This month, Yancey County proudly announces the retirement of Jeff Howell, who has dedicated twenty years of exemplary service to our community.
Jeff began his career with Yancey County in March 2005 as the Director of what would eventually become Cane River Park. His career was briefly interrupted in late 2006 when his Army Reserve unit was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon his return in 2008, Jeff took on the role of Manager of Toe River Campground, where he and his team made significant improvements despite the economic challenges of 2008-2010.
In mid-2013, Jeff returned to Yancey County after another deployment, this time to Fort Jackson, SC. He resumed his work at Cane River Park, focusing on the design and construction of top-notch baseball and softball fields. In 2016, Jeff was once again called to serve, deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Upon his return in 2017, Jeff was appointed as the Emergency Management Coordinator and 911 Coordinator for Yancey County. Despite having no prior experience in these roles, his extensive military background and leadership skills proved invaluable. Over the next seven and a half years, Jeff led the county through several major events, including Hurricane Florence (2018), COVID-19 (2020), Tropical Storm Fred (2021), and Hurricane Helene. His efforts secured nearly $2 million in grants for park rebuilding and other projects, and most notably, $5.5 million for the construction of a new 911 Center set to open in late 2026.
Jeff extends his heartfelt gratitude to Derek Murphy (Asst EM), Rachel Austin (Former 911 Manager), and Sheriff Shane Hilliard for their unwavering support. He also thanks his wife, Tracy, for her constant support and understanding during his many years of service. Jeff shared, “Without the support and friendship of Derek Murphy (Asst EM), Rachel Austin (Former 911 Manager), and Sheriff Shane Hilliard, I would have failed miserably multiple times. They were always there beside me in the good times and bad and I will never forget how good it was to know that they had my back. Of course, my wife Tracy, who spent far too many nights getting woke up with a phone call for a lost or missing hiker, has been my rock and the love of my life. Without her, who knows where I would be.”
Yancey County is deeply grateful for Jeff Howell’s dedication and service. We wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.
