Emma Linn is Town of Wake Forest 2024 Employee of the Year
The Town of Wake Forest is pleased to recognize Planner II Emma Linn as its “2024 Jon Ray Employee of the Year.” Town Manager Kip Padgett made the announcement during Tuesday morning’s Senior Leadership Team meeting at Town Hall.
The Jon Ray Employee of the Year (EOY) Award is named after former Street Supervisor Jon Ray who passed away in November 2013. Padgett and a committee comprised of former EOY award winners select the Employee of the Year from nominations submitted by Town staff. Submissions must include a written narrative explaining why the nominee is deserving of the award.
Emma was nominated for the EOY award by several co-workers, one of whom praised her attitude, enthusiasm, and positivity.
“It all starts in the attitude that she brings to town hall on a daily basis. I have never seen her walk past me without speaking and smiling. She seems to have a limitless enthusiasm for life and work, and it truly is infectious to all the people she associates with. I can think of no kinder and more positive member of our team. Also, from a professional standpoint, Emma is always quick to answer any questions that I have. She has also, on numerous occasions, stepped in to fill other roles to assist her coworkers. She is a powerful voice for positivity in an often negative and cynical world. I can think of no one more deserving of the 2024 Employee of the year.”
Another co-worker emphasized Emma’s commitment to the Town’s core values of caring, commitment, character, and collaboration.
“Emma Linn is an exceptional employee and human being. She cares about her work and her co-workers by demonstrating respect, honesty, understanding, helpfulness, and positivity and expressing empathy for understanding differing perspectives and understanding. She is always the first to volunteer to help and even makes homemade desserts for the team to celebrate special occasions or just because. Emma displays commitment to her role, her team, the Town, and the citizens by going above and beyond with everything she does. Recently while launching the micro-transit project, she attended several community events after hours to get the word out and answer citizens questions. Emma possesses and displays the highest character of integrity, perseverance, and ethical behavior. She is as honest as they come and places a high value on her professional and personal character. She is also very collaborative and understands the importance of building relationships throughout the organization. During her time with the Town of Wake Forest, Emma has been a model for the Town's Core Values because that is who she is. We are very fortunate to have Emma Linn with the Town of Wake Forest, we couldn't ask for a better colleague.”
A native of Piqua, Ohio, Emma graduated from Ohio University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning and Sustainability earning Cum Laude honors from August 2017 through December 2020.
A Wake Forest employee since 2021, Emma says that one of her proudest professional accomplishments has been assisting with the launch of Go Wake Forest.
“What excites me about Go Wake Forest is the potential to continuously engage riders and have open conversations, allowing us to provide a high-quality, safe, and reliable transit service for all Wake Forest residents,” she said. “Throughout this process, I've had the opportunity to learn and grow professionally. I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the support from Town staff that help made this initiative possible, and for that, I am truly thankful.”
When she’s not working, Emma enjoys spending time with her two cats, Guillermo and Glenn, baking, making pottery, reading, and travelling.
“I also enjoy CrossFit and running,” she said. “This past fall I completed my third half marathon, and I hope to begin training for another one soon! You could say that I like to stay busy; however, if I'm not out and about, you can find me catching up on the latest episode of “Law & Order” or watching the Cincinnati Bengals.”
Previous Employee of the Year Award recipients include Community Outreach Assistant Kiel Ortiz (2023), Urban Forestry Program Manager Luke Devores (2022), Public Works Director Tim Baily (2021), Police Sgt. Brandon High (2020), Telecommunications Shift Supervisor Bryan Bloodworth (2019), Athletics & Aquatics Superintendent Edward Austin (2018), Graphics Coordinator Bess Martinson (2017), Recreation Program Superintendent Monica Lileton (2016), Public Facilities Specialist Joseph Pennington (2015), Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Crew Supervisor Randy Hoyle (2014), Street Supervisor Jon Ray (2013), Senior Code Enforcement Official Tim Edwards (2012), Senior Planner Candace Davis (2011), Construction Worker Lance Pontrelli (2010), Police D.A.R.E. Officer Scott Graham (2009), Assistant Public Works Director John Thrift (2008), Maintenance Worker Gennie Williams (2007), Accounting Services Manager LaVerne Harding (2006), Inspections Administrator J.J. Carr (2005), and Human Resources Director Tammy Moody (2004).