McBurney is honored for her 'true compassion and caring'

Elizabeth McBurney enjoys the daily challenges of her job.

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As assistant human resources manager and benefits manager for Columbia County government, McBurney said she seeks out opportunities to help every day.

"It's all about helping people and that means the most to me," she said.

McBurney's dedication and zeal for her career were two of the reasons she was recognized last week by the county Board of Commissioners as Employee of the Year, along with the Road Construction department as Team of the Year.

"It's very overwhelming for somebody like me" McBurney said of the honor. "I spend a great deal of my day helping people and solving problems. To be in the limelight was a little difficult for me."

Kelly Greene, who works in the county's IT department, nominated McBurney for the award because of her ability to consider the human factor when performing her job.

"She has a true compassion and caring for the county employees as people and not just a number or claim," Greene wrote of McBurney on the nomination form.

McBurney started with the county more than eight years ago, not long after earning a finance degree from Augusta State University. She currently is working on earning a masters of business administration degree from Brenau University.

"School is important to me," McBurney said. "If you're going to stay in the business world, you have to stay up on what's going on."

Prior to starting with the county, McBurney worked as a benefits analyst for the Augusta National Golf Club and spent 25 years as a business manager with a company that builds hospitals. None of her previous occupations, though, compete with her current job, McBurney said.

"I think it's a challenge and an opportunity at the same time," she said. "I think when you have this many employees, it's going to be something new every day."