Reynolds Lake Oconee is pleased to announce the recipients of its Fourth Quarterly Employee Awards for 2025. Thomas Williams, Linger Longer Marina Manager, has been named Leader of the Quarter. Annaliese Sauve, Server F&B Great Waters, and Scott Batchelor, HVAC Technician in Facilities Maintenance, have been named Employees of the Quarter.
Since joining the team in 2024, Thomas has quickly become a familiar face and a vital part of the Reynolds family. He brings with him a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for hospitality.
For Thomas, the appeal of Reynolds lies in its unique atmosphere. "It feels like a true community," he shares. "Over time, everyone seems to know who you are and where you work. Reynolds also truly takes care of its employees, providing events like fishing days and family outings that include boat rides or time at the pool. It’s that supportive environment that makes coming to work so rewarding."
In his day-to-day role, he finds his greatest joy in the simple act of connection. His philosophy on work is straightforward: he is there to ensure every member has an unforgettable experience. "I get to spend my time talking with people," Thomas says. "The members are here for rest and relaxation, and my goal is to make sure they are having a great time out on the water with friends and family. When people ask what I do for a living, I tell them: I talk to people and make sure they have a fun, relaxing vacation."
Thomas’ expertise is backed by a deep history in marina operations. Before arriving in Georgia, he had a diverse career path that included retail and seasonal work in Yellowstone National Park. However, he always found his way back to the water at his local marina on Lake Cumberland in south-central Kentucky. Starting as a valet, Thomas worked his way up to houseboat captain and eventually operations manager, a trajectory that prepared him perfectly for the high standards of Reynolds.
When he isn’t on the docks, he enjoys traveling; he has visited over 35 states and ventured abroad. He is also a fan of strategy and connection, frequently hosting card and board game nights for friends and family. While he has embraced his new home in Georgia, he admits that football season can be a bit of a culture shock. A Kentucky native, he jokes that he occasionally feels like a "fish out of water" in the heart of SEC country, noting that "UK basketball runs deep through the veins from November to April."
Annaliese has become a cornerstone of the hospitality experience, known for her sharp attention to detail and her ability to elevate every guest interaction into something truly special. Her manager, Stacey Morawski, notes that Annaliese’s impact on the department extends far beyond her daily tasks, describing her as a leader who leads by example and from the heart. Whether she is orchestrating a busy dinner service or fine-tuning the presentation of a showcase event, her commitment to the "Reynolds Standard" is unwavering. Morawski praises Annaliese as a true leader who steps up wherever and whenever she is needed, noting that her presence brings confidence to the team and her initiative sets the tone for the community's success.
Since joining the team in January 2023, Annaliese has developed a reputation for being a "finisher"—the person who ensures that no detail, no matter how small, is overlooked. This dedication has made her an invaluable asset to the Great Waters team and a favorite among the membership. Annaliese credits this bond with the members as one of her favorite aspects of the job, noting that she genuinely looks forward to seeing familiar faces during Friday happy hours. Beyond the social connections, she finds deep professional satisfaction in the technical side of hospitality, from curating wine dinners to crafting new cocktails. For Annaliese, watching these elements fall into place to create an unforgettable experience for members is extremely rewarding.
Annaliese’s journey in the industry began in high school at a coffee shop and boutique called Blume Organics, and she has continued to expand her expertise while attending college in Milledgeville. In addition to her pivotal role at Reynolds, she also bartends at Trappeze Pub in Athens, where she has enjoyed becoming part of another local community over the last five months. Though she has worked at every restaurant within the Reynolds portfolio, she says her favorite place to be is Great Waters, where the tight-knit group at The Overlook has truly become like family.
When she isn't busy maintaining the high standards of guest service at Reynolds, Annaliese enjoys traveling to see new places with her parents, Kyrie and Mark, and her close friends. In her spare time, she can often be found reading, watching movies, or staying active at the gym. Her commitment to her craft and her community highlights why employees like Annaliese remain the greatest asset to Reynolds Lake Oconee. As Morawski concludes, Annalise doesn’t just show up; she shows up big, and the recent success of the department is a direct reflection of her hard work and heart.
As a veteran of the Facilities Maintenance team, Scott’s recognition comes as a testament to two decades of unwavering dedication, technical expertise, and a "family-first" approach to his work as an HVAC Technician.
His manager, Lee Schell, notes that Scott’s impact on the property is defined by a level of reliability that has become the gold standard for the department. For nearly 20 years, Scott has been the go-to expert for ensuring the comfort and safety of the community’s infrastructure.
"For over 10 years, I have witnessed Scott consistently completing his work orders across the property," says Schell. "He has been our most reliable technician at following through on his assigned work. The dependability of Scott’s work demonstrates his deep dedication to protecting and maintaining the company’s assets."
In the world of facilities maintenance, obstacles—from backordered parts to complex mechanical puzzles—are frequent, but Schell points out that Scott never lets a hurdle stop his progress. "The fact that Scott stays on top of his work orders at all times, regardless of the obstacles in his way, shows how he truly owns his service challenges through to a successful resolution."
Scott’s journey with Reynolds began after a decade of service with the Eatonton Housing Authority. Over the past 20 years, he has woven himself into the fabric of the team, viewing his colleagues as more than just coworkers. "We are like family here," Scott shared. "Everyone is always willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done."
Beyond the technical demands of HVAC systems, Scott is a familiar face in the local community. An active member of the Elks Club, he frequently volunteers his time to help cook for various events, bringing his signature work ethic to local charitable efforts.
When the workday ends, Scott’s focus shifts to his family. He treasures time spent with his girlfriend, Meredith, and their blended family, including his sons, Jackson and Justin, and Meredith’s children, Ansley and Braxton. An avid outdoorsman, Scott enjoys the best of the Georgia landscape, whether he’s hitting the links for a round of golf or heading into the woods to hunt with his sons.
