TO CONGRATULATE GERALD WILSON, COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR FOR PICKENS COUNTY, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, TO EXTEND DEEP APPRECIATION FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO PICKENS COUNTY, AND TO OFFER BEST WISHES FOR A SATISFYING AND REWARDING RETIREMENT.

Whereas, Gerald Wilson, county administrator for Pickens County, soon will step down from his position to enjoy the fruits of his labor in retirement; and

Whereas, Gerald Wilson has steadily worked his way up the ladder in his service to Pickens County. He began his career in February 1993, working as a motor equipment operator for the county's Recycling Department. In 1997, Mr. Wilson was promoted to transportation supervisor, followed by promotion to recycling coordinator five years later and solid waste director two years after that. He remained in the latter position for five years until he was promoted to roads and bridges director in 2009; and

Whereas, because he excelled in that assignment, he was promoted to public works director in 2011 and given the responsibility to oversee the county's roads and bridges, solid waste, recycling, vehicle maintenance, building maintenance, animal control, county stockade, and engineering department; and

Whereas, during his first twenty-three years with county government, Gerald Wilson proved his skills, leadership abilities, and loyalty to Pickens County and clearly demonstrated that he had the ability to deal with technical issues, the budget, and people. Accordingly, in 2016 he was promoted to county administrator; and

Whereas, Trey Whitehurst, county council vice chairman at the time of that promotion, expressed his confidence in Mr. Wilson's abilities to handle the position: "Gerald Wilson has proved time and time again that he has the knowledge and understanding of what it takes to run Pickens County. We are very confident that he will do a fantastic job and are happy to give him that opportunity"; and

Whereas, Mr. Wilson did just that. Having now served as county administrator for three years, Gerald Wilson will retire on August 23, 2019, with more than twenty-six years of service to Pickens County Government. Adding to this a prior six years of employment with the School District of Pickens County, Gerald Wilson has served the citizens of Pickens County for over thirty-two years; and

Whereas, grateful for the legacy of consistent excellence and commitment Gerald Wilson has bestowed on the people of this great State, most particularly those of Pickens County, the members of the South Carolina House wish him all the best and trust that as he enters retirement he will find much enjoyment in the more leisurely pace of the days ahead. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate Gerald Wilson, county administrator for Pickens County, on the occasion of his retirement, extend deep appreciation for his many years of outstanding service to Pickens County, and offer best wishes for a satisfying and rewarding retirement.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Gerald Wilson.