Sussex County names Kelli Peterson 2025 Employee of the Year

Sussex County has named Kelli Peterson its 2025 Employee of the Year.

This year’s honoree was announced Dec. 5 during the annual Mildred King Luncheon, held each year to celebrate the county’s approximately 550 employees. Peterson was selected from a field of 13 employees, all of whom were either quarterly winners or recipients of honorable mentions during the past year.

“I’m truly honored to be selected,” said Peterson, an emergency communications specialist II and training assistant in the department of public safety.  She was lauded for, among other things, her attention to detail, calming demeanor during high-stress 9-1-1 calls, and being a leader among her peers. “At the end of the day, I’m just doing what I can to be a reassuring voice and hopefully making a difference,” said Peterson.

County Administrator Todd Lawson commended Peterson for her dedicated service to county government, which began in June 2019. Her commitment and willingness to take on additional duties, serve as a role model and teacher to her colleagues, and maintain a pleasant and professional attitude make her worthy of the recognition of her peers, Lawson said.