August 2026 Employee of the Month Michaela Hardgrave

It is my pleasure to recognize our August Employee of the Month, Michaela Hardgrave.

Since joining the Town of Jonesborough in April 2023, Michaela has consistently demonstrated the qualities that make a public servant truly exceptional: professionalism, integrity, reliability, and a genuine commitment to serving others. She approaches every task with a positive attitude and a willingness to help wherever needed, making her a valued member of our organization.

One of the qualities that sets Michaela apart is her dedication to outstanding customer service. Recently, she faced a particularly challenging situation involving a customer conducting what appeared to be a sovereign citizen-style audit while recording the interaction. Many people would have found the circumstances uncomfortable or intimidating, but Michaela remained calm, courteous, and professional throughout the entire encounter. She treated the individual with the same respect and professionalism she extends to every customer, never allowing the situation to alter her demeanor or commitment to service.

Through clear communication, patience, and professionalism, Michaela successfully de-escalated the situation and ensured that the interaction remained productive and respectful. Her actions reflected positively not only in her office but on the entire Town organization. She demonstrated the very best of what public service should look like and provided an example for all of us to follow.

Beyond this specific incident, Michaela is known for her attention to detail, her pleasant and professional interactions with coworkers, and her willingness to assist wherever needed. She recently played

an instrumental role in helping with the office reorganization, handling the transition with flexibility, grace, and a team-first attitude.

Michaela consistently embodies the Town of Jonesborough’s commitment to excellence, customer service, and teamwork. Whether she is assisting a customer, supporting a coworker, or helping management, she does so with enthusiasm, professionalism, and a genuine desire to make a difference.

Michaela, thank you for your dedication to the Town, your commitment to our customers, and the positive impact you have on those around you every day. We are fortunate to have you on our team, and this recognition is well deserved.

Congrats to Michaela Hardgrave, the Town of Jonesborough August Employee of the Month.

July 2026 Employee of the Month Kayla Gass

I would like to nominate Kayla Gass for Employee of the Month in recognition of her exceptional dedication, positive attitude, and commitment to the Town of Jonesborough Utilities Department. Kayla has consistently demonstrated a willingness to go above and beyond her assigned responsibilities. While serving as a Water Technician, she voluntarily assumed many responsibilities of the Utilities Administrative Assistant position during an extended vacancy. She successfully balanced administrative and operational duties, ensuring critical department functions continued without interruption while maintaining her regular workload. Throughout this period, Kayla provided valuable support in the preparation of Board of Mayor and Aldermen Monthly reports, Director Meeting Minutes, departmental communications, meeting coordination, scheduling, and FEMA/TEMA project documentation associated with Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. Her attention to detail, organization, and dependability has played a significant role in helping the department meet important deadlines and maintain efficient operations. Kayla has also demonstrated exceptional initiative by actively participating in the implementation of the Town’s new Cartegraph/OpenGov asset management system. She quickly learned the software, assisted with implementation efforts, and helped prepare the Utilities Department for a successful transition and go-live. Her willingness to embrace new challenges and learn unfamiliar systems has been a tremendous asset to the department. In addition to her technical and administrative contributions, Kayla consistently promotes a positive and cooperative work environment. She maintains strong working relationships with coworkers, is always willing to assist others, and approaches her responsibilities with professionalism and enthusiasm. Her positive attitude and customer-focused approach reflect favorably on both the Utilities Department and the Town of Jonesborough.

Kayla consistently demonstrates exemplary use of her time, maintains high standards of work quality, and takes pride in producing accurate and dependable results. Whether assisting staff, supporting management, coordinating projects, or serving customers, she can be counted on to perform her duties with professionalism and integrity. For her outstanding work ethic, willingness to take on additional responsibilities, commitment to teamwork, and dedication to serving the Town of Jonesborough, I respectfully nominate Kayla Gass for Employee of the Month.

Congrats to Kayla Gass, the Town of Jonesborough July Employee of the Month.

