Fayette County Honors Tina Payne Upon Retirement After 40 Years of Dedicated Service
Fayette County, GA – February 10, 2026 – Fayette County Government proudly announces the retirement of Tina Payne, Supervisor of the Solicitor’s Office, after an extraordinary 40-year career serving the citizens of Fayette County.
Tina began her journey with Fayette County in December 1985, inspired by a desire to build a meaningful career close to home. “My husband and I married three months after high school graduation,” Tina recalls. “I was working at a bank and hoped for more opportunities to learn and grow with Fayette County. We wanted to start a family, and I wanted to be local and more involved as our children grew.”
Her first role was in the Building Department, where she worked alongside Ms. Pat Swanson and the inspectors issuing permits and learning the fundamentals of county operations. Within a year, Tina transitioned to the Clerk of Court’s Office, where she gained invaluable experience in the Real Estate Division and later the Criminal Division. In 2005, when Solicitor-General Jamie Inagawa took office, Tina was selected as Office Manager, a role that allowed her to expand her leadership skills and make a lasting impact on the community.
Reflecting on her career, Tina says, “I am so thankful for all the opportunities and patience my bosses and coworkers have given me through the years. Their willingness to invest in me and believe in me was such a huge part of this journey.”
"Tina’s retirement marks the close of a chapter defined by dedication and genuine care for our community. Over the years, she set a standard of excellence that will be hard to match. For all of us in the Solicitor’s Office, this goodbye is bittersweet. We will miss her presence every day—the steady support, the quiet leadership, the warmth she brought to our work—but we are excited for her as she steps into new opportunities and adventures. Tina will forever remain a cherished part of our office family," said Jamie Inagawa, Solicitor General.
Tina’s contributions have touched countless lives. She worked tirelessly to ensure fairness and understanding in every interaction, striving to listen, educate, and assist the public. “I hope I’ve been patient and understanding, rolled up my sleeves when things got hard, and helped others learn and grow,” she shares.
Her career was not without challenges. “The hardest thing for me was balance—giving 100% at work and then being fully present for my family,” Tina admits. Her advice to those entering public service: “Ask questions, learn as much as possible, embrace new duties, and never be afraid to reach out for help. Take ownership of your work and strive to have a positive attitude. Enjoy the journey—before you know it, it’s been 40 years.”
As Tina looks ahead, she plans to travel with her husband, spend time with family and grandchildren, enjoy Lake Wedowee, assist her son with his growing business, and become more active in church and community life. “I will miss seeing my friends and coworkers,” she says, “but I’m excited for this next chapter.”
Fayette County Government extends its deepest gratitude to Tina Payne for her decades of service, professionalism, and dedication. Her legacy of hard work, compassion, and integrity will continue to inspire generations of public servants.