Valued Employee Retires After 33 Years

By Barbara Merryfield
Marketing Intern

After 33 years of service to Oakland County, Senior Field Technician Rick Vaughn retired from the Community Home and Improvement Division on October 19, taking with him a  legacy of excellence. “Rick has been a cornerstone within the home improvement staff and will be missed by our residential contractors and staff,” said Karry Rieth, Manager of the Community & Home Improvement Division
 
As a Senior Field Technician, Vaughn oversaw the home improvement process for hundreds of homeowners. By providing services such as home inspections, specification writing and managing contractors, he brought peace of mind to homeowners throughout the county. “The home renovation process can be extremely stressful for homeowners” Said Rieth “Rick worked hard with contractors and homeowners to minimize disruptions and ensure quality work.”  He also gained certification as lead-based paint Risk Assessor/Inspector, which allowed him to determine, abate and clear lead hazards in homes that could potentially poison children.

The Community & Home Improvement division administers federally funded grant programs and assistance for low-income housing. Designed to improve the condition of existing housing for qualified homeowners, Oakland County's Home Improvement Loan   program provides no-cost, low interest loans  to low-moderate income residents in 50 participating communities. Since its inception in 1976, the Community & Home Improvement division has improved well over 6,500 homes with an investment exceeding $54 million.

Upon retirement, Rick looks forward to spending time with his wife, two sons and granddaughter, and continuing his home improvement plans.  An avid outdoorsman, Vaughn also looks forward to hunting.  Proficient with various hunting arms, he has traveled throughout Michigan, Illinois and Wyoming on hunting expeditions.

For more information about the programs available through the Community & Home Improvement Division please contact Karry Rieth at 248-858-5403 or visit the Community & Home Improvement website at www.oakgov.com/chi/.