The City of Destin has awarded Lisa Firth the 2017 Employee of the Year Award, the city’s top staff honor. This is the 27th year the award has been given and the second time (1999) she has received it. Firth was presented the award at the city’s annual Christmas Party and will receive recognition for her accomplishment from the mayor and city council at the December 18 council meeting.
Firth began working for the city’s Parks & Recreation Department in November of 1996 as a recreation assistant/program planner. She was promoted to deputy parks and recreation director in August of 1999 and is responsible for planning, implementing, coordinating and evaluating parks and recreation programs, as well as running the city’s cherished Community Center. Firth is also responsible for interpreting the objectives of and creating enthusiasm for recreation programs among city staff, community groups and volunteer organizations.
Other programs and events spearheaded by Firth include the Annual Destin Christmas Parade, the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, the Fall Festival, and numerous other Community Center events. She is the volunteer coordinator for the Destin Seafood Festival and assists in the coordination of the Destin Fishing Rodeo and the Miss Destin Pageant.
“I am honored to represent the City of Destin as the employee of the year,” said Firth. “I work with so many talented people who are always ready to give me a helping hand; I call them my friends. My position allows me to help people and enjoy our community. I am very fortunate to be able to go to a job I enjoy every day.”
Below are some staff comments about Firth:
- Communication and teamwork are assets for success; she possesses both.
- Lisa does everything to keep our responsibilities, decisions, relationships, moral standards and goals at the forefront of our daily operations.
- Best boss ever!
- Outstanding job working with everyone from officials to the public.
- She is one to admire.
- Lisa is dedicated to her work and mission!
“Lisa is such a pleasure to work with. She is conscientious and responsive to the administrative needs of the city and is loved by the citizens and staff,” said City Manager Carisse LeJeune. “Her positive, ‘can-do,’ attitude is infections and motivating. Lisa is a true leader.”
In addition to her recognition at the city’s Christmas Party and the December 18 council meeting, Firth will have her name etched on a plaque displayed at City Hall and will have a reserved parking place at the Community Center for 2018.
The Employee of the Year is selected by a committee from nominations made by coworkers. The award is given to the individual who best exemplifies the city’s staff mission to provide quality service to the community through professionalism, communication and teamwork.