the sheriff’s office have been invaluable,” Hinton said.
Hinton went on to commend Lt. Johnson on his leadership skills that foster a positive and collaborative work environment that inspires his colleagues to excellence; his willingness to go above and beyond in his duties; a strong work ethic and deep commitment to professional development. He has been a mentor to staff and is known for his positive attitude, strong interpersonal skills and willingness to assist his colleagues, he said.
During Lt. Johnson’s oversite of the operations at the WC training center his strategic thinking, attention to detail and ability to motivate and guide his team have been instrumental in the successful day to day operations at the sheriff’s and the training center, Hinton said.
“I’m confident his contributions have not only positively impacted the sheriff’s office but also significantly contributed to our overall success and our relationships with the public that we serve.”
Johnson commented that it was “very humbling” to receive this award. “Knowing all the other applicants it’s very humbling . . . to be in that company is really amazing.”
“I love Wright County and feel very fortunate to be here,” he said.
For the group award, the highway department was nominated by Assistant County Administrator Marc Mattice for their exemplary efforts keeping Wright County highways some of the best in the state despite some remarkable hurdles last year including 80 inches of snow.