photo by Mitch Talley
Constantly improving Whitfield County 911 is the goal for Ashlee Zahn, who serves as deputy director of the agency.
It’s a mission she takes seriously, so seriously that she has been chosen as Whitfield County’s Employee of the Month for June.
“Ashlee has put in countless hours working on projects to help improve our 911 Center,” said Amanda Fleming, who nominated Zahn for the honor. “She always has an open door for her employees and regularly works late to ensure she is available for the night shift employees as well.
She is open to new ideas and processes and encourages all of her employees to bring their ideas for improvement to her.
“She has worked to make our department more accountable, both internally and externally with other agencies. She has built a solid and positive reputation/relationship with the other departments, especially public safety within our county.”
Ms. Zahn, who has worked for the county for the past 11 years, is the 911 representative for the Local Emergency Planning Committee and the 911 Advisory Board. She completed the Chamber of Commerce Emerging Leaders program in 2011.
Ms. Fleming pointed out that Ms. Zahn put together an RFP (request for proposal) for a new CAD (computer aided dispatch) system at the 911 Center.
“She spent timeless hours researching CAD systems and speaking to customers of CAD vendors in order to have as much knowledge as possible about possible CAD solutions,” Ms. Fleming said. “This was the first RFP she has completed, and she received multiple compliments on how well she did writing the RFP. She involved all of our client agencies in meetings to help determine what each department’s needs are and to help ensure those needs will be met.”
To help local residents get to know her a little better, Ms. Zahn filled out the following fun questionnaire.
Name: Ashlee Zahn
Job title: 911 Deputy Director
Time with the county: 11 years
Where I went to high school: Murray County High School
My role as a county employee: I oversee the day to day operations of the 911 Center.
What keeps my job interesting: Everything! There is never a dull moment between projects and working with all our awesome people.
What gives me a sense of accomplishment on the job: Finishing a task, and seeing positive impact on our employees, the department, and the community.
The most important thing I’ve done on the job: Hear people out, and allow us to work together to make things better.
Where I grew up: Murray County
Family: Steve Zahn, hubby; Terry and Sonya Swilling, parents; Mark Swilling, brother; Wayne and Shirley Loftis, grandparents
After work, I enjoy: Gym, and hanging out with my fur-babies.
Favorite TV show: Bates Motel and Suits
Favorite sport/sport team: I don’t watch a lot of sports … Yes, I grew up in the South.
Favorite meal: Fresh seafood!
Favorite song: There are so many…
Favorite Whitfield County restaurant: Buckin’ Burrito
Favorite Whitfield County event: Farmers Market
You can pick four people to have dinner with (anyone from any time in history) – who are your four people and why? Papa and Granny Loftis – I never was able to meet them, and both were Cherokee Indian and I’d love to hear about their life. Walt Whitman because he is my favorite poet. Thomas Jefferson – need I say more?
I’m most proud of: Being accepted into Graduate School
Cats or dogs? Both
Cake or pie? Cake
Favorite car? Anything Toyota
Host or be hosted? Host
Early riser or sleep-in: Sleeeeep
Favorite vacation ever: Any day spent in Pass-A-Grille
Best teacher you ever had: Mr. Tim Howard – Eighth grade
Pet peeve: Put your buggies up, and stop leaving them around parking lots.
If I’ve learned one thing in life, it’s: Every day is an opportunity
Who has had the most impact on my life: My hubby
What’s left on my bucket list: Road trip across the nation, and experience all the oddities that make America amazing. Many other things as well - I’m only 32.
If I could have been in any profession of my choosing, I would have been in: Marketing for ASPCA
If I could have two wishes, they would be: I would wish for better health for Pawpaw and my brother, and all dogs/cats be spayed/neutered (stop the madness, people!).
You’d be surprised to learn that I: Love to travel and experience new places.
The best advice you ever got: Be patient, and never give up. Simple, yet meaningful.
Anything else you’d like to say: Huge thanks to everyone who has helped mold me into the woman that I am today! I am blessed to be in the position that I am now, and thankful to be able to have an impact to make things better.
Ashlee Zahn receives the Employee of the Month award for Whitfield County from Emergency Management Director Claude Craig as County Commission Chairman Mike Babb applauds during the Aug. 8 meeting of the board
photo by Mitch Talley