June 2026 Employee of the Month Don Bagwell

We are proud to recognize Don Bagwell as our June Employee of the Month. Don has served as a Host at the Jonesborough Senior Center since 2018, bringing with him a distinguished background as the former Vice President of Marketing for TVA.
Don’s extensive experience—particularly in radio and television—combined with his professionalism, has made him an invaluable asset to both staff and members. He is known for his reliability and strong work ethic, never missing a shift and consistently arriving early, ready to contribute.
In addition to his primary role, Don has taken on responsibilities well beyond his position. He writes all of the Senior Center’s press releases and assists with grant writing efforts. His contributions in this area have been instrumental, helping secure more than $300,000 in grant funding for the Center.
Don’s dedication, attention to detail, and positive impact on everyone who visits the Senior Center make him truly deserving of this recognition.
Congrats to Don Bagwell, the Town of Jonesborough June Employee of the Month.

May 2026 Employee of the Month Marianne Anderson

Congratulations to the Town of Jonesborough’s Employee of the Month for May 2026, Marianne Anderson.
Marianne began her service with the Town in 2021 as a part-time employee at the Visitor’s Center before transitioning to the Jackson Theatre in November 2024. From the moment she stepped into her role, her dedication has been unmistakable. Marianne represents both the Jackson Theatre and our Town with pride, professionalism, and genuine enthusiasm.
Her passion for Jonesborough is evident in everything she does. Whether she is welcoming guests or leading tours of the Jackson Theatre, Marianne brings history to life in a way that is both engaging and memorable. She has even gone the extra mile to create a detailed PowerPoint presentation featuring historical photos, newspaper advertisements, and images that capture the rich legacy of the Jackson Theatre.
Marianne is known for her involvement and commitment to making our Town an even better place. Anyone who has had the pleasure of working with her or experiencing one of her tours has seen firsthand her dedication and positivity. She sets a high standard for excellence and serves as an inspiration to her coworkers. Day in and day out, Marianne consistently goes above and beyond in her role as a host at the Jackson Theatre.
Marianne, we are incredibly proud of the work you do and the passion you bring to our community;
Congrats to Marianne Anderson, the Town of Jonesborough May Employee of the Month.

April 2026 Employee of the Month Pam Kruger

The April Town of Jonesborough Employee of the Month is Pam Kruger. Pam has been a hostess at the Senior Center since 2018. Pam is one of those people who greet the visitors and members with a warm and welcoming personality. She is known for checking on her evening members when they miss a few evening visits; she cares about people and it shows. Not only is Pam warm and welcoming, but she is also incredibly talented at creating forms, flyers and assists with office duties.
Recently, Pam stepped outside her normal duties as hostess and designed note sheets and surveys for the Town of Jonesborough Ambassador Program pilot. She worked extremely hard creating detailed note page for each of the 6 sessions: listing speakers and providing resources. And she made the participant notebooks. Now, let’s talk about those surveys she created; the survey was clear and concise and gathered useful information from the participants in any easy, uniform manner.
We are grateful for Pam’s normal delivery of her job duties, always willing to help with a smile and a warm greeting but recently her attitude and stepping up to assist the Ambassador program shined the light on her willingness to always make the Senior Center and the Town of Jonesborough shine.
Congrats to Pam Kruger, the Town of Jonesborough April Employee of the Month.

March 2026 Employee of the Month James Walden

The March Employee of the Month is James Walden—a well‑deserved recognition for someone whose dedication shows in every corner of Town operations. James has been with the Town since January 2014 and is known by many for the countless projects he completes with skill, consistency, and pride. He has repeatedly demonstrated that he is a true asset to the Street Department, always stepping up and taking on any task without hesitation. In recent months, James has taken the lead on nearly every aspect of the new Street Department building. He guided the team through framing the interior walls, building the stairs, and creating the second‑floor storage area. He even completed the building’s plumbing. While the entire crew contributed to the project, James was the one who tackled many of the challenges and found the solutions needed to keep things moving. During the recent winter storm, James worked longer hours than most to ensure the roads assigned to him were cleared and safe for residents. James brings a wealth of knowledge to his work, and it’s clear that when he speaks, others listen. His leadership, expertise, and work ethic make a meaningful difference every day.


Congratulations, James. We are proud of you and grateful for all you do for the Town.

February 2026 Employee of the Month Tim Sjogren

The Town of Jonesborough Employee of the Month for February is Tim Sjogren. Tim joined the water quality team in August 2023 as a meter reader. During his tenure with the Town, Tim has maintained an active and dependable form of service which included replacing meter boxes and meters in the flood affected areas from Hurricane Helene in 2024. Tim was promoted in the fall of 2025 to Cross Connection Specialist, and he obtained his backflow testing, cross connection, and distribution license. Interesting fact according to Tim’s supervisor, Artie White, Time achieved a score of 87 on his distribution license which is the highest score received by a Town employee.

