Each week ACCG shares snapshots of counties, highlighting activities from around the state and the ACCG team at work. Email your photos to locallens@accg.org.

Note: Local Lens submissions submitted prior to 12:00 p.m. on each Friday will be included in that week's edition. Submissions received after that will be included in the following week’s newsletter.

December 14, 2024

Happy Holidays from the ACCG Board of Managers!

The ACCG Board of Managers gathered for its winter meeting to wrap up association matters before the holidays. On behalf of the ACCG Board of Managers and staff, we hope that you have a very safe and happy holiday season.

Newton County Celebrates Commissioners for Their Service

Newton County celebrated the service of commissioners Alana Sanders and Ronnie Cowan in honor of their terms coming to an end. Commissioner Sanders became the first African American female commissioner in Newton County when she took office in 2021. Commissioner Cowan was part of the county's new form of government and creation of the Solid Waste Authority when he took office in 2017.

Newton County Commissioner Ronnie Cowan (right).

Newton County Commissioner Alana Sanders (right).

Dougherty County Clerk Receives Prestigious County Clerk of the Year Award

Dougherty County Clerk Jawahn Ware was recently honored with the County Clerk of the Year Award by the Georgia Association of Black County Officials (GABCO). During the GABCO Chairman's Reception, she was recognized for her dedication and commitment to the county.

Gwinnett Commissioner Honored for Public Health Leadership



Gwinnett County Commissioner Jasper Watkins III received the 2024 American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and Association of Black Health System Pharmacists Joint Leadership Award which recognizes exceptional leadership in advancing health-system pharmacy practice and improving public health. Commissioner Watkins, with more than three decades of experience as a licensed pharmacist, was honored for his dedication to health equity and diversity in the health care workforce.

Glynn County Hosts Years of Service Ceremony for County Employeees

Glynn County held its annual Years of Service ceremony where 120 staff members were recognized and given certifications and pins for their commitment to serving the county. The longest serving employee, Andrew Moses, has worked with Glynn County Park and Recreation for 51 years.

Augusta-Richmond County Internship Leads to Job Opportunity

Karl Gantz, a senior at Augusta University, interned with the Augusta-Richmond County Finance