• By Todd Luck
• Posted Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Commissioners recognize county employees

On June 20, Forsyth County Commissioners honored employees who were nominated for the NC Assocation of County Commissioners Heroic Hands award, which honors county employees for their public service. Behavorial Health Services Coordinator Annie Vasquez was chosen for the state recognition, and 12 other nominees received a plaque from Commissioner Chair Don Martin and they also got to shake hands with the commissioners.

Annie Vasquez
Coordinator of Health Services, Behavioral Health

Annie has worked diligently to reduce barriers, increase access, and build a more empathetic and connected support system for individuals with substance use disorders. She has initiated training in the administration of naloxone in English and Spanish for anyone that wants to be able to respond to an opioid overdose.

Annie maintains a naloxone vending machine at the detention center and works with community partners to host naloxone shelving units, increasing access across the county. Annie manages Opioid Settlement activities, Forsyth Regional Opioid and Substance Use Team, was instrumental in providing naloxone to WSFCS, implemented a stigma index survey, and offered family members that experienced a loss an opportunity to share their stories via videos. Annie cares deeply for our community and serves as a beacon of hope for many.

Demarius Bouleware
Airfield Maintenance Technician, Smith Reynolds Airport

Demaris exhibits outstanding dedication, integrity, and trustworthiness in his job. He consistently goes above and beyond in his role, demonstrating an exceptional work ethic and a strong commitment to the tenants at the airport. Demaris is always willing to step up when needed, often coming in after hours or on his days off to assist his crew without hesitation.

One of Demaris’s greatest strengths is his ability to work harmoniously with his coworkers. He maintains a professional and cooperative attitude, ensuring a positive and productive work environment. His noncombative nature allows him to navigate challenges effectively while fostering strong working relationships.

Daphne Avery
Payroll Manager, Finance

Daphne exemplifies the spirit of public service throughout her amazingly successful career in payroll for over 26 years! She is unwavering in her commitment to producing an accurate and on-time paycheck for over 2,000 County employees. As one colleague stated, her "quiet consistency" behind the scenes of a vital function of County government often goes unnoticed. To Daphne, praise isn't the goal. The goal is to serve the County and its incredible employees providing valuable services to our citizens.

Daphne lives over 40 minutes away from the Government Center. Over her long career, life has thrown Daphne curveballs that prevented her from driving. Instead of taking a vacation day, Daphne scouts the bus and PART bus schedules and still makes it to work to ensure the County’s employees are taken care of. Her dedication inspires her team and the Finance Department at large.

Robert Buwalda
Assistant Fire Marshal, Emergency Services

Bob was nominated for his work effort, the enthusiasm he has brought to the office, and the leadership he has demonstrated in developing newer suppression and volunteer members of the fire service during calls.

Bob’s willingness to learn and take on new projects makes him an invaluable team member. As a fire instructor, Bob has been responsible for teaching new firefighters in the county's volunteer system over the past several years. When responding to calls, he educates new members about the various aspects of the situations they encounter, making them better first responders.

Ian Burton
Park Maintenance Group Supervisor, Parks & Recreation

Ian, along with several members of his work group, performed life saving measures on a fellow co-worker that had a massive heart attack while on duty. Ian came upon this emergency and immediately jumped into action performing CPR, while his co-workers called 911 and went for an AED.

As a leader, when confronted with a true-life threatening emergency, Ian acted. After the incident Ian took time to support his co-workers that had been witness to the trauma. Ian also took time to reach out and make personal contact with the family of the coworker that suffered the heart attack.

Ian also took time to reach out and visit his co-worker who survived the event. Ian was able to do this because he led from the front, jumped into action, and others followed.

Ian performed as a leader. He didn't ask what to do when confronted with an unconscious employee, he acted and immediately began CP while his other co-workers called 911 and went for an AED. This service made a difference in the fact that the employee who had the massive heart attack survived!

Doug Crim
Client Services Program Manager, Bridges to Hope Family Justice Center

Doug Crim’s skills demonstrate a professional history of working with survivors and offenders of interpersonal violence, public health, social and human services, and entrepreneurship. Survivors arrive at the Family Justice Center, often after experiencing injury, abuse, or violence that is physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, or financial. Doug is dynamic in his ability to "meet people where they are," and provide guidance on options, resources, and services available to enhance quality of life, safety, hope, healing, and strength.

As a supervisor, Doug provides sound leadership, coaching, consistency, and supports and encourages staff ideas. Doug has developed new initiatives that enhance client experiences including our After Care program, Bridges Boutique, and community engagement efforts.

Rosalyn Covington
Deputy Clerk, County Manager & Commissioners Office

Rosalyn Covington is an integral part of the County Managers and Commissioners’ Office team. She is a skilled professional in all administrative duties, goes above and beyond to support citizens and staff, and exemplifies the county's WeCare principles (integrity, awareness, accountability, respect and excellence).

