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During the Troup County Board of Commissioners work session on Tuesday morning, the county recognized more than two centuries of service to the people of Troup County as part of its third-quarter service awards.

Chief among them is Valerie P. Heard, who has served county residents under many hats and currently works as human resources director for the county.

Heard began her career with Troup County in July 1994 with the Human Resources Department. Heard has held several positions during her tenure with Troup County, working her way up to lead the department.

Heard literally helped write the book on human resources.

Under her leadership, the county’s new employee handbook was written in collaboration with the Human Resources Policy Committee and adopted by the Board of Commissioners in 2023.

Heard also helped establish the county’s Human Resources Portal where employees can access the employee handbook, HR forms, job postings and more tools.

During Heard’s leadership, the HR Department improved the county’s biweekly payroll processes by establishing a Human Resources Payroll Portal, which allows employees full access to their payroll records, including direct deposits, job title and pay rate, benefits and deductions, along with vacation and sick leave accruals and balances.

“I lean on Valerie often for her wisdom and support on matters pertaining to Human Resources and other employment issues. I have deeply enjoyed getting to know her and her husband, son, siblings and parents over my 6 years working in Troup County. Valerie is such a pleasure to work alongside daily,” said County Manager Eric Mosley.

Heard is a member of the Georgia Local Government Personnel Association and loves spending time with her family and friends. She and her husband, Randall, have one adult son, Wynton.

Other service-award recipients include:

• TCSO Deputy Cindy Jones was recognized for 25 years of service.
• Equipment Operator Renzo Bates Jr. and Fire EMT Sgt. Andreas Harrilson were recognized for 20 years of service.
• Roads Superintendent James Kinnersley, Parks Maintenance Worker Harvey McCord and Deputy Chief Appraiser Daniel Smith were recognized for 15 years of service.
• TCSO Deputy Edward Haralson was recognized for 10 years of service.
• TCSO Sgt. James White Jr., Detention Officer Robert Wright, Communication Officer Kimberly Allen, Communication Officer Nikki Arndt, Purchasing Technician Amanda Horton, Two Rivers Director Dave Marler, Court Service Director Lindsay Mobley and Deputy Marshal Lisa Parker were recognized for five years of service.