News Release

Faidra Smith Named 2025 Employee of the Year for the Town of Hilton Head Island

December 10, 2025

Faidra Smith, Town of Hilton Head Island Administration Manager and FOIA Compliance Officer, has been named the 2025 Scott Liggett Employee of the Year.

Now given for the fourth time, the award was announced during the Town's employee holiday luncheon on December 4 and honors the legacy of Scott Liggett, a long-time dedicated Town employee who passed away unexpectedly in February 2021. Liggett, the former Chief Town Engineer and Director of Public Projects & Facilities, was known for his extraordinary work ethic and commitment to excellence. The Town established the award in 2022 to memorialize his contributions and inspire others to follow in his footsteps.

"It's an honor to present this esteemed award to someone who exemplifies hard work and dedication, embodying the same spirit of excellence that Scott was known for, and Faidra actually worked closely with Scott and knew him for many years," said Town Manager Marc Orlando. "We had many outstanding nominees who went above and beyond our standard expectations for excellence in leadership, character, and exceptional customer service. I am incredibly proud of all our nominees and especially proud of Faidra; she will celebrate 30 years with the Town in 2026 and that kind of enduring commitment and dedication is rare these days. Her positive energy, can-do attitude and kindness are exceptional."

Faidra was selected from a pool of 13 nominees representing various Town departments. Since joining the Town as a paralegal in April 1996, Faidra has consistently exhibited leadership, dedication, and technical expertise, earning the respect of her colleagues as well as the Island community. Well known for her widespread volunteerism for Town events and nonprofits, Faidra is considered one of the Town’s strongest ambassadors and a role model organization wide.

As Employee of the Year, Faidra was recognized for her dedication to teamwork, her positive attitude and adaptability, her swift responsiveness to requests for assistance, her knack for organization and accurate record-keeping, her extensive volunteerism, and her unwavering commitment to providing exceptional customer service to residents, visitors, businesses, and colleagues.

"To have known Scott, and to have been given this award in his honor, means so much to me," Faidra said. "I've seen a lot during my time with the Town, and while some things may have changed with time, one thing remains the same - I love this community, I love serving it, and I love the team of outstanding professionals I have the privilege of working with every day."