A retirement open house celebration was held Friday for Marion County Conservation Director Steve Edwards.

People from the community, family, former co-workers, and others gathered at Marion County Public Health to congratulate Steve on a 44 year career serving in the role. After leading the department nearly four and half decades, Edwards’ son Cale will now take over the new director. Steve said at his open house that he is thankful for everyone who came out, and for all the people he has got to know in his time with the county.

“It’s really fantastic to see all these people who came here. I’ve got directors who came from over on the Mississippi River today, there were three of them who came. It means a lot. We work with some really good people here, and it’s teamwork that gets you where you want to be. It’s just nice to see all these people that I’ve had friendships and partnerships with over the last 44 years. It was really nice of them to come and I really appreciate it.”

Hear more from Edwards about his retirement on Monday’s Let’s Talk Knoxville.