Scioto County EMA Director Kim Carver retires after 32 years with the agency. Carver served as director for 29 of those years.
“A lot of people may wonder who watches over us as we sleep, ” Scioto County Commissioner Bryan Davis said as he called Carver to the podium at the commissioners meeting, “The Good Lord above and someone else. There’s someone else that takes the job of being that watchful eye.”
Carver headed the agency through some turbulent times. “She led Scioto EMA through floods, record snowfall, prison riots, ice storms, and most recently, COVID-19,” Bryan Davis read from a proclamation honoring the director.
The commissioners named Deputy Director Larry Mullins as the new director. Davis said he first learned of her plan to retire six months ago.
Smooth Transition
According to Commissioner Bryan Davis, a smooth transition was at the top of Kim Carver’s priorities when she informed commissioners of her plan to retire six months ago. “Kim came to us with a plan on how to move forward. Of course, the decision on the director was up to us but it was a plan to start down the path. It was seamless, it was methodical, it took six months.”
He called Carver’s decision to retire a sad day for the county. But he said she still plans to volunteer and be involved with keeping residents safe. “She’s still going to be there to help.”
Not A Newbie
Deputy Director Larry Mullins took the lead at the agency during the COVID-19 crisis. Mullins appeared at meetings and issued statements. Davis said that was all part of the plan for his smooth transition into leadership.
“Some may have been asking ‘Where is the director?’ The director is doing what she’s always done, monitoring things. Making sure Larry is getting his feet wet.”
Carver pointed out that Mullins is no stranger to the agency. “Larry has been the public information officer for 25 years. He’s been there for all of it. He’s not a newbie.”
Faithful Bunch
When commissioners called her up to accept a plaque, Carver was hesitant. “Kim hates this,” Davis said.
“I do,” she admitted. “Because it’s a team.” Carver thanked the commissioners for the opportunity to serve Scioto County for so long. Carver thanked the commissioners for allowing her to serve the county for so long. “There have been so many changes since I’ve been there. While the planning and response changed over the years, the one thing that’s not changed is the community and how they persevere. It’s been a great pleasure for me to serve.”
The director made sure to thank the people on her team. “I’d be remiss if I didn’t give a shout out to the first responders who serve our community. What a wonderful bunch of people who have helped in EMA at the emergency center. While I won’t be the director after today, one of our core group will be. Shout out to all of them because they’ve been faithful.”