On Thursday, April 19th, Reynolds Lake Oconee held its annual Employee Awards Banquet at the Sandy Creek Barn. With 98 guests in attendance, company executives recognized several employees for their integrity, exceptional quality, and commitment to the company in 2017.
Kristen MacNeill, Golf Shop Coordinator, was awarded Employee of the Year, while Chef Billy Greenwald, Executive Sous Chef, was recognized as Leader of the Year.
Kristen MacNeill joined the Reynolds team in May 2007 after working at Walt Disney World in Golf Operations. In her current position, she works with different vendors for all six Reynolds’ golf shops, three of which recently received the prestigious Platinum Award for Excellence by the Association of Golf Merchandisers. When not coordinating the golf shops, MacNeill enjoys spending time with her husband, Ryan, and sons, Landon, 8, and Hudson, 3. She has also taken up a hobby of decorating and repurposing furniture.
“Kristen MacNeill is a smart and hardworking employee for our golf operations, and she always goes the extra mile with our Members and staff when they need something,” says Caroline Basarab-Dennison, Director of Retail at Reynolds. “Her enthusiasm and lighthearted attitude is contagious to all who meet her. We are very fortunate to have her and she is a true asset to Reynolds Lake Oconee.”
After serving as the chef for restaurants like Big Catch, Lake House Seafood, and Magnolia Gardens, Chef Billy Greenwald found his home at Reynolds in December 2011. Starting as a line cook, he has worked as a Chef Tournant, Sous Chef, and Chef de Cuisine before his current position of Executive Sous Chef. When not whipping up delicious meals around Reynolds, Greenwald enjoys spending time with his wife, Grace, and son, Liam, as well as occasionally fishing for bass on the lake.
“Billy is very deserving of the Leader of the Year award,” says Chef Derin Moore, CMC, Executive Chef at Reynolds. “His ability to grow into his leadership role from a line cook to Executive Sous Chef and adapt to each of the clubhouses and their employees make him a tremendous asset to Reynolds Lake Oconee.”
Debbie Balicki was recognized as Salesperson of the Year for Reynolds Lake Oconee Properties, LLC for 2017. Balicki had a total of 28 transactions equaling over $17.7 million for the year, earning her the highest numbers for the company. Balicki was awarded Salesperson of the Month in July 2017 and has been recognized by the Lake Country Board of Realtors as an Eagle Award winner, which signifies 15 years of million dollar plus sales.
“Debbie continues to excel and I am very proud of her achievements for 2017,” says Lee Arberg, Vice President of Sales for Reynolds Lake Oconee Properties, LLC. “I am excited about what 2018 holds in store for Debbie and the rest of our Sales Executives.”
Cheri Hampton, Property Owners Association (POA) Landscape Manager, was the recipient of the 2017 “Helping Hand” Award. This award is given to a Reynolds employee every year who selflessly donates their time and support to the community. Reynolds also makes a donation to the charity of the recipient’s choice.
Cheri Hampton is passionate about finding ways to make an impact in the lives of others. One way she does so is by volunteering with the Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief Unit 19R, where she helps with storm cleanup around the state. As part of an annual effort, Hampton, along with other members of the POA team, supplies the local Circle of Love organization with a large Christmas meal. She is also involved in growing her church, Lakepoint Community Church.
“I try to help anyone that I can because I am so blessed in my life,” says Hampton. “The best thing about being awarded the “Helping Hand” Award is that one of my favorite charities will receive a donation.”
Before the evening closed, milestone anniversaries for Reynolds Lake Oconee employees were also celebrated. These employees included 13 five-year, 23 ten-year, 8 fifteen-year, and 9 twenty-year recognitions. Two employees received special mention: Barbara Overton (Golf Course Maintenance Administrative Assistant) for 25 years of service, and Willie Evans (Golf Course Maintenance at The Preserve course) for 30 years of service.
“The core of Reynolds Lake Oconee is the hard-working and extraordinary employees who live out our values and standards each day,” says Rabun Neal, President of Reynolds Lake Oconee. “This event is special because it is our chance to recognize those people for their service.”
