Butler County commissioners, row officers and department directors took turns at Wednesday’s county commissioners’ meeting thanking human resource director and chief county clerk Lori Altman for helping them resolve employee issues and for her friendship.

It was Altman’s last day as a full-time employee after a little more than 28 years of service. A buffet of lunch and cookies awaited everybody after the meeting.

She will continue working part time as a union contract negotiator.

Deputy clerk Maria Malloy will step into Altman’s former jobs while the ongoing search for a new human resources director continues. Some people have been interviewed for the position.

“You served the county with such loyalty it’s been amazing,” Commissioner chairwoman Leslie Osche said.

Commissioner Kim Geyer said she learned a lot about the complicated human resources profession from Altman.

Commissioner Kevin Boozel commended Altman for her work with the commissioners, employees, row offices and judges.

Treasurer Diane Marburger gave Altman a bouquet and thanked her for her professionalism and service.

As chief clerk, Altman navigated the county through the rules and guidelines of the COVID-19 pandemic and helped resolve staffing issues in the treasurer’s office as the human resources director, Marburger said.

Emergency Services director Steve Bicehouse thanked her for being part of the panel that hired him 13 years ago, and he hopes he made her proud.

“You’ve certainly been great partner to emergency services and to my department that is one of those that has a labor agreement. You’ve been a great resource talking me down when there’s things happen that are outside of the norm,” Bicehouse said.

Children and Youth Services executive director Charles Johns said his department is difficult to understand, but Altman spent a lot of time learning the intricacies of the department.

“You are very valued. Thank you,” Johns said.

District Attorney Rich Goldinger said he didn’t know anything about running an office when he was elected 18 years ago.

“People don’t realize when you become the boss and you start telling 20 other people what they can and can’t do, and sometimes they don’t do that. That’s the hardest part of being a boss, is personnel,” Goldinger said.

“Thanks for all the years and enjoy your time,” he said.

Human Service director Amanda Feltenberger said she appreciates Altman’s support for her department that deals with challenges and state regulations.

“Human resources, it’s is tough. That’s a tough role, so thank you,” she said.

Election Bureau director Chantell McCurdy thanked Altman for helping the department during elections, especially the 2020 election.

President Joe Biden defeated current President Donald Trump in that election, but Trump and his allies claimed the vote was tainted by fraud and filed suits challenging the results.

“We appreciate your steadying hand. We appreciate your consistency … Your guidance has been invaluable,” McCurdy said.

Warden Beau Sneddon said he appreciated her leadership, guidance and friendship.

“Thank you for all that you’ve done for me personally, our department,” he said.

Information Technology director Jim Venturini thanked Altman for her leadership and guidance.

“You truly will be missed. We wish you all the best,” he said.

Facilities and Operations director Mike Hillwig thanked her for helping him transition into his position and congratulated her on her retirement.

Court administrator Candace Graff thanked Altman for helping with litigation, arbitration and personnel matters.

Parks and Recreation director Lance Welliver thanked her for supporting the department and helping Alameda Park remain open during the pandemic while other parks were closed.

“Your wealth of knowledge will be truly missed,” he said.

Area Agency on Aging director Beth Herold said years before she started working for the county, she was Altman’s home health nurse when she had her first baby.

“You have given me great advise and we’ve worked through some very difficult situations especially with COVID. I’m like my staff have to be out there; My people need seen … We couldn’t go hide behind doors because we need to be out there … Thank you for all your advise,” she said.

Mark Gordon, economic development and planning chief, said Altman is responsible for virtually all the good things that happen in the county.

“A person of amazing integrity. Thanks for your leadership. Thanks for all you’ve done,” he said.

Solicitor Julie Graham credited Altman for assembling a great team of employees.

“You’ve always put the best interest of the county first and that is not an easy thing to do,” she said.