Former Habersham County Parks and Recreation Director Terry Lannon has returned to the job he held for two years in the early 2000s. Lannon succeeds Brooke Whitmire, who left earlier this month after two-and-a-half years on the job.
Interim County Manager Tim Sims announced Lannon’s hiring at Monday night’s county commission meeting.
Lannon headed up Habersham County Parks and Rec Department from 2005 through 2007. “He has over 40 years of experience in the park and rec industry,” Sims told commissioners. “He is going to be with us to help us get through this interim period while we’re looking for our new candidate for that position.”
Lannon’s first day back on the job was Tuesday, March 18.
Whitmire’s departure
According to county documents, Whitmire separated from the county on March 3. Her separation agreement did not include a resignation letter. During her tenure, she did not face any disciplinary actions, and when she left, she did not receive a severance package.
Human Resources Director Ann Cain said the position will be advertised for candidates to apply.
Whitmire was hired by then-County Manager Alicia Vaughn in August 2022. Her first day on the job was August 22.
Whitmire’s time with the county was peppered with controversy. Citizens openly complained to commissioners about her lack of responsiveness to issues at the county recreation department. Over the last three years, a few citizens also complained about increases in the parks and recreation budget. Those complaints resulted in the county privatizing its gymnastics program.
When the county took over the Total Fitness program from what was then Habersham Medical Center, Whitmire oversaw the transition. Some expressed cost concerns since the hospital gave up the fitness center because it was operating at a loss.
Another controversial issue during Whitmire’s employment was a tenant agreement she had hoped to sign with the county. The lease was for a house owned by the county adjacent to the aquatic center. Former county manager Alicia Vaughn brought the lease agreement before the commission at a regular meeting in October 2023, but commissioners denied it.
