WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2026 |
Photo – Annette Penman – Courtesy Sue Jones
Community members gathered to wish Annette Penman a happy retirement and acknowledge the impact she had on Carbon County.
During Tuesday’s Board of Carbon County Commissioners meeting, attendees honored Annette Penman’s decades of service to the community. In her role as Community Relations Administrator at HF Sinclair, Penman ensured the refinery supported local emergency response and law enforcement needs.
County Emergency Management Coordinator Lenny Layman said that after learning Penman was retiring, he wanted to publicly recognize her contributions to the county. Layman said that six years ago, Penman embraced his plan to establish the Carbon County Coordination Center and bring all emergency and disaster operations under one roof.
Layman said many people say they love Carbon County, but Penman demonstrates her love of the county through her actions.
Next, Rawlins Police Chief Mike Ward said collaboration between the public and private sectors benefits the community. Chief Ward said Penman reflects that approach through her support of the Rawlins Police Department.
Carbon County Search and Rescue volunteer and Michael’s Big City Steakhouse owner Mike Lujan recalled that in high school, Penman was the cheerleader for the wrestling team. Despite losing the match, Lujan said Penman continued to support him, and he thanked her for continuing to back numerous agencies and charitable organizations around the county.
Sinclair Police Chief Jeff Sanders said Penman has been instrumental in directing HF Sinclair donations to events, the town’s new senior transit bus, and the Shop with a Cop program. Through her efforts, Chief Sanders said Penman has impacted nearly every aspect of the Town of Sinclair.
Rawlins Downtown Development Authority Director and House District 15 Representative Pam Thayer recounted that when Penman worked for Rocky Mountain Power, she was always pleasant to speak with. After moving to HF Sinclair, Thayer said she knew Penman’s commitment to improving her community would continue.
Carbon County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Yvonne Johnson said Penman is a wonderful leader and friend.
Sheriff Alex Bakken said Penman has played a key role in helping his department pursue funding opportunities.
Commission Chairman Travis Moore said through her actions, Penman has cemented her legacy of helping in Carbon County. Chairman Moore said she is consistently willing to assist her community.
Commissioner John Johnson said Penman ensured that a large corporation like HF Sinclair continued to invest in the local community. Commissioner Sue Jones said Penman always went above and beyond to help, and Commission Vice Chairwoman Gwynn Bartlett said the turnout for Penman’s retirement demonstrated the positive impact she has had on the county.
Following the Board’s remarks, the meeting was briefly suspended while attendees were served cake.
