The Upper Cumberland Development District (UCDD) and the Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) are proud to recognize and celebrate the outstanding individuals selected as the 2025 Employees of the Year. These honorees exemplify dedication, service, and a commitment to improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities throughout the Upper Cumberland region.
“Our employees are the backbone of everything we do,” said Mark Farley, UCDD and UCHRA Executive Director. “Each of these individuals has gone above and beyond in service to their clients, coworkers, and communities, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements.”
The following employees have been recognized for their exceptional contributions in 2025:
Upper Cumberland Development District (UCDD)
- Administration: Tammy Kulpa
- Finance: Robin Mayberry
Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA)
- Community Intervention: Pam Sanford
- Community Services: Melissa Moore
- County Coordinator: Carol Watson
- County Office Support: Sheila Ooten
- Empower UC: Courtlind McCutcheon
- Transportation – Rural Drivers of the Year:
- Region 1: Donny Miller (Cumberland)
- Region 2: Victor Ketring (Fentress)
- Region 3: Roy Brown (Jackson)
- Transportation – Regional Dispatchers:
- Maxine Anderson (Cumberland)
- Penny Hix (Clay)
- Lashay Dobson (White)
- Stephanie Rigsby (Warren)
- Paula Rigsby (Warren)
Additionally, UCHRA Public Transportation staff who participated in the local transportation Roadeo competition were recognized. In the Maintenance division, Daniel Holmes took home first place, with Joey Bitter earning second. In the T-305 category, Billy Gilbert of Putnam County claimed first place, followed by John Pistol, also of Putnam, in second, and Sheryl Stephens of Pickett County in third. For the Cutaway division, Jonny Maynard of Putnam County secured first place, Billy Gilbert earned second, and Michael Smith of Clay County rounded out the top three.
Our top winners will go on to represent UCHRA at the statewide Roadeo in Knoxville.
Together, these individuals represent the heart of UCDD and UCHRA’s mission: to help the Upper Cumberland region cultivate self-sufficiency and build true wealth through innovation, collaboration, and leadership.
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- Pictured, from left: Sherry Bilbrey, Field Manager; Carol Watson, Fentress County Coordinator; and Mark Farley, Executive Director.
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- Pictured, from left: Megan Spurgeon, Empower Upper Cumberland Director; Courtlind McCutcheon, Empower Navigator; and Mark Farley, Executive Director.
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- Pictured, from left: Holly Montooth, Public Transportation Director; Donny Miller, Driver; and Mark Farley, Executive Director.
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- Pictured: Holly Montooth, Public Transportation Director; Regional Dispatchers Maxine Anderson, Penny Hix, Lashay Dobson, Stephanie Rigsby, and Paula Rigsby; and Mark Farley, Executive Director.
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- Pictured, from left: Holly Montooth, Public Transportation Director; Victor Ketring, Driver; and Mark Farley, Executive Director.
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- Pictured, from left: Sherry Thurman, Administrative Services Director; Tammy Kulpa, HR Coordinator; and Mark Farley, Executive Director.
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- Pictured, from left: Sherry Bilbrey, Field Manager; Sheila Ooten, County Office Specialist; and Mark Farley, Executive Director.
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- Pictured, from left: Holly Montooth, Public Transportation Director; Roy Brown, Driver; and Mark Farley, Executive Director.
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- Pictured, from left: Ginger Stout, Finance Director; Robin Mayberry, Accounts Payable; and Mark Farley, Executive Director.
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- Pictured, from left: Melissa Hoisington, Community Intervention Director; Pam Sanford, Administrative Assistant; and Mark Farley, Executive Director.
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- Pictured, from left: LaNelle Godsey, UCHRA Deputy Director; Melissa Moore, Community Services Manager; and Mark Farley, Executive Director.
