The retirements of two Kent County department heads came suddenly in the last month to help shave additional operating costs in a severely challenged budget.
“We have two very important department heads retiring in the very near future,” said Commissioner Ron Fithian, as he announced the retirements of Gail Owings, director of the Kent Planning and Ronald L. Howell, warden of Kent Detention Center.
Fithian said it has been a pattern over the last four years for many familiar faces in government to “move on through retirement.”
“We will miss them,” Fithian said at Tuesday’s Commissioner’s meeting. “They certainly left a legacy behind, but I’m sure their replacements…will do just a great job for us.”
Posts to be filled from within the agencies
Howell worked for the Sheriff’s office beginning in 1976 and transferred over to the detention center in 1995 to take the position of chief of security. He became acting warden in 2000 and then took the top post in 2003 . He will be replaced by the current security chief, Charles Mench.
Mench started at the detention center in 1992 and is a graduate of the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 1996, lieutenant in 1997, and captain in 2008.
Howell told the Spy on Wednesday that he is retiring about 8 months earlier than he planned. He will assume an advisory role beginning in July when Mench assumes the top post. Howell officially retires on October 1.
“I’m leaving a little earlier,” Howell said. “I was going to retire next year, but the county is trying to control costs as a result of the [cuts in] state government. They looked at those who could retire without a penalty, and there were a couple of us. They didn’t want to lay off people who would be jobless and [without a source of income].”
“I have no complaints,” Howell said. “The county has treated me extremely well since I’ve been here…it’s a fair deal.”
Fithian said Owings, who held the top spot at the planning department since 1985, will be replaced by Amy Moredock, currently on staff as an environmental planner.
Moredock is a graduate of West Liberty State College with a BA in English and Language Arts and has worked at the planning department for 10 years.
She has served on the Upper Chester Watershed Committee and the Renewable Energy Task Force. Moredock is currently the chair of the Critical Areas Commission and is a member of the MDE Peer Review Task Force. She was also a founding Board Member of the Sassafras River Association, Fithian said.
Owings told the Spy that her retirement offer from the commissioners came suddenly, but she agrees it was a good decision for the county. She reiterated Howell’s sentiments that the county had treated her well during her 29-year career.
“We did what was best for Kent County,” Owings said. She also said Moredock will do an “excellent job” as the new head of the planning department.
Tink Blakeney says
I have known Ronnie for over 30 years and he was a an officer who did his job to the best that I have known in this county. I wish you well in your retirement Ron, you deserve it.
Tink Blakeney says
Oh by the way Ron, remember the possom?
Jamie says
Very best wishes to Ronnie and Gail!! You both will be greatly missed.
Betty Carroll says
Having worked with Gail Owings since she started with the county many years ago, I can say I have nothing but respect for Gail. As Planning Director she had on occasion have to make some unpopular decisions. Although some citizens felt she showed favoritism, I can assure you she treated everyone fairly.
Gail’s work ethic is exceptional – truly working hours and hours beyond the county work day. I could go on and on, but I just want to say she will be missed.
What’s the saying, when one door closes another opens. Gail my friend, best wishes always.
Brian Luckhurst says
I would like to wish Gail and Ronald a long and happy retirement and if they have a bucket list of things they want to do I hope they are successful in crossing them off and enjoy doing so. I would also like to invite them to join us at http://www.homeexchange50plus.com if swapping homes for a vacation is something they may consider.
Brian Luckhurst
pat kern says
Gail you will be missed. Thanks for your help in the past. I wish you a happy and fulfilling retirement.
Gregg Bird says
I had the pleasure of working with Ronnie and Gail for many years. I wish you both amazing retirements. Charlie and Amy will do great, but you’ll be missed.