China Watson-Ball Selected as March 2026 Employee of the Month

Escambia County is excited to recognize China Watson-Ball, Engineering Project Coordinator in the Construction Management Division of the Engineering Department, as the March 2026 Employee of the Month. Watson-Ball's selection was recognized with a proclamation during the March 5 Board of County Commissioners meeting.

Watson-Ball joined Escambia County's Engineering Department in January 2023 and since then, she has been recognized by her colleagues for her positive attitude, creative approach, and willingness to go above and beyond to help others. In her role as Engineering Project Coordinator, she manages engineering project designs, permitting, and construction as well as coordinating activities between construction inspection staff, engineers-of-record, and contractors. She also reviews and evaluates engineering plans, ensuring compliance with applicable standards and specifications for construction projects.

"China is a valued and trusted member of the Construction Management Division Team and the Engineering Department as a whole," Escambia County Engineering Department Director Joy Blackmon said. "Her pride in her work shows with each project she is assigned, and she never hesitates to lend a helping hand. It is our honor to recognize her as the March Employee of the Month and celebrate all she does for our department and Escambia County."

In addition to her project coordinating responsibilities, Watson-Ball has led the Engineering Department's transition to ProCore Project Management Software, becoming the in-house subject matter expert for the software. She has taken on the task of creating the database and dashboard for Escambia County's engineering projects, along with training other project managers, construction inspectors, and administrative staff on the new software. Because of her efforts, ProCore now provides efficient project management for over 140 county projects, and Watson-Ball regularly collaborates with other departments interested in using ProCore for project management.

Outside of her work with Escambia County, Watson-Ball is a dedicated community advocate, offering her time, leadership, and expertise to support community initiatives and organizations. She has served as the Director of the Golden Girls Liturgical Dance Group at Hurst Chapel, AME, since May 2018, fostering creativity, wellness, and fellowship among the members. Watson-Ball also volunteers regularly with the Washington High School Auxiliary Program, Cabot Heights Group Home, and Leadership 500, reflecting dedication to mentorship, empowerment, and community enrichment.

"I'm honored to be named Employee of the Month," Watson-Ball said. "As an Engineering Project Coordinator and Procore Administrator with Escambia County's Construction Management Division, I help coordinate projects that strengthen our roads, drainage systems, parks, and public spaces. It's rewarding to contribute to work that supports the growth and resiliency of our community.

China Watson-Ball, Project Coordinator in the Construction Management Division of the Engineering Department, was recognized as the March 2026 Employee of the Month at the March 5 Board of County Commissioners meeting.