County Executive Highlights Departments Behind Lawrence County’s Daily Operations

Lawrence County Executive David Morgan outlined the work of the departments under his oversight, following recent discussions about county representation at state and regional events. Last week, he participated in a panel on ecotourism at the Governor’s Conference on Economic Development, noting that outdoor tourism generated more than $32 million in local visitor spending in 2024.

As Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Morgan manages project execution, contracts, long-term planning, and county departments not led by other elected officials. These include Maintenance, Emergency Medical Service, Archives, Budget, Election Commission, Health Department, Public Library, Information Technology, Solid Waste, Veterans Service, the Lawrence County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, and the County Executive’s office, employing a total of 134 people.

Maintenance, led by Director Mark Brewer, oversees 18 county facilities, handling housekeeping, systems maintenance, and most remodeling projects. The county’s ambulance service, directed by Michelle Ayers, is headquartered on West Gaines Street with satellite units in Ethridge and Loretto. Archives Director Ashley Armstrong manages the Leoma facility, providing onsite resources and an online database for public access. The Budget office, under Director Brandi Williams, handles financial operations, purchasing, payroll, grants, and reporting to the Comptroller and other agencies. Administrator Tanya White leads the Election Commission, now located on Mahr Avenue in a building renovated by the Maintenance Department.

The Health Department, directed by Devin Ezell, serves Lawrence, Wayne, and Giles counties, with a new facility under construction at Liberty Avenue and Brannon Street. Library Director Marie Brennan oversees the main library in Lawrenceburg and the Loretto branch, offering books, media, public computers, genealogy resources, and educational programming. Information Technology, led by Steve Walker and Assistant Kyle Johnson, maintains countywide computer and communication systems. Solid Waste Director Gary Wayne Hyde manages recycling operations, the Transfer Station on Baler Drive, the Loretto Convenience Center, and multiple landfill sites. Veterans Service Officers Donnie Morris and Jared Belew assist veterans with benefit claims and will soon relocate to a new office on Centennial Boulevard.

The Lawrence County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, directed by Trea Dunnavant, operates through state and federal grants and local support to provide substance-abuse prevention services. Morgan’s own office, staffed by Christian Tyree and Nancy Brewer, handles public inquiries, announcements, digital communications, and coordination with county departments and the County Commission. Together, these departments and staff form the backbone of Lawrence County’s daily operations, providing essential services and supporting the community’s economic growth and quality of life.