Retired Brunswick County Manager Ann Hardy has received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award, according to a news release.

The award was presented to Hardy at the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners meeting on Oct. 21.

Hardy on Nov. 1 retired as the county's manager, a role she held since May 2013.

Hardy had previously served the county in many other capacities, including as director of fiscal operations for Brunswick County, assistant superintendent of finance and public information for Brunswick County Schools, and finance officer for Brunswick County Schools.

She also served as an internal auditor, accounting supervisor and interim finance officer for New Hanover County Schools, stated the release.

“Both prior to and during her tenure as our manager, Ann Hardy has demonstrated unwavering integrity, a relentless commitment to excellence, and a laser focus on ensuring that our government is doing the right thing for its citizens. She is a tireless worker who has led by example and demonstrated a willingness to implement innovative solutions to ensure that our government functions effectively and efficiently. I can think of no one more deserving of this honor," said Frank Williams, chairman of the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners, in the release.

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is the highest award for state service granted by the Office of the Governor. The award recognizes those who have "made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments," stated the release.

Among many other awards, Hardy was named the Local Government Manager of the Year by the Cape Fear Council of Governments in 2015 and Alumnus of the Year by the University of North Carolina Wilmington's MPA Program in 2014.

Hardy earned a bachelor’s degree in economics-management from Salem College. She attended N.C. State University for coursework that lead to her licensure as a certified public accountant, stated the release. She holds a master’s degree in public administration from UNCW.