Michael Strickland, Halifax County operations director, was honored as one of the 100 Heroic Hands winners, an initiative by Warren County Commissioner Tare Davis in his presidential term of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners.

The winners from each county were recognized at the association’s annual conference in Pitt County and today Strickland was recognized by the Halifax County board.

Davis established the honor to recognize “the value of having a career in public service” and “to work with state leaders and partners to promote workforce training needs in local government” to establish a better pipeline of public service employees to fill county jobs.

Strickland’s nomination statement says he “is always willing to help others. If you have an idea, Michael is always ready to consider the possibilities to see how the task can be accomplished within a reasonable budget and time frame.”

The statement also says Strickland exemplifies professionalism, politeness, and positivity. “Michael has a can-do attitude. He looks for possibilities and solutions instead of getting bogged down in problems.”

He exhibits positive, proactive customer relations even when handling someone who is upset or difficult. “He is consistent and treats everyone in a respectful and courteous manner whether they are an elected official or an employee.

As far as job performance, Strickland is outstanding and flexible, the statement said. “Michael doesn’t look for the easiest way — he looks for the best way. He determines if it is best to outsource a project or handle it internally. He analyzes resources, staff time, skills, and costs for the best outcome.”

“We must choose to invest in our future workforce. We must train, and we must work to advance from within,” said Davis. “Together, we will continue to work toward a common goal of making North Carolina great.”