ASHEBORO — Four long-time employees were honored during the February meeting of the Randolph County Board of Commissioners.
Jill Wood, Terry Van Vliet, Betty Goins and Martha “Denise” Chriscoe were recognized for their years of service to the county before their recent retirements.
Jill Wood
Wood completed nearly 33 years with the county, beginning in 1985 with the Tax Department but spending almost 31 years with the Planning Department. County Manager Hal Johnson said she was with the department since the establishment of countywide zoning in 1987. Wood served as clerk to the Planning Board beginning in 1988 and has been administrative assistant for the department, which was later expanded to planning systems coordinator.
Johnson commended Wood’s accuracy in recording complex proceedings and her contributions to all areas of county planning and development, including zoning, watershed management, strategic planning, 911 addressing and subdivision review. He said she provided the administrative support in 1991 when the county named more than 4,000 public and private roads in preparation for the Enhanced 911 System.
Johnson gave Wood special praise for her contribution to the Central Permit system that streamlined the permitting process. It was the first such system in North Carolina and recognized by the N.C. Association of County Commissioners.
“Jill Wood’s 33-year contributions to Randolph County government and the citizens we serve have been significant and lasting. We wish her the very best as she moves into this next chapter in her life,” Johnson said.
Terry Van Vliet
Van Vliet retired from the Veteran Services Office on Dec. 31, 2017, after 25 years, Johnson said. She joined the staff of the Health Department in 1992 then transferred to Administration in 1994. During that time, she filled in for the Veteran Services officer while he was on medical leave and took the position when he retired in 1996.
For the next two years, Van Vliet split her time between the Veteran Services Office and Human Resources. In 1998, Johnson said, the Veteran Services officer became a full-time job. She took the office from a 20-hour-a-week position to a separate agency within the county with two full-time positions by 2008.
“Terry was very passionate about helping citizens of Randolph County,” Johnson said. “She said she is grateful for the opportunities she has experienced in her employment.”
Betty Goins
Lt. Betty Goins retired Jan. 1, 2018, after more than 21 years with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, said Sheriff Robert Graves. She began her career in 1996 and the jail administrator “quickly recognized Betty’s abilities, drive, determination and dedication to her duties as a jailer.”
Goins was promoted to corporal in 1997 and oversaw the booking area. Graves praised her “attention to detail, knowledge of the paperwork involved and work ethic.” A few months later, Goins was promoted to sergeant and shift supervisor.
In 1998, Goins was promoted to lieutenant, the first African American female to hold that rank.
“Throughout her career with the Sheriff’s Office, Lt. Goins gained the respect of fellow officers and subordinates, as well as the inmates,” Graves said. “She strived to do her very best and expected the same from her subordinates.”
Martha ‘Denise’ Chriscoe
Sgt. Martha “Denise” Chriscoe retired Jan. 1, 2018, with 15 years of service to the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, beginning her career on Jan. 1, 2003 as a jailer.
“Throughout her career, she ensured that all assigned tasks were completed and often went above and beyond to accomplish this,” Graves said. “With her strong work ethic and persistence in getting the job done, Sgt. Chriscoe earned the nickname of ‘Colonel.’
“On Jan. 1, 2013, she was promoted to shift sergeant in the jail,” Graves said. “Her experience, persistence and working knowledge of daily jail operations earned her this promotion along with the respect of both staff and inmates.”