The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce awarded Montgomery County Administrator Craig Meadows the 2021 Distinguished Government Leader of the Year award at the annual dinner on Dec. 2. The criteria for the award included an individual’s ability to demonstrate and model professional excellence; promote the community; and develop and mentor others.
Pictured here from left to right: Henry Bass, 2021 Chamber Board Chair; Craig Meadows, Montgomery County Administrator; and Adam Workman, member of the Chamber’s 2021 Awards Committee.
"This award just solidifies a fact that we already know," said Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, Steve Fijalkowski. "Craig is an outstanding leader and Montgomery County is fortunate to have him."
As an organization, Montgomery County has identified its values to be: industrious, steadfast, integrity, helpful, and diverse. Throughout each interaction either within the organization or in the community, Meadows takes it upon himself to represent those values. In addition, it is evident that he values communication and transparency and makes it a point to encourage Montgomery County employees to do the same.
"Early in my college days, I was taught the concept of servant leadership; that is, those who will become successful leaders are those who are willing to dutifully serve their organizations and their employees," said Meadows.
"I seek out opportunities for collaboration and productivity in every aspect of our County operations. In my role as Montgomery County Administrator, I strive daily to make sure the needs of our citizens are met, and also strive to meet the needs of Montgomery County employees."
As in many cases, results are what count. Over the last decade, Meadows helped facilitate the construction of four new schools, a courthouse, a fire station, an animal care and adoption center; the purchase of 100 acres for the expansion of Falling Branch Corporate Park for economic development; the renovation of five schools; the renovation and repurposing of seven former school facilities, a former courthouse, and a former fire station. In addition, he has formed and maintain key local, state and regional relationships that foster unparalleled collaboration.
"Infrastructure in the form of new construction and renovations are necessary for a growing community; however, I am very proud of the relationships I helped create that continually lead to the collaboration that is necessary for any community to grow and prosper," said Meadows.
Photo credit: Photo provided by Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. Pictured from left to right: Henry Bass, 2021 Chamber Board Chair; Craig Meadows, Montgomery County Administrator; and Adam Workman, member of the Chamber’s 2021 Awards Committee.