President

Baldwin County Commissioner Henry Craig was sworn in as ACCG President during the 2023 ACCG Annual Conference. In this role, Craig will work directly with ACCG Executive Director Dave Wills and the full Board of Managers to lead the association and guide policies over the next year. The Board will continue to work on issues which focus on increasing county efficiencies, enhancing continuing education offerings and fostering strong relationships between counties, the state, and federal government. 

First Vice President

Toombs County Chairman David Sikes was elected as the association's First Vice President. As ACCG First Vice President and member of the Executive Committee, Sikes will serve as board liaison to the association's member services programs, including insurance, retirement, technical assistance and preferred partners. He will also chair the ACCG Policy Council.

Second Vice President

Dougherty County Commissioner Clinton Johnson was elected to serve as Second Vice President. As ACCG Second Vice President and member of the Executive Committee, Johnson will serve as board liaison for the association's leadership programs, which includes the ACCG Lifelong Learning Academy.

Third Vice President

Colquitt County Commissioner Marc DeMott will assume the role of Third Vice President. In his role, DeMott will support the work of the ACCG Civic Affairs Foundation, which provides internships for college and university students through the Georgia County Internship Program (GCIP). 

The Emory Greene Leadership and the Jerry R. Griffin Excellence in Public Service awards are ACCG's two most prestigious awards. These awards are presented to elected and appointed county officials, respectively, in recognition of their significant contributions to their local communities and, or, at the state level. In addition, ACCG annually presents county officials and county staff with the Legislative Advocacy, Leadership Development, and the Youth Leadership award. The Georgia County Clerks' Association also presents the Clerk of the Year Award.

ACCG would like to congratulate the following leaders for keeping their passion ignited as they work to enhance the quality of life for their constituents.

Emory Greene Leadership Award

Bartow County Sole Commissioner and ACCG Past President Steve Taylor is the recipient of the Emory Greene Leadership Award. Taylor's leadership in Bartow County has garnered $10 billion in investments into the local economy, over 14,000 new jobs, and major infrastructure and public safety improvements. His leadership has brought forth several positive changes that his constituents will benefit from for years to come.

Jerry R. Griffin Excellence in Public Service Award

Lowndes County Manager Paige Dukes received the Jerry R. Griffin Excellence in Public Service Award. Paige has served her county for more than 26 years, in roles ranging from county clerk to volunteer firefighter. In her current role, she has led several initiatives to improve the county's image, including the launch of a new website.

Leadership Development Advocate of the Year

Forsyth County Commissioner Cindy Mills was presented with this year's Leadership Advocate of the year Award. Cindy is a true advocate for leadership development. In one year, exactly 364 days, she became a certified county commissioner and, since then, has continued her education throughout the last eight years. She encourages all county leaders to get involved in the association's Lifelong Learning Academy.

County Clerk of the Year

The County Clerk of the Year Award was given to Effingham County Clerk Stephanie Johnson. Stephanie has been serving Effingham County for more than 23 years, the last 10 as the county clerk. During her tenure, she has excelled in her position and is recognized by her commissioners and fellow county staff as a professional who prioritizes education, career development, and service. This award is presented and selected by the Georgia County Clerks' Association.

“Each year the Georgia County Excellence Awards program recognizes innovative county programs that meet the identified and specific needs of residents in those communities,” said ACCG Executive Director Dave Wills. “We are grateful to our partner Georgia Trend for this continued partnership which honors counties for their resourcefulness and efficacy.”    

Congratulations to the 2023 Georgia County Excellence Award Honorees:

• Augusta-Richmond County - 5th Street Bridge Project
• Fulton County - Fulton County COVID-19 Case Resolution Project (ORCA)
• Habersham County - Habersham County Community Paramedicine
• Lowndes County - Lowndes County Litter Program
• Randolph County - Downtown Cuthbert Revitalization
• Walker County - African American Museum and Cultural Center

More information on these award-winning initiatives will be included in the upcoming June issue of Georgia Trend magazine.

Conference Materials Available for Download

Thank you to all of the county leaders who joined us at the 2023 ACCG Annual Conference in Savannah/Chatham County. To help you stay ignited and ready to lead, we have compiled presentations and handouts from the conference sessions. Click here to access the links.