By Bryant Thigpen
Riverbend News
Significant changes have taken place within the Town of Jennings over the last couple of months, including the recent hiring of Jennifer Hightower, who will serve as the town manager. In addition to filling the town manager position, the council filled several other significant positions as well.
“We have a lot of great things going on in the Town of Jennings,” said Cindy Pedicini, town clerk. “We’re excited about these new people coming on board and we’re excited about the future.”
Sheena Rickerson
Another notable hire was Sheena Rickerson, who will serve as the town’s attorney beginning Tuesday, Oct. 6. Rickerson is an attorney with Carmichael and Rickerson, Attorneys at Law, and will replace Attorney Thomas Stone, who will be retiring from the position after approximately 30 years of service.
Rickerson graduated from the Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville in 2012 and was admitted to the bar in 2013. In February 2014, she went to work for the State Attorney’s Office, Third Judicial Circuit of Florida, under former State Attorney Jeff Siegmeister. Rickerson then partnered with Carey Carmichael in February 2020 and opened Carmichael and Rickerson, Attorneys at Law, in Jasper. In addition to her role with the law firm in Jasper, Rickerson will take over the reins as the town attorney for Jennings.
“I interviewed a while back and was chosen as the new town attorney for Jennings,” Rickerson said. “I’m very humbled and excited about this opportunity to serve the public in this new role. Thanks to the council for trusting me to handle this new venture.”
Samantha Prueter
Samantha Prueter ran unopposed for the Jennings Town Council and was appointed by the council to serve as the mayor for the town. Prueter, who is also a real estate agent, will serve as mayor until the next election in June 2022.
“I’m honored the councilors chose me to serve as the mayor for the Town of Jennings,” she said. “I’m looking forward to serving the residents in this capacity.”
Steven Lang
The council also selected Steven Lang as the Volunteer Fire Chief for the Jennings Volunteer Fire Department. Lang was called on by the council to restore the fire department which was left disarrayed.
“When I arrived, the fire trucks weren’t working, we had no gear, no personnel, so I’m basically starting from scratch,” Lang said. “I’ve been a volunteer since 2018, so I’ve seen all the trouble this department has had. I want to help get it back to what it needs to be.”
Since his first day on the job, Lang has been instrumental in getting the fire station properly equipped, including new air packs, which were previously borrowed from other departments. Through donations, the fire department was also able to purchase a third fire truck.
“I’m definitely happy to step up to the position and help this town,” Lang said. Lang brings over 21 years of fire service in the US and foreign countries, and he currently serves as a Professional Fire Chief for a major subcontractor overseas.
Jennifer Hightower
Hightower served as the city clerk in Jasper for 17 years prior to accepting the position in Jennings as the town manager. Her first day on the job will be Thursday, Sept. 10. Hightower was not available for comment.