The Best in TN Work Here

Hardeman County elected officials scored three of the five statewide awards given each year to county officials by the County Officials Association of Tennessee (COAT).
“I’m very proud of our office holders, they are the best. It is huge to have three award winners from one county. I have the honor of working with them daily serving our county. Award recognition like this speaks well of Hardeman County and sends a message to our state officials that we are doing good work,” said Hardeman County Mayor Jimmy Sain.
Hardeman County Register of Deeds Lily Barnes, who has served for 20 years, grabbed the award for Register of Deeds Official of the Year, while Janice Bodiford was recognized for her work as the Clerk and Master. Bodiford has served the for the past 18 years.
The third from Hardeman County, County Clerk Jerry Armstrong was named the County Official of the Year in his 28th year in office.
“Our Association promotes excellence and professionalism in government service,” said Rodney Archer, Executive Director of COAT. “Hardeman County officials have far exceeded the norm as judged by their peers from across the state. Lily, Janice, and Jerry embody the true definition of a public servant and are very deserving of these awards. It’s rare to have more than one official recognized from a single county but three is outstanding!”
The County Officials Association of Tennessee is made up of Clerks of Court, County Clerks, Register of Deeds and County Trustees, according to tncountyofficials.org.