Hal Johnson Receives 2023 Randall Billings Public Service Award
Randolph County Manager Recognized for Regional Impact Spanning Forty-Eight Years of Service
RANDOLPH COUNTY, N.C., - Randolph County Manager Hal Johnson was awarded the Randall Billings Service Award by the Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC) at its Board of Delegates Meeting on October 19th. Johnson has been employed with Randolph County since 1975, having held several leadership roles, such as Planning and Zoning Director, and serving as County Manager since 2014.
The Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC) is a service-based association of local governments authorized by the state of North Carolina to make regionally driven decisions to better the Piedmont Triad. PTRC presents the Randy Billings Public Service award annually to one local government employee who contributes to regionalism through leadership, initiative, decisiveness, and empathy. Johnson was nominated for this award by Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, Darrell Frye.
Chairman Frye said of Johnson’s accomplishments, “On behalf of the Commissioners, we want to congratulate Hal on being honored with the Randy Billings Service Award from the Piedmont Triad Regional Council of Governments. It is not only an honor but a well-deserved recognition of Hal’s forty-eight years of service to county government. He has established himself as the dean of local government employees, not only in Randolph County but across the Triad and North Carolina. His knowledge and experience in the delivery of services to his constituents is unmatched. We wish Hal all the best in his retirement. He certainly deserves it.”
During his tenure with Randolph County’s Planning and Zoning Department, Johnson led the county-wide zoning process, developed the first Watershed Interlocal Agreement in North Carolina, and played an integral role in the developing the Central Permitting Process. Johnson was also appointed to the Sedimentation and Erosion Control Commission for North Carolina by Governor James Martin. \
During Johnson’s service as County Manager, challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic were addressed, development of the Toyota megasite was initiated, and the County completed a comprehensive strategic planning process impacting all areas of County Government. Over the past ten years, Johnson has successfully led and managed needed capital construction, renovation, and water/sewer infrastructure projects that serve to maintain and strengthen the Counties ability to provide high level services to citizens.
“It was an honor to have received this special recognition from an organization that has been Randolph County’s valued advisor and partner for over 50 years,” said Johnson of the prestigious honor and the County’s longstanding partnership with PTRC.
Johnson plans to retire in December with 48 years of service to Randolph County Government.