October Premier: Capturing the New Generation: Recruiting and Growing a New Generation of Maintenance Professionals

Thomas White is a graduate of Troy University and Georgia College and State University, where he won the Malcom Moore MPA Award. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration. Before joining the Henry County Government in 2021, Thomas spent 13 years with the Georgia Department of Corrections, where he served in various roles from compliance to acting Chief of Security. For six years, he was a professional political operative and served with various campaigns and organizations. He worked for seventeen campaigns for public office, two of which he oversaw as general chairman. He was the political action chair for the Henry County NAACP, the legislative liaison for TRAGIC (Teachers Rally Against Georgia Insurance Changes), a member of the Board of Directors for Henry First, and a spokesperson for the Committee to Keep Georgia Schools Local. He currently serves as chair of the Henry County Arts Consortium, a member of the Board of Directors for the Henry County Convention and Visitors Bureau, a member of the GRPA Editorial Committee, and the GRPA District 6 Chair-elect. He is a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society, the International City/County Management Association, the GRPA, the NRPA, and the Henry County Chamber of Commerce. He is a United States Chess Federation certified club tournament director.

In December 2022,  15 months after being promoted from a part-time position to Special Events Coordinator, Thomas was promoted to Deputy Administrator of Recreation. He currently oversees four recreation centers, a classroom facility, a tennis center, dozens of programs, five summer camp sites, school break camps, and two sites for the Afterschool Academic Enrichment Program. He manages social media, grants, public relations, community partnerships, and 120 staff members spread across six facilities.

Jonathon Penn has been a dynamic force in Henry County since 2020, serving as the Executive Director for Leisure and Public Services. In this role, he oversees a diverse array of departments, including the Parks & Recreation Department, Senior Services Department, Transit Department, and the Extension Office. His leadership and vision have significantly shaped the county’s recreational and community services.

Beginning his local government career in 2007, Jonathon brings over a decade of extensive experience to his role. A proud alumnus of the esteemed Morehouse College in Atlanta, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management. His commitment to professional growth is evident through his active membership in the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) and the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA), where he has contributed to various boards and committees.

Jonathon’s pursuit of excellence is further demonstrated by his advanced certifications, including the Carl Vinson Institute of Government’s Management Development Training Program from the University of Georgia, the George Harrison Executive Management School, and the NRPA Directors School from North Carolina State University.

Before joining Henry County, Jonathon honed his skills as the Director of Parks & Recreation for the City of East Point. His tenure with Henry County began during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that tested his resilience and adaptability. Despite these challenges, Jonathon's leadership has led to remarkable achievements in just four years. Under his guidance, Henry County has launched innovative and inclusive programs such as the Watering Can program, embarked on the construction of a new $50M Aquatic Center and Water Park, and is developing a $17M Multi-Generational Recreation Facility. The completion of a Comprehensive Parks Master Plan—the first in 50 years—and the recognition as Agency of the Year by GRPA underscore the significant impact of his leadership.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Jonathon is dedicated to giving back to his community through various charitable and civic endeavors. His passion for enhancing community well-being and his unwavering commitment to service continue to drive his success in the field.