Rosalyn holds a critical position within Forsyth County Government and is often the first point of contact for citizens who need assistance. On many occasions, Rosalyn provides relevant information to callers and has developed a list of most requested phone numbers and contacts that are outside of county government resources. She is asked to regularly to assume many more roles than can be listed in this submission. Rosalyn recognizes what needs to be done prior to being asked and aids other county departments. The fact that Rosalyn rarely finds herself in difficult situations with coworkers is indicative of how well she works with others. She has a team-oriented approach and treats everyone with dignity and respect. All of Rosalyn's interactions contribute to promoting the image of the Clerk’s Office and Forsyth County.

Mandi Jackson
Senior Social Worker, Adult Protective Services

Mandi Jackson has provided quality social work and economic services to the residents of Forsyth County for many years. She works diligently to ensure the health, safety and welfare of each client she serves. She provides detailed information about Adult Protective Services to community agencies and non-profits to enhance community awareness for Adult Protective Services (APS).

Mandi has taken on the role of completing the APS intake rotation schedule. When faced with how to address APS intake in relation to the unit being split with telework weeks, Mandi came up with a solution to utilize an online Outlook Calendar to schedule intake for those who are in the office for their 2 week rotation. This has allowed quality APS intake to be provided.

Mandi helped to get an APS client off the streets and into housing. Her work with the client helped him receive medical care and housing. It was life-changing for the client.

Todd Luck
Communications Specialist, Communications Department

Todd has been Forsyth County’s communicator long before the official formation of the Communications Department. His efforts have kept residents informed through the county’s social media accounts. As the department grew, Todd continued to expand his responsibilities and impact, proving his immense value time and again. Todd quickly built a reputation for being wherever and whenever county work was happening.

He also played a crucial role in keeping the community informed, covering service changes, testing clinics, vaccination sites, and special events during the Covid-19 pandemic.

His work has resulted in a vast archive of county history—more than 8,300 photos on the county’s Flickr page, most of which Todd shot and edited himself.

Most recently, Todd has led efforts to better inform residents through a digital newsletter and writes the majority of the content. Todd is a trusted and invaluable member of the team.

Albert “Butch” Moore
Lieutenant, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office

Lieutenant Moore has worked tirelessly to build trust between the Sheriff's Office and the public, and his efforts have been impactful in creating a safer environment for the citizens of Forsyth County. The initiatives led by Lieutenant Moore focus on education, community events, and sharing important information, always emphasizing collaboration and community involvement.

The following are some of the programs Lieutenant Moore has been or is currently involved in which has made a difference to countless individuals and families: Neighborhood Watch; Crime Prevention Presentations; CRASE - Civilian Response Active Shooter Event; Security Assessments for Schools, Churches, Businesses & Homeowners; Bed & A Book; Toys for Tots; Community Coat Closet; Sleeping Bag distribution to the homeless; Samaritan Soup Kitchen; Crisis Control Ministries; YMCA Camp Hanes; Habitat for Humanity; Special Olympics; Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk; Vietnam Veterans Memorial Service; DEA National Take Back Day; Christmas in the City; Never Walk Alone - Addiction Awareness Event; Carolina Classic Fair; Project Teddy Bear; Piedmont Homes Food Pantry; Safe & Sober Prom Night; and Goodwill Industries.

Michael Shore
Facilities Operations Manager, General Services

Mike is a United States Air Force veteran. After his active duty, he continued to serve for many years in the Air Force Reserve until his retirement on June 4, 2022. Mike earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree while fulfilling his Reserve commitment, which included active service during domestic and international deployments, being employed full time by Forsyth County, and raising a family.

Early on in his County career, Mike set himself apart as a leader with significant growth potential. He rose through the ranks, developing professionally and fulfilling his potential along the way. Mike cares and it shows through the ownership of his role and the interactions with his team and customers. He takes his responsibilities seriously, has high but reasonable expectations of himself and his team, and is very approachable. He invests time and energy into improving himself, his team, operations, and the County’s facilities.

Dr. Kathleen Stanton
Dental Director, Public Health

Dr. Stanton started as a dentist at the Public Health Dental Clinic in September 2019 and became the dentist director in March 2021. With a heart for people and a deep commitment to improving oral health, Dr. Stanton goes above and beyond in serving patients, especially those with the greatest needs, while exhibiting all of the County’s We Care Shared Principles.

Dr. Stanton’s empathy shines in her interactions with patients, ensuring they feel heard, respected, and cared for. She not only provides exceptional clinical care but also takes the time to educate individuals about their oral health, empowering them with knowledge to improve their well-being.

Beyond the walls of her practice, Dr. Stanton is a tireless advocate for community health. She actively volunteers at local community events, always willing to extend her time and expertise to reach those who might otherwise go without care.

Justin Stevens
Housing Rehabilitation Specialist, Community & Economic Development

Justin manages the department's housing rehabilitation projects including the urgent repair program, essential single-family rehab and other similar programs. Justin strives to meet clients where they are and interacts with each participant in a polite and professional manner. Each year, numerous low to moderate income families can stay in their homes because of Justin’s hard work. Justin’s work directly affects the lives of county residents and leads to community revitalization and reinvestment.

Justin inspires the CED team through his commitment to helping others. Justin is always accessible and available to our clients and often rearranges his schedule to ensure a client’s needs are fully addressed in a manner convenient for the client. Justin's positive attitude, can-do spirit and work ethic model the We Care principles and are a wonderful example for the CED team.