Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
July 13, 2016 3:03 p.m.
Fernandina Beach Mayor John A. Miller recently recognized the retirement of Mrs. Gail Shults for her 30-year career as Executive Director of the Nassau County Volunteer Center. Miller said that she served the city and Nassau County “with professionalism, integrity and compassion, growing the volunteer recruitment and referral program to over 3,000 volunteers a year.
Shults led a successful drive to become independent from the Volunteer Jacksonville agency. She expanded partnerships with local non-profit agencies on a countywide Adopt-A-Family program to help ensure happy holidays for hundreds of citizens in need. She also developed the well-known annual Taste of Amelia fundraiser event and the Volunteer Awards Luncheon, which partners with government, civic and corporate entities to honor extraordinary volunteers.
Miller expressed gratitude to Shults on behalf of the city for her professional, loyal and selfless efforts during her 30 years of service, culminating with her retirement on June 20, 2016.
In accepting the city proclamation, Shults said that she had always advised honorees and award recipients to keep their remarks brief. “In regard to that brevity,” she said, “thank you very much.”
She left the podium to a bit of laughter and a standing ovation from the audience.
Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.