HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — Barry Holland has worked with Houston County’s Board of Commissioners, and, subsequently, the county’s government, for 22 years. He worked for 12 of those years as the county’s purchasing agent and the last decade as the county’s director of administration. He has been married for 37 years, has two grown sons, and three grandkids with another on the way. He is 55 years old and will retire from his seat in the county on July 29.
Holland’s retirement was announced to the major public by Commissioner Chairman Tommy Stalnaker during the June 7 Commissioner meeting. Stalnaker thanked Holland for his service to the citizens of Houston County and congratulated him on his retirement.
The Journal spoke with Holland to ask what comes next.
Holland told The Journal that he took his position after his predecessor Steve Engel began looking to retire himself. Holland transitioned into the position but not before Engel became ill. For six months, Holland worked two jobs — his previous job as the county’s purchasing agent and as the interim Director of Administration. Around 10 years ago, the county voted him into the position in full.
“I’ve really have enjoyed it,” Holland reported. “I’ve told folks I’ve been here 22 years — I wish I had come here 22 years before that, because I really do enjoy what I do here.”
As the director of administration, Holland works directly with the Board of Commissioners, alongside his soon-to-be predecessor and the current director of operations: Robbie Dunbar. Together, they manage the county’s government and keep things running.
“I enjoy the people I work for and with,” Holland said. “We’re all public servants; we’re all here to serve the public and for no other reason. No matter what we do, a custodian, a clerk, the director of operations or the chairman — we’re all here to serve and provide services to the citizens. That’s our one goal; that’s what we work together towards.”
Holland said that he hopes that he has served the citizens of Houston County well in his 22 years.
“There comes a day everybody has to leave, and somebody will come in and do this job as well, or better I hope,” Holland said. “All we can do is the best we can while we’re here. I feel I’ve done that, and I hope it’s been enough.”
Holland will leave the county on July 29, the same day as his wife’s retirement. Holland said that the two of them plan to spend some time traveling, some time relaxing and a lot of time with their family as well as one another.
“I may at some time get a little bored and go find something to do, but I have no plans to do that for now,” Holland said with a laugh. “I’ve got plenty of projects to keep me busy for a while, and then we’ll see.”
As it stands, Holland said he has no plans to start Holland said he is confident in Dunbar as a predecessor, and thanked past and present commissioners, the citizens of Houston County and county employees, as well as the many people he has worked with over the years for allowing him to serve them.
“I’ve always felt that I was well received here,” Holland said. “When I called, they picked up the phone, and I tried to do the same for them.
“To the commissioners especially, and that includes the chairman, I really do owe a debt of gratitude to them. A lot of people could have filled these shoes here, and they allowed me to do so for so long. I feel very grateful for that.”
As a final word, Holland thanked Chairman Stalnaker for his friendship.
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