By Staff
Special to The Star
Dec. 21, 2001
Frances Williams, manager of Meridian's unemployment insurance office, has been named the Mississippi Employment Security Commission's Employee of the Year.
Williams, a 32-year employee, received the agency's highest honor at a ceremony in Jackson. The Robert Browning Employee of the Year award is given annually to the MESC employee who exemplifies excellence in the workplace. The award is named for the late Robert Browning, a longtime employee of MESC's Employment Service.
Williams said she was humbled to receive the award.
It was those very employees who nominated Williams for the award.
Security Aid Sharon Roundtree echoed that sentiment. "Frances is not only a good manager and teacher, but she is also a good friend and always has time to listen if you have a problem."
Supervising interviewer Karen Love said Williams lets the staff know how appreciative she is of them and their work.
Security Aide Sandra Cole said Williams is an inspiration because she tells her employees there are no obstacles too hard to overcome if they believe in themselves, while interviewer Greg Boggan said having Williams as a manager is " beyond wonderful."
Williams' entire career has been in the Meridian Unemployment Insurance office. She started with the commission as a stenographer and rose through the ranks, and was named manager of the Meridian office in 1986.
Williams and her husband of 33 years, Jack, live in the Meehan Community. She is a member of Rock Hill Baptist Church.