Paula Headrick
When it comes to helping taxpayers of Whitfield County, Paula Headrick of the Tax Assessor’s Office goes above and beyond, her counterparts say.
That’s the word from the co-worker who nominated her as Whitfield County Employee of the Month for August.
“With minimal support from supervisory staff, Paula has taken over and maintained Mobile Home Digest after five years of working as a real estate appraiser maintaining and valuing the east side of the county,” said Christopher Blessing of the Tax Assessor’s Office.
“She is the first to aid a co-worker and will do anything for anyone, even if she doesn’t know the person well,” he said. “I feel she’s been under-appreciated for too long.”
Ms. Headrick will volunteer her time for any organization, Mr. Blessing said. “If someone needs help, she lends it,” he said. “In fact, she has helped out with two Big Brothers Big Sisters events over the past two months because they were short on help.”
Mr. Blessing said Ms. Headrick goes “above and beyond” for taxpayers, noting a recent instance where a taxpayer brought a plat issue to her attention.
“This particular issue is common in the particular area and required additional research,” Mr. Blessing said. “Paula will not rest until there is a solution to a taxpayer issue. After a solution is met, Paula hangs onto documentation for the next time an issue with surveyors and lawyers comes forth from that area of the county.”
To help residents find out more about her, Ms. Headrick filled out the following fun survey to share with them.
Name: Paula Headrick
Job: Property Appraiser 2
Time with the county: 7 years
Where I went to school: Northwest Whitfield High School
My role as a county employee: Appraise real property and all manufactured homes in Whitfield County
What keeps my job interesting: Every day is a different challenge and I get to meet very interesting people of this county.
What gives me a sense of accomplishment on the job: When I complete my work in a timely fashion knowing it’s correct; also when I talk to the taxpayers and am able to help in their personal situations to the best of my ability.
The most important thing I’ve done on the job: I feel is being part of an amazing team of people who provide excellent services to the citizens of Whitfield County.
Where I grew up: I am native Dalton; also I grew up in Kentucky and Oklahoma.
Family: Mother Glenda Johnson, fiancé John, three children - Jacob 26, Ashley 23, and Zac 19; six grandchildren
After work, I enjoy: Riding motorcycle, antiquing, fishing, camping, target practice, reading, crocheting
Community activities: Food Drive and Toy Rides
Favorite TV shows: SOA, Walking Dead
Favorite sport: College football
Favorite music: all genres
Favorite Whitfield County restaurant: Fugi
Favorite Whitfield County event: Civil War re-enactment
Three people (living or dead) I’d invite to dinner: Enoch Kelly Haney, John Ross, Paul Walker
I’m most proud of: Where I am today; I am better than yesterday but not as good as I can be tomorrow.
Pet peeve: Dishonesty
If I’ve learned one thing in life, it’s: Never take the little things for granted; enjoy every moment no matter how big or small.
Who has had the most impact on my life: James and Tom Headrick, along with so many more in my family that have helped me on my many adventures in life.
Personal goals I have accomplished or would like to accomplish: Never stop learning.
If I could have been in any profession of my choosing, I would have been a: Draftsman (pre auto cad)
If I could have two wishes, they would be: To be comfortable and happy no matter where my path leads me.
You’d be surprised to learn that I: Stayed active in my children’s hobbies, school, and sports as a single mother with two jobs. I still was a den mother in Boy Scouts, scorekeeper for the ball teams, wrestling mom. And I have cross stitched a Monopoly board, I enjoy working on cars, and I collect coins, knifes.
Anything else you’d like to say: Always treat people the way you want to be treated in return, and pay it forward every chance you can.