After a decade of dedicated service, Dawson County’s finance director has retired.

Lowayne Craig’s last day was March 31. Friends, coworkers and family gathered at the Dawson County Senior Center on March 30 to wish her well in the next stage of her life.

“We’re here to honor 10 years of service to Dawson County,” said Dawson County Manager Kevin Tanner. “I can tell you that Lowayne gives 100 percent everyday and puts her heart and soul into her job and truly cares about Dawson County.”

Craig began working for the county as finance director in January 2001.

Over the years, she said she saw good times and bad times.

“Sometimes it was tough, but we were able to weather the recession a little bit better than others when the sales tax plummeted,” Craig said. “It’s because we have good leaders that we were able to do that.”

She encouraged the current and future county leadership to “stay on the same page and work together, then the future will be prosperous for us.”

Craig said she enjoyed serving the residents of Dawson County.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed serving Dawson County and I did look at my time as service to the county,” she said.

Colleagues said they respected her work and her role as a leader.

“Lowayne’s work ethic and dedication to her staff and Dawson County alike will be greatly missed and very difficult to replace,” said Christina Palacios, the county’s budget manager.

Craig said she looks forward to spending more time with her family and “enjoying the next stage of her life.”