A Fond Farewell To Debi Holt

debi at retirement party

In This Article

With the arrival of autumn on the horizon, North Carolina will soon be transformed by vibrant hues. This season of change extends to Southern Energy Management (SEM). After 11 impactful years, we say farewell and happy retirement to Debi Holt, our Builder Services Manager, and a truly cherished member of our team.

Throughout her time at Southern Energy, Debi has empowered our company to reach new heights, embodying our core values through every part of the journey, while also dishing out daily travel trivia to the team. Debi never settled when it came to building strong human-centered relationships, especially on her team, and also helped others to seek solutions by hosting a leadership group focused on improving the hybrid/remote work experience at Southern Energy. Debi is not only a teammate, but also a mentor and a friend.

We got the chance to chat with Debi about her experience at Southern Energy, here's what she had to share:

Why did you choose Southern Energy Management all those years ago?

When I applied to Southern Energy, the application process was very different; questions really required a little research as they were not yes and no questions. I learned so much about SEM that I KNEW I belonged with this company. Walking into 101 Kitty Hawk [our previous office location], I felt very much at home; laid-back environment, comfy old couch, and a HUGE ASS gong! Yes, I wanted to be a part of this “old hippie” company that believed in restoring and saving the planet by many different means.

TBT: Christmas party many moons ago, with Debi next to the Southern Energy elves, Graham, Mike, and Will

How has Southern Energy impacted your journey?

SEM’s core values were/are so very easy to incorporate into my own life both professionally and personally. These values, the team members of SEM, my closest teammates have been a big part of the last 11 years of my life. Work was life and life was work – I truly GOT to go work each and every day.

debi and bob at retirement party
Debi and Bob Kingery at her retirement party ♥

What are you most proud of during your time at Southern Energy Management?

Lifelong friends; one of the best remote teams within SEM; the ability to give back to those who so freely gave to me. I am a better person because of SEM and its core values.

Debi and Jamie Stapleton!

If you could teach everyone in the world one thing, what would it be?

Embrace who you are; learn to live within your own skin as there is no need for validation.

Debi’s favorite Poosday Quote: “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – Christopher Robin

What’s next?

Debi looks forward to retirement and the simple joys of life: getting acquainted with Eastern Tennessee, sipping coffee while reading the newspaper late into the morning, spending time with family, catching up on reading, and crocheting. 

Debi, as you step into this new chapter, we want to say how grateful we are to you for allowing us to be a cherished part of your journey. You came to SEM seeking a place where you could make a difference, and you leave having made a lasting impact. May the next chapter be as fulfilling as the last! We’ll miss you, Debi. Happy retirement!

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