As Tim performs his job, he is organized, precise, professional, and ready to assist the water quality team in any way possible. He interacts with customers in a friendly way and is happy to assist with their questions and concerns. Tim is committed to efficiency and is constantly encouraging the team. He is a fantastic addition to the water quality team.

It is my pleasure to recognize Tim Sjogren as the Town of Jonesborough Employee of the Month for February; job well done, Tim.

Thank you, Tim! You are appreciated!

January 2026 Employee of the Month Jamie Aistrop

The January 2026 Employee of the Month is Major Jamie Aistrop.  Jamie began his career with the Town of Jonesborough Police Department in April 2012, and he has risen through the ranks to Major. In addition to Jamie’s work to oversee the administrative portion of the Police Department, Jamie is dedicated to the Shop With A Cop Program. Taking on this monumental task is beyond Major Aistrop’s normal job duties.

Jamie began overseeing the Shop With A Cop Program in 2016 and the program has grown by leaps and bounds. In 2026, over 200 local kids experienced the generosity of the community as they benefited from the Shop With A Cop program and this year, those children’s families received a food box. That is a lot of organizing, fundraising, and planning! The Shop With A Cop program is dear to the hearts of Jamie and his wife, Kerri, is dedicated to the program as many volunteers and officers are but the program is successful because of Jamie’s dedication, perseverance and determination to make the program touch the hearts of our community.  Not only do the children benefit but the families and those who get to volunteer are equally experiencing a blessing.
As Major Aistrop was nominated by a citizen who summed up the impact- “The community has no idea the impact that this event has on lives of kids, not just when they get to go shopping but in 10 years, they will remember the Shop With A Cop program.  Those kids will remember the police officer or firefighter that smiled at them as they shopped, often putting their own money out to fund the program and showing them compassion. A difference is truly being made in the lives of kids due to the program and the work of Jamie Aistrop.”

Thank you, Janie! You are appreciated!

December 2025 Employee of the Month Damon Canter

The December Employee of the Month is Damon Canter. Damon has worked in the Fleet Management division since September 2024. Damon is responsible for assisting with basic maintenance, to include oil changes, on the ever-growing fleet of Town vehicles. Damon is always willing to step in and help the fleet management team when needed on repairs. Most recently, Damon stepped up and showed his willingness to exceed his job duties when asked if he could do some body work and paint the four door International dump truck that the Street Department uses for leaf collection. Damon took on this project willingly and put in about 40 hours doing body work, sanding, and painting the truck. Damon put together a plastic enclosure to ensure a safe way to paint the truck and even came in on the weekend to ensure the painting did not interfere with other activities in the garage. In addition, he applied the new logo to the doors of the truck. That ugly green truck is now a beautiful shade of white proudly displaying the Town logo. The truck is pleasing to the eye and the work done in house by the garage was pleasing to the Town’s funds. The entire project turned out great thanks to the hard work of Damon.

Thank you, Damon! You are appreciated!

November 2025 Employee of the Month Ron Gillenwater

The November Employee of the Month is Ron Gillenwater. Ron has worked with the Town since 2019 and serves on the facilities team as a custodian but that does not speak of the commitment that he has to the Town. His normal buildings to maintain is the Visitor’s Center, Utilities/Fleet Maintenance Building, Fitness/Training Center, Courthouse bathrooms, Wastewater Offices and Gillespie Building. All this plus set up at the Visitor’s Center for events.

Ron is very dependable, and his work ethic has been evident throughout this work in many departments; he sets up multiple events each week and often on weekends which ensures visitors and residents have a memorable experience here in Jonesborough.  Ron also maintains a clean work environment for the departments and buildings which he services. Ron does an incredible job with his duties and goes beyond making sure his tasks are done correctly and in a timely manner.

Ron’s initiative demonstrates his above and beyond attitude. He is always willing to help others while continuing to keep his work done. Recently, the facilities team was short a staff member due to some requested time off, but Ron has stepped in to help with Town Hall, McKinney Center, and set-ups. His attitude is one of let’s get it done.

Thank you, Ron! You are appreciated!