Several current Walker County Government employees started the new year with new responsibilities.

Dakiya Porter started her career with Walker County in 2020 as an administrative assistant and most recently served as a communications specialist. During her tenure with the county, she has also managed the COVID-19 Hotline call center and has been interim manager at the Walker County Civic Center.

Porter, who has a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership, now serves as the county’s chief of staff. In addition to providing support to Chairwoman Teems, Porter will work with department heads to make informed decisions, provide project management and will have knowledge of daily operations so she can answer high level questions.

Joe Legge left a successful career in broadcast journalism to join Walker County in 2017 as the director of public relations. He now serves as the county’s director of communications and community development.

Along with utilizing a variety of communications tools to enhance public awareness and understanding of government programs and initiatives, Legge has been involved in efforts to improve services in the county through parks and recreational projects, tourism and enhancements to broadband access. He will continue to support those functions and others, in addition to managing external communications.

Paine Gily, who is a licensed professional geologist, rejoined Walker County in 2017 as manager of the landfill, after previously serving as the county’s director of environmental affairs from 2005 to 2010.

In his new role as director of solid waste and environmental management, Gily will collaborate with department heads to enhance environmental regulatory awareness, compliance and reporting. He will also continue to contribute to Walker County’s solid waste management plan and landfill operations.