County employees recognized for 40, 25 years of service
Published 9:23 am Wednesday, June 4, 2025
FOUR DECADES: Elaine Barintine was among the Troup County quarterly service award recipients on Tuesday. Barintine currently serves as Delinquent Tax Account Manager with the Tax Commissioner’s Office. She has worked for Troup County for 40 years. -- Tommy Murphy Daily News
Five-year employees Purchasing Director Cynthia Gillham, Lead Communications Officer Alyssa Ward and Elections Assistant Tawanna Winston. -- Tommy Murphy | Daily News
15-year employees, Communications Shift Supervisor Amy Mains and Construction Supervisor David Sprayberry (not pictured) -- Tommy Murphy | Daily News
Election Supervisor Andy Harper (right) with Assistant County Manager Jay Anderson (left) -- Tommy Murphy | Daily News
Deputy Marshal Michael Stewart (left) with Chief Marshal Keith Flory (right) -- Tommy Murphy | Daily News
Troup E-911 Director Shannan McLaughlin -- Tommy Murphy | Daily News
20-year employees, Detention Officer Antonio Esparza, Firefighter/EMT Willie Henderson Jr. and Deputy Sheriff/SRO Phillip Johnson.
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
During the second quarter service recognitions at the Troup County Board of Commissioners work session on Tuesday, a trio of employees received their quarter century awards and another longtime employee was recognized for 40 years of service.
Delinquent Tax Account Manager Elaine Barintine was recognized for 40 years with the county. Elections Supervisor Andy Harper, Deputy Marshal Michael Stewart and Parks Maintenance Crew Leader Tony Freeman were recognized for 25 years of service.
Now a manager in the Tax Commissioner’s office, Barintine started her career with Troup County in 1985 at the age of 19.
“For 40 years, Elaine has been dedicated to the citizens of Troup County. Looking back at her Performance Appraisals, it is noted that she is one of the most dedicated, dependable employees in Troup County Government,” said Tax Commissioner Shane Frailey. “She is a hard worker, shows concern for fellow employees, caring and compassionate. These characteristics have been noted by all three Tax Commissioners. It is a pleasure and an honor to work with Elaine. She is truly a blessing to the citizens and the Troup County Tax Commissioner’s Office.”
Harper has served Troup County for the past 25 years, starting in April 2000 as a Building and Zoning Department Zoning Technician.
In 2009, Harper developed the then newly created Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Department. He led the effort to convert and digitize all county maps, creating the mapping system that continues to support the needs of Troup County. His work with the GIS Department also helped the Property Appraisal Office provide its user-friendly website, providing property owners with information still used today.
In 2014, Harper took on the role of Election & Registration Supervisor.
“Within one month, he earned state certification to ensure his office could effectively conduct that year’s election. Since then, he has maintained all required certifications and led the department through a period of significant growth – from 32,000 registered voters in 2014 to over 50,000 today,” said Assistant County Manager Jay Anderson.
“He has worked diligently with staff to update and maintain street records and voter addresses, ensuring accurate and efficient voter registration processes. He works with the Troup County Election Board Members and updates them on monthly meetings and also keeps them abreast of things going on,” Anderson said. “Throughout his career, he has remained committed to supporting all departments when called upon. He has been responsible for managing county cell phones since 2003 and has always been ready to lend a hand wherever needed. His dedication to public service and his passion for community development have been the driving forces behind his work. He is proud of the progress he has contributed to within Troup County and truly values the opportunity to serve a community that he cares about deeply.”
Michael Stewart began his career with the Troup County Sheriff’s Office in April 2000, starting as a Detention Officer and later becoming a Deputy, where he served from 2005 to 2021.
After his time at the Sheriff’s Office, Stewart transitioned to the Troup County Marshal’s Office, where he currently serves as a Deputy Marshal/Code Enforcement.
He is currently responsible for delivering Civil Court documents in the City of LaGrange.
“Michael is a devoted family man and has been happily married to his wife, Terri, for 21 years. They have 4 children. Congratulations to Michael Stewart on an exemplary career,” said Chief Marshal Keith Flory.
Parks Maintenance Crew Leader Tony Freeman was also recognized for his 25 years of service, but could not attend.
Several other county employees were recognized for their service, including:
4 20-year employees, Detention Officer Antonio Esparza, Firefighter/EMT Willie Henderson Jr. and Deputy Sheriff/SRO Phillip Johnson.
415-year employees, Communications Shift Supervisor Amy Mains and Construction Supervisor David Sprayberry.
4 10-year employees, Detention Officer Alisa Campbell, E-911 Director Shanna McLaughlin and Senior Property Appraiser William McRae.
4Five-year employees, Purchasing Director Cynthia Gillham, Lead Communications Officer Alyssa Ward and Elections Assistant Tawanna Winston.
Caption
FOUR DECADES: Elaine Barintine was among the Troup County quarterly service award recipients on Tuesday. Barintine currently serves as Delinquent Tax Account Manager with the Tax Commissioner’s Office. She has worked for Troup County for 40 years.
