Reynolds Lake Oconee is pleased to announce the recipients of its Quarterly Employee Awards for 2025. Marlee Thomas, Marketing Manager, has been named Leader of the Quarter, Alyssa Parham, Delivery Driver, Cellar Program, and Zach Kemp, IT Support, Information Systems, have been named Employees of the Quarter.
We are so thrilled to announce that Marlee Thomas, our Marketing Manager, is the recipient of the Leader of the Quarter award! This honor truly celebrates a team member whose leadership, deep dedication over six years, and commitment to our community’s values make her such a key person here at Reynolds.
Marlee is a successful strategic communications professional who has been an essential part of the Marketing Department since graduating from Georgia College & State University in 2019. She is grateful for the start and the chances for growth she’s been given. In her role, she manages Reynolds Living Magazine, oversees our public relations efforts, leads the Model Home Program, and oversees the production of the marketing materials that beautifully showcase our community.
This past quarter, Marlee showed strong composure while tackling many high-priority projects. For instance, she mastered the full update of Reynolds Living Magazine while guiding the current edition to the finish line despite unforeseen obstacles.
She expertly coordinated a large media event, managing all the travel, production, and guest experiences—all while keeping up with her regular duties and the department’s numerous other projects.
During an operational change and heavy workload, she successfully moved the Model Home to its new location, making sure everything went off without a hitch. Her positive attitude, flexible approach, and sharp attention to detail were instrumental in keeping the team on track and ensuring all projects maintained their high standards.
Marlee says that what she likes most about her role is simple: the people. "The marketing team that I’m privileged to work with. They make the good days better and the hard days worth it." She appreciates the whole atmosphere here, explaining, "The culture of care and attention everyone works hard to maintain not only makes this a great place for our Members and guests to live and visit, but also for us as employees to work."
Brian Gaydica, Director of Marketing at Reynolds Lake Oconee, stated, "Marlee was nominated for always going the extra mile and being a true pillar of the Marketing Department. Her consistent dedication to our Service Excellence standards and the overall member experience make her a natural-born leader and a true asset to our team.”
Outside of her successful career, Marlee’s focus is on her deep commitment to family and faith. When she's not at the office, she enjoys hanging out with her family, reading, traveling with friends, and trying out new restaurants and coffee shops. She is an active part of her community through Watkinsville First Baptist Church in Watkinsville, GA.
Alyssa Parham, who will mark her second anniversary with the company this November, has become an invaluable team member wherever she is assigned. Alyssa's commitment to excellence was recently highlighted by her supervisor, who praised her impact at Kathy's Cafe. "Since Alyssa has been at Kathy’s, she has been a huge help in the everyday function of the restaurant. She is willing to help in any way with a positive attitude. I hope she continues this momentum to make every place she goes even better," the supervisor stated. This strong endorsement reflects the helpful and proactive attitude Alyssa brings to her daily responsibilities.
When asked about her experience, Alyssa Parham emphasized the community and camaraderie at Reynolds Lake Oconee. "Working at Reynolds is like working with one big family. I’m very blessed to have fantastic relationships with the members, coworkers, and leaders around me!" she said. Her favorite part of the job is the personal connection: "getting to know people and building relationships with all the members I deliver to—and all their furry friends!"—a reference to her beloved AKC Black Lab, Gunner.
A "jack of all trades" with a background that includes experience as a gymnastics coach, welder, and cake decorator, Alyssa Parham brings a versatile skill set to the team. She has moved around various clubhouses and positions during her tenure, noting that "every clubhouse or position I’ve gotten the opportunity to work in has been a great experience, truly the best community I’ve had the honor of being a part of."
In her time away from work, Alyssa enjoys oil paintings, fishing, hiking, and ATV mud rides.
Zach Kemp, a dedicated member of the IT Department for over five years, is recognized for his exceptional proactive mindset, keen attention to detail, and tireless commitment to operational excellence. His supervisor's nomination highlighted the immediate and lasting positive impact of his work: "What sets Zach apart from others is his proactive mindset. He arrives each day with a clear plan, consistently follows through, and takes pride in ensuring everything he touches is organized, functional, and visually seamless. His attention to detail and commitment to excellence are truly commendable. Zach exemplifies the core values of a dedicated Reynolds employee—hardworking, dependable, and driven by a desire to make a positive impact." His contributions have not only improved the community's infrastructure but have also set a new standard for teamwork and professionalism across the property.
Zach’s passion for Reynolds Lake Oconee is rooted in his deep connection to the community and the lake itself. What he enjoys most about the property is the powerful sense of community and connection, noting, "There’s truly something here for everyone—whether it’s golfing, pickleball, spending a day at the pool, or enjoying time on the lake. It’s rewarding to be part of a place that brings so many people together through shared experiences." In his role within the IT department, Zach particularly thrives on the problem-solving aspect of his daily work. "Every day brings something new—whether it’s troubleshooting complex issues or installing and implementing new technology to improve the member experience," he explained. He also highly values the collaborative culture within his team, stating, "We have a strong team that supports each other to keep everything running smoothly across the property."
Zach's history with the lake community predates his full-time career. Before joining Reynolds, he was a full-time student at Kennesaw State University, pursuing a degree in Information Systems, while simultaneously working part-time renting jet skis on Lake Oconee at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Club Marina, and Linger Longer Marina. These early experiences helped him build strong customer service skills and a lasting love for the lake community. This customer-focused foundation was further cemented during his initial role at Reynolds as a cart attendant at The Landing golf course, which "gave me a great foundation in customer service and helped me learn the importance of teamwork and attention to detail," he shared. Since transitioning into the IT department, where he holds a degree in Information Systems and continues to pursue relevant certifications, he has successfully combined his technical skills with his passion for improving the member experience.
Outside of his professional life, Zach continues to enjoy the amenities he helps maintain, spending his spare time out on the lake with friends and family or relaxing with a round of golf.
