Writer: Sydney Criteser
Published March 16, 2021
The News Observer
Fannin County Chief Land Development Officer celebrated 40 years of service to the county Tuesday, March 9.
“I can’t believe that I’ve been here 40 years,” Wood said. “It was 40 years ago today that I started working for the county in the old courthouse. I’ve worked in the old courthouse. I’ve worked in the green building across the street, I’ve worked in a trailer at the road department, and now, I’m back at the big courthouse. It is pretty humbling.”
Board of Commissioners’ Chairman Jamie Hensley celebrated Woody’s service and hard work as he handed her a plaque to commiserate the milestone. He said, “We appreciate the 40 years of dedication to this county. We appreciate you, and even though I’ve only been in office two months, I’ve always appreciated the job you have, and I know these folks have as well.”
With a laugh he added, “And we hope for 40 more.”
Woody began working for the county as a payroll clerk in the commissioners office in 1981 where she “knew all the employees by first name.”
Since then, she has worked with seven different commission chairmen and at least 14 post commissioners.
“I spent my first 21 years in the Commissioner’s office with various positions; Payroll clerk, insurance clerk, accounts payable and right of way clerk,” Woody said. “I had great mentors, Frank Cearley and Jonnie Sue King, just to name a couple of them.”
In 2001, she was appointed as the department head of Land Development by then-chairman, Dr. Richard Vollrath.
“In 2008, I became the first Certified Code Enforcement Office of Fannin County through classes at the University of Georgia, Carl Vinson Institute of Government,” she said. “I was here when the Land Development Ordinance was written in 1986. I never knew that someday I would be the head of the department.”
Woody reflected on the many changes she’s seen in Fannin County in the last 40 years, stating, “Fannin County has grown in population from 15,900 in 1990 to 26,300 in 2020. Minimum wages were $2.85 per hour, and it is now $7.25 per hour.”
She expressed her appreciation to the many co-workers, friends and citizens who have been part of her life over the years.
One friend and co-worker, Chief Tax Appraiser Dawn Cochran, spoke to Woody’s ability to help with anything someone might need.
“I’ve learned a lot from Marie,” Cochran said. “Anytime I can’t find something, I go to Marie, and she can dig it out. It doesn’t matter what you’re looking for, she can find it. She’s a wealth of information, and she remembers things that no one else can remember.
“She’s always willing to take the extra step to help the taxpayers, so she’s been wonderful to serve the taxpayers.”
