On this national holiday, Anthony Wright intends to relax from his job maintaining Columbia County's largest labor force.

As human resources director of the county school system, Mr. Wright, 53, provides support for about 3,200 employees, reviews more than 2,200 resumes and applications, and hires about 200 teachers each year.

Principals conduct interviews, and the school board approves new hires, but only after Mr. Wright's office provides a pool of candidates.

"We check their references. We check their certifications. We run the background checks. We are accountable," Mr. Wright said.

While holding himself accountable for those who work in the school system, Mr. Wright said he feels no added pressure.

"What they (parents) expect isn't any less than what I expect of myself. I expect a lot," he said. "I think what makes it easier is that I work with people who expect a lot of themselves, and they give a lot."

The Lexington, Ky., native attended Virginia's Hampton University following his retirement as a lieutenant colonel in the Army after 22 years. He followed his wife, Sheree, when she took a job at the Medical College of Georgia in 2002.

Mr. Wright took the new position of assistant director of human resources with the school system. He became executive director last year when Connie Davis retired.

Mr. Wright said he uses the management style he learned in the military at the school system. He recalled a time when, as a major in the Army, he attempted to demonstrate a computer system. He said his demonstration was easily surpassed by an enlisted specialist.

"Hire good people," said Mr. Wright of the lesson he learned. "Tell them what you want, and let them figure how to get there. They'll do it far better than you imagine if you give them the latitude to do it."

Outside of work, Mr. Wright describes himself as a "homebody" who enjoys spending time with his wife and 18-year-old daughter, Molly, who attends Augusta State University.

For Labor Day, he said he'll likely be "putting around in the yard."

Reach Donnie Fetter at (706) 868-1222, ext. 115, or donnie.fetter@augustachronicle.com.