Reynolds Lake Oconee is pleased to announce the recipients of its Second Quarterly Employee Awards for 2026. Hoyt Ellspermann, Golf Course Superintendent, Creek Club, has been named Leader of the Quarter. Skylar Collins, Coordinator, Human Resources, and Josh Davantes, Outside Services Supervisor, The Landing Golf Operations, have been named Employees of the Quarter.
A 23-year veteran at Reynolds, Hoyt Ellspermann joined the organization in February 2003. Over the past two decades, he has contributed his expertise across multiple courses within the community, including The National golf course and Great Waters. In 2007, he moved to the Creek Club, where he was named Golf Course Superintendent in 2011.
Hoyt consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the course is presented at its very best every day. Overseeing the Creek Club during the heat of the summer is no small responsibility, yet he approaches the challenge with dedication, professionalism, and a relentless focus on quality. Hoyt is a valued partner who keeps teams informed, communicates effectively, and fosters accountability while giving his crew the support they need to succeed. Professionally, Ellspermann is a 25-year Class A member of both the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and the Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Association (GGCSA), having served six years on the GGCSA Board of Directors.
Ellspermann’s passion for agriculture and the outdoors began early while growing up on a 500-acre farm in Haddock, Georgia. After taking his first golf course job in 1997, he pursued a formal education in the field, graduating from the University of Georgia in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, majoring in Turfgrass Management.
Beyond managing daily turf conditions, Hoyt considers mentoring the next generation of turf professionals one of the most fulfilling aspects of his career. During his tenure, several of his assistant superintendents have developed under his guidance and advanced into head superintendent roles across the industry.
"I am fortunate to work at a facility that is committed to providing a world-class golf experience," said Ellspermann. "Reynolds provides the resources, support, and tools I need to be a successful Superintendent and to do my job the right way. There is a great sense of satisfaction in seeing the course looking its best each day, but what I enjoy most is seeing the results of all the hard work that our staff puts in."
Outside of work, Hoyt enjoys playing golf, cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs, and spending time with his family. He and his wife, Julie, have been married for 24 years and have three children: Carter (18) and twins Claire and Caroline (16). He is also frequently accompanied on the course by his 11-year-old Golden Retriever, Tee.
Since joining the Reynolds team in spring 2025, Skylar Collins has made a profound impact across the organization through her warmth, dedication, and exceptional talent for employee engagement. She serves as a primary ambassador for Reynolds, welcoming new team members as they begin their journeys with the community. Her comprehensive role spans high-volume onboarding, helping coordinate company-wide culture events like Family Fun Day and quarterly employee luncheons, and recruiting top talent at regional career fairs.
During a record peak onboarding period in May, Skylar oversaw the seamless integration of more than 160 new hires, including international H-2B visa holders, domestic interns, seasonal staff, and full-time employees. Beyond her administrative efficiency, she demonstrated remarkable leadership by refining onboarding workflows from the previous year, assisting in the physical setup and restocking of 21 intern housing units, and mentoring new HR team members, all while maintaining Reynolds’ signature high service standards.
"What I like most about Reynolds is that, even though it is such a large company, it still feels like a family," said Collins. "I feel valued and like I’m truly part of something bigger. Whether it’s someone's first job, a career change, or the next step in their career, I love being one of the first faces they meet and welcoming them to Reynolds."
Skylar brought a strong foundation in agricultural business, human resources, and marketing to Reynolds. A 2023 graduate of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) with a bachelor's degree in Agribusiness, she began her professional career at Lasseter Tractor Company, a John Deere dealership in South Georgia, where she served as an HR Specialist. She later gained valuable marketing and communications experience at Central Georgia Technical College before relocating to the Lake Oconee area.
Her connection to Reynolds runs deep. She first discovered the resort community through her husband, Tyler Collins, who serves as Second Assistant Superintendent at The National golf course. Outside of her professional contributions, Collins enjoys spending quality time with Tyler, their families, and their beagle, Copper, as well as reading and discovering new television series.
Recently promoted to Outside Services Supervisor, Josh Davantes began his career as a Cart Attendant; he plays a vital operational role in setting the tone for the entire Reynolds golf experience. Often the first and last point of contact for members and guests, cart attendants manage an essential range of course activities—from preparing fleet staging and organizing equipment to coordinating play flow and assisting with tournament operations.
His hands-on touch directly shapes member satisfaction, and he consistently receives glowing feedback from members who appreciate his attention to detail, warm greeting, and readiness to assist with any request. Josh has earned this prestigious recognition through his unwavering consistency, calm leadership under pressure, and exemplary commitment to both members and colleagues across the community.
With more than six years at Reynolds—complemented by two prior years of luxury resort experience at Château Élan in Braselton—he brings a high level of operational expertise and hospitality to the golf course every day. His deep passion for his role is rooted in the stunning natural surroundings of Lake Oconee and the genuine daily interactions he shares with members. Colleagues note that his steady presence and seasoned background allow him to navigate peak resort hours effortlessly, maintaining a smooth experience for all who visit The Landing.
"Josh's greatest strength is his consistency," said Alex Hyman, who nominated him for the award. "Many employees have great days and average days, but Josh brings the same positive attitude, strong work ethic, and team-first mentality every single day. His willingness to support others, combined with his steady performance and selfless attitude, makes him an invaluable member of The Landing Golf Operations team."
Outside of work, he is equally committed to serving others through local community outreach. In his personal time, he enjoys staying active at the gym and spending quality time with his girlfriend, his family, and his dog, Rex.
