City of Heath Honors Staff: Assistant Director of Finance Tara Plexico named 2023 citywide Employee of the Year

Heath, TX (December 14, 2023) – Assistant Director of Finance Tara Plexico was named 2023 Citywide Employee of the Year during the Annual Employee Awards and Christmas Luncheon held December 8 at the Rush Creek Yacht Club.

“Tara has always been exemplary when it comes a strong work ethic,” said City Manager Aretha Adams. “During the past year, she also demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and made a significant impact on our organization. I am so proud of her and honored to recognize her as our Employee of the Year.”

During the past 12 months, Tara led the Finance Department team while also spearheading critical projects such as the Annual Audit and Annual Budget preparation. Upon joining the City of Heath as Finance Director, Jay Ayers was so impressed by her expertise and efforts that he initiated her promotion to Assistant Finance Director.

“Tara helped me to quickly get up to speed in my new role with the City, and we are a better and stronger department team together as a result of her leadership, commitment and expertise,” said Jay.

Tara was hired by the City in 2006 as a customer service representative. She worked her way up to Chief Accountant in 2012 and served in that capacity until her promotion to Assistant Finance Director this year.

Tara was also named Citywide Employee of the Year in 2011, and Administration Department Employee of the Year in 2007, 2010, 2015 and 2021.

Departmental Employees of the Year
Departmental Employee of the Year awards were presented to staff members in recognition of their performances in 2023. Earning this recognition were: Officer Seth Aldridge, Department of Public Safety  Officer of the Year; Martin Chavez, Construction Inspector, Public Works; Leisa Price, Chief Building Official, Community Development; and Logan Pettey, Lead Accounting Assistant, Administrative Services.

Department of Public Safety Chief Seery also presented the DPS Annual Excellence Award to Officer Kenny Griffith in recognition of the tremendous results achieved through his fund-raising efforts for multiple community causes and charities.

City staff members recognized with service awards during the Christmas party for their loyal tenure with the City of Heath were:

10 Years of Service
Leisa Price – Community Development

Officer Chase Scarbrough – Department of Public Safety

Officer Billy Termin – Department of Public Safety

5 Years of Service

Officer Blake Mokiao – Department of Public Safety

Submitted press release

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