Georgetown, Del., Dec. 8, 2025: Sussex County has named Kelli Peterson of Laurel the 2025 employee of the year for County government.

This year’s winner was announced Dec. 5 during the annual Mildred King Luncheon, held each year to celebrate the County’s approximately 550 employees. Ms. Peterson was selected from a field of 13 employees, all quarterly winners and honorable mentions this past year, for the 2025 honor.

Ms. Peterson, an honorable mention in the third quarter of 2025, received a round of applause from colleagues, as well as County Council members, when presented with the award.

“I’m truly honored to be selected,” said Ms. Peterson, an Emergency Communications Specialist II/Training Assistant in the County’s 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 for 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.”

County Administrator Todd F. Lawson commended Ms. 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, Mr. Lawson said.

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