St. Johns County Honors Employee of the Year Sammy McKinnon
- 1 March 2025
- Category: SJC News District 1 District 4 District 5
- Tags: 2025
February 27, 2025 – St. Johns County honored Road and Bridge Superintendent Sammy McKinnon with the Employee of the Year Award at its annual Service Awards Ceremony on Feb. 25, where nearly 200 employees received recognition for years of service, ranging from five to 40 years. Commissioners Krista Joseph, Ann Taylor, and Christian Whitehurst spoke at the ceremony to praise all of the employees for their dedication to serving the community. The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to celebrate Sammy McKinnon’s recognition.
For more than three decades, Sammy has been a pillar of dedication and service to St. Johns County for over three decades. A lifelong resident and graduate of Allen D. Nease High School, Sammy’s commitment to his community runs deep. Since joining the County 31 years ago as a Maintenance Worker in the Road and Bridge Division, his career has been defined by hard work, leadership, and an unwavering drive to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. Now serving as Superintendent of Road and Bridge, his impact on the County is unparalleled, making him a fitting recipient of the St. Johns County Employee of the Year award.
Throughout his tenure, Sammy has worn many hats. From his early days maintaining County roads to his time in the Solid Waste Division and his return to Road and Bridge as a heavy equipment operator, crew chief, and eventually Supervisor, Sammy’s journey has been one of continual growth and leadership. In his current role as Superintendent, he oversees routine road maintenance in the northern portion of the County, manages the Road and Bridge vegetation program, supervises residential driveway permitting, and coordinates contracted roadway maintenance activities.
St. Johns County faced an especially challenging period in 2024 when two hurricanes struck in quick succession—Hurricane Helene at the end of September and Hurricane Milton just two weeks later. Once again, Sammy and the Road and Bridge Division were called upon to respond. With contracted debris removal services scarce due to the widespread destruction across the Southeast, his team took on yet another unprecedented task: clearing storm debris themselves. Without hesitation, they tackled the challenge, ensuring roads were safe and accessible for residents.
Beyond his emergency response efforts, Sammy’s leadership has had a lasting impact on County operations. Under his guidance, the roadside mowing cycle time has been reduced by a quarter, even after the retirement or promotion of nearly his entire vegetation management team. His focus on efficiency and staff development has strengthened the Road and Bridge Division, ensuring its continued success.
When he’s not overseeing County operations, Sammy enjoys the simple pleasures of life—deer hunting, farming, and spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. His dedication to both his work and family is a testament to the values that define him.
For his exceptional service, steadfast leadership, and tireless commitment to the residents of St. Johns County, Sammy McKinnon is truly deserving of the Employee of the Year honor. His contributions have shaped the County’s infrastructure and left a lasting impact on the community he proudly calls home.
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