TITLE:title
Recognize 2025 Bobby Cobb Award Recipient
body
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Patrick Niland, Deputy County Manager
ACTION REQUESTED:
Recognize Parks and Recreation Park Superintendent, Jared Steele, as this year’s Bobby Cobb Award Recipient.
PRIOR BOARD ACTIONS:
None.
BACKGROUND:
Jared Steele, a Union County Parks & Recreation employee of more than 20 years, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Bobby Cobb Award, an honor recognizing employees who go above and beyond their job responsibilities to make a significant impact across multiple departments.
Steele has played a key part in developing the Rural Land Use Plan, a guiding document for future land use decisions in Union County's rural areas. He also actively supports the Union County Firefighters' Burned Children's Fund, an initiative dedicated to raising funds for child burn victims. His collaboration with Union County Emergency Services further highlights his commitment to safety and preparedness. From coordinating officer training for suspect tracking to facilitating underwater drone training, Jared has strengthened emergency response strategies and improved coordination across departments. Finally, he has been instrumental in implementing controlled burns at Cane Creek Park with the N.C. Forest Service.
The Bobby Cobb Award is named in memory of former Public Health employee Bobby Cobb, who served Union County for several years. The Management Team created the Bobby Cobb Award in 2022 to honor Cobb's memory. The award honors employees who go above and beyond to provide invaluable services and exceed expectations, particularly for large efforts or initiatives that involve collaboration and coordination among multiple county departments.
Steele exemplifies the spirit of this award through his dedication, collaboration and commitment to initiatives that improve Union County.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.