Lawrence County Executive David Morgan recently provided an overview of the various departments he oversees, following discussions regarding the county’s representation at state and regional events. Last week, he took part in a panel focused on ecotourism during the Governor’s Conference on Economic Development. During this event, he highlighted that outdoor tourism in the area has led to over $32 million in visitor spending in 2024 alone.
In his dual role as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Morgan is responsible for the execution of projects, management of contracts, long-term strategic planning, and oversight of county departments that do not have elected leaders. The departments under his purview include Maintenance, Emergency Medical Services, Archives, Budget, Election Commission, Health Department, Public Library, Information Technology, Solid Waste, Veterans Service, the Lawrence County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, and his own office, which collectively employ 134 individuals.
The Maintenance Department, directed by Mark Brewer, is tasked with the upkeep of 18 county facilities, managing housekeeping, systems maintenance, and various remodeling projects. The county’s ambulance service, led by Michelle Ayers, operates from its headquarters on West Gaines Street, with additional satellite units located in Ethridge and Loretto. Meanwhile, Archives Director Ashley Armstrong oversees the Leoma facility, which provides both onsite resources and an online database accessible to the public.
The Budget office, under the direction of Brandi Williams, is responsible for the county’s financial operations, including purchasing, payroll, grants, and reporting to the Comptroller and other relevant agencies. The Election Commission, administered by Tanya White, has recently moved to a renovated building on Mahr Avenue, thanks to the efforts of the Maintenance Department.
The Health Department, led by Devin Ezell, serves not only Lawrence County but also Wayne and Giles counties, with a new facility currently being constructed at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and Brannon Street. Library Director Marie Brennan manages both the main library in Lawrenceburg and the Loretto branch, which provide a range of services including books, media, public computers, genealogy resources, and educational programming.
Information Technology, headed by Steve Walker and assisted by Kyle Johnson, is responsible for maintaining the county’s computer and communication systems. Solid Waste Director Gary Wayne Hyde oversees recycling operations, the Transfer Station located on Baler Drive, the Loretto Convenience Center, and several landfill sites. Veterans Service Officers Donnie Morris and Jared Belew assist local veterans with their benefit claims and are set to move to a new office on Centennial Boulevard soon.
The Lawrence County Substance Abuse