Pickens County congratulates recent Pinnacle Performers of the Month, Elizabeth Brock, Austen Richey, Krystal Hopkins, Matthew Dalton, and Chris Simmons, announced on December 3, 2024.

Elizabeth serves as a Legal Investigator for the Solicitor’s Office, where she has worked for the past 27 years. She was nominated by her longtime colleague Anita Anthony, who said Elizabeth has been a tremendous asset in the 24 years they have worked together, always going above and beyond to assist others. “I’ve been blessed to work with and learn from her over the years,” Anita said. “She has dedication to her job that you don’t find much…I think she is very deserving of recognition and this award.”

Austen Richey was hired as a deputy for the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office in 2019, receiving a series of promotions before becoming a detective in 2022, the position he holds today. He was nominated by Shannon Ellenburg of the Sheriff’s Office, who said he is dependable and can be trusted to complete any task. “One thing that really stands out about Austen is his care and concern for the victims he works with,” she said. “Austen routinely takes significant amounts of time with his victims…He is passionate about making sure justice is served and victims feel as if their voices have been heard.”

Krystal Hopkins came to work part-time for the Pickens County Animal Shelter in 2020 as a technician. She transitioned to a full-time intake coordinator role in 2021. She was nominated by her co-worker DeAna Stine, who described her as “helpful and cooperative.” She said, “No matter the situation, Krystal is always punctual, professional, and a team player who shows initiative.”

Matthew Dalton began his career with Building Maintenance in 2022 as a Mechanic I and was promoted earlier this year to Mechanic II. He was nominated by Building Maintenance Director Tim Owen, who said Matthew has been a tremendous addition to their team over the past two years, proving to be dependable, respectful, and honest. “He is always conscientious with repair costs, diligent in completing work orders in a timely manner, and, while he works great with others, he excels being self-reliant, which is a huge asset,” Tim said.

Chris Simmons has worked as a Litter Control Officer for Environmental Enforcement since June of last year. He was nominated by his supervisor, Austin Cassell, who said, “He shows up to work every day with a positive attitude and doesn’t complain when tasks are assigned to him.” He described him as the prime example of a public servant, detailing an instance when he responded to a call regarding a tent in the woods. Rather than issuing a ticket to the occupants of the tent, he showed compassion and helped them find shelter, which not only resolved the complaint but importantly ensured the safety and wellbeing of those involved.

Pickens County Pinnacle Performers is a peer-to-peer recognition program that is designed to reward those who go above and beyond in their jobs. Some of the traits of a Pinnacle Performer include dedication and commitment to fulfilling their job responsibilities, good customer service, having a helpful and positive attitude, and demonstrating initiative to save taxpayers money. One employee is selected each month. At the end of the year, one of the 12 recipients of the monthly award will be named Pinnacle Performer of the Year.