Former Habersham County Parks and Recreation Director Terry Lannon has returned to take the helm of the department effective immediately. The announcement came Monday during interim County Manager Tim Sims manager’s report to the commission.
“We have an interim Parks Director starting tomorrow (Tuesday, March 18). His name is Terry Lannon,” Sims told the commissioners. “He has over 40 years of experience in the park and rec industry.”
According to Sims, Lannon was the Parks and Rec. Director for Habersham County in 2005 through 2007. “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,” he told the commission.
According to county documents, Whitmire separated from the county on March 3. There was no resignation letter attached to her separation agreement. She did not have any disciplinary actions taken during her tenure with the county. She also did not receive a severance package.
Human Resources Director Ann Cain said that the position will be advertised for potential 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 and complaints. Citizens openly complained to commissioners about her lack of responsiveness to issues at the Rec. Department. A few citizens over the last three years complained about the increases to the Parks and Recreation budgets. Those complaints resulted in the county moving forward with privatizing the gymnastics program.
The county took over the operations of Total Fitness during Whitmire’s time. The take over resulted in some citizens expressing concerns over the hospital shutting it down due to the program operating at a loss.
Another controversial issue that occurred during Whitmire’s tenure with the county was a tenant agreement for Whitmire to lease a house owned by the county adjacent to the aquatic center. Vaughn brought the lease agreement forward to the commission during a regular meeting in October 2023. The commission denied that agreement.
