Annually, the city of Conyers recognizes one employee as the Employee of the Year, or recipient of the Dee Buggay Award of Excellence. Dee Buggay, retired human resources director, was the first recipient of the award and the award was named after her as she exemplified every trait and attribute one could aspire to as a public servant and city employee.

The 2025 recipient of the Dee Buggay Award of Excellence (Employee of the Year) is Candace Chandler, assistant to the Conyers Police Department Chief of Police. A nearly 10-year employee of the city, Candace was praised for anticipating the needs of others, solving problems proactively, and demonstrating a "can-do" attitude even in high pressure situations. Candace was recognized and honored at an employee appreciation breakfast held on January 21, 2026, at Cherokee Run Golf Club.

  Pictured above: 2025 Employee of the Year Candace Chandler.

Pictured above, left to right: City Manager Kameron Kelley, Candace Chandler, and Mayor Connie Alsobrook.

Previous Employee of the Year Recipients

James Longmire, Public Works and Transportation (2024)
Sadina Jurgens, Administration/Finance (2023)
Daniel Drummond, Conyers Security Alert (2022)
Arnold Rutledge, Public Works and Transportation (2021)
Lt. Jay Archer, Conyers Police Department (2020)
Melissa Staton, Planning and Inspection Services (2019)
Elizabeth Kimbrell, Public Works and Transportation (2018)
Sharon Morgan, Human Resources (2017)
Libra Denmon, Planning and Inspections (2016)
Jerry Gulledge, Public Works and Transportation (2015)
Gary Hegwood, Conyers Security Alert (2014)
Trey Rusk, Cherokee Run Golf Club (2013)
Lonnie Abercrombie, Georgia International Horse Park (2012)
Donna Freeman, Planning and Inspection Services (2011)
Kelly Honea, Communications/9-1-1 (2010)
Charles Drake, Public Works and Transportation (2009)
Monica Coffin, Public Relations and Tourism (2008)
Rebecca Hill, Georgia International Horse Park (2007)
Allen Strickland, Public Works and Transportation (2006)
Yvonne Glumb, Administration (2005)
Pierce Piper, Conyers Police Department (2004)
Penny Dowdy, Georgia International Horse Park (2003)
George Duren, Public Works and Transportation (2002)
Sherry Arnold, Conyers Police Department (2001)
Brad Sutton, Planning and City Services (2000)
Harriet Gattis, Public Relations and Tourism (1999)
Dee Buggay, Human Resources (1998)