Montgomery County Health Department Workers recognized by the Tennessee Public Health Association

Montgomery County, TN – Last week, two Montgomery County public health employees, Joey Smith and Charlene Haynes, were recognized at the Tennessee Public Health Association’s 71st annual conference in Franklin, TN.

Charlene Haynes was awarded the R. H. Hutcheson, Sr., MD Award. This award is presented to a person in the field of public health who has made outstanding contributions to public health throughout their career, over a period of several years. This is considered the association’s highest award. Charlene served the Montgomery County Health Department for several years before accepting her current position as Regional Nursing Supervisor for the Tennessee Department of Health.

Joey Smith was recognized as the Public Health Worker of the Year. This award is one of the association’s oldest awards and is presented to a person in the field of public health who, during the past three years, has provided outstanding service in the field.

Joey began his career at the Montgomery County Health Department over 14 years ago, and currently serves as Montgomery County’s Public Health Director. The awards were presented by TPHA president Paula Masters and the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Health John Dreyzehner MD, MPH.

[320left]“We truly have quality public health professionals in Montgomery County, and this is evident by the recent recognition of Joey and Charlene. I congratulate them both and thank them for their work in the public health field and for their service to the citizens of Montgomery County,” states Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett.

About the Tennessee Public Health Association

The Tennessee Public Health Association is the official professional organization for those engaged or interested in public health services in the State of Tennessee. It’s one of the largest public health organizations in the country, with nearly 5,000 public health employees serving 95 counties, and is endorsed by the Tennessee Department of Health, and is an affiliate member of the American Public Health Association.