Photo provided by the City of ThomasvilleLynn Williams (center) and family members watch the Thursday morning surprise drive-by farewell upon Williams' retirement from city government. Traditional retirement festivities were cancelled as a result of the coronavirus presence.  

THOMASVILLE — Lynn Williams is excited about the next phase of her life, although it is somewhat bittersweet.

Thursday was Williams’ last day of City of Thomasville employment after serving more than three decades in a number of capacities.

“When I began my career with the city, I never expected to have the opportunities that I’ve had,’ she said. “I have been very fortunate to build relationships here that turned into friendships. When I began thinking of retirement, I wanted to prepare my staff to move forward and continue the traditions of excellence that Team Thomasville is known for. I’m so proud of everyone, and I have every confidence in their abilities to lead this organization forward.”

She began her City of Thomasville career as deputy city marshal in 1989, and later became city clerk. In 1997, she moved into utilities marketing and was part of the team that brought many innovations to the Thomasville community, including the development of CNS, now CNSNext.

Her most current responsibility was for overall leadership in customer service, marketing, communications, tourism, Main Street and small business development.

Williams served on the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia’s Power Marketing Services Board, the Georgia Municipal Association’s Legislative Policy Council and the Electric Cities of Georgia’s Board of Directors, which she chaired for three years.

Tom Berry, former longtime Thomasville city manager/utilities superintendent, said commitment was at the heart of Williams’ performance as a city employee.

“She was an integral part of employee team that moved the use of technology from internet dial-up to high-speed service for business and residential customers,” he said. “She led the marketing in branding the CNS product for her community and Southwest Georgia.”

Current City Manager Alan Carson said that upon Williams’ retirement, the city “is losing a tremendous amount of knowledge, experience, background and just caring, love and wanting the very best for Thomasville.”

“She has moved through the ranks in Thomasville and at each stop learned her position well and improved each department she was with,” Carson said. “She has poured her heart and soul into this town, and many of the businesses, people and tourists have her to thank.” 

Chris White, city executive director public utilities, said he has always greatly admired Williams and “appreciated her wide breadth of knowledge, professionalism, keen business perception and ability to always see our ‘bigger picture.’ ” 

“I’ve been privileged to learn under some great leaders in my career, with Lynn being one of my best influences,” White said.

City Council member Jay Flowers said Thomasville has been fortunate to have Williams for so many years, and she will be sorely missed.

“She is a great example of how many members of Team Thomasville have started working at entry-level jobs and risen to senior leadership. Lynn impressed me from the start with her dedication and willingness to stand up for what is right,” Flowers said. “Often, she was there in meetings helping the council understand the reasoning behind certain decisions and customs. She never held back her energy, dry wit, intellect or trove of knowledge.”

Said Kha McDonald, executive director human resources and community relations, “Lynn’s ability to accept new challenges from her first role as deputy marshal/city clerk to a multifaceted role that included marketing, tourism and customer service have been very impactful for our organization. Lynn has been a valuable asset to our organization, and she’s made significant contributions to the success of Team Thomasville.”

SheryI Sealy, executive director of marketing and customer services, considers herself fortunate to have had an opportunity to learn from Williams. 

“She sets a very high standard for her staff and has challenged us to grow and be innovative for our customers and our community”‘ Sealy said. “I’m very honored to be chosen to continue carrying the legacy that she has established. I am honored by the trust, support and confidence that she has placed in me. I value Lynn’s leadership, mentorship and – most importantly – her friendship.”

Vicky Bryson, executive assistant to the city manager, described Williams as “a big contributor to the success of Team Thomasville for more than 30 years. She has a wealth of knowledge regarding how various departments function, which has proven to be an invaluable resource.”

Bryson added, “She strives to leave each customer she assists pleased with the outcome and has set the standard to which we all measure our customer service skills.” 

Sherri Nix, city public outreach manager, worked with Williams for 21 years.

“I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of Team Thomasville, and Lynn has been such a mentor to me and many others,’ Nix said. “She saw the potential in us and gave us opportunities we never thought would be possible. Her dedication to our customers, citizens and Team Thomasville has been like no other.”

 Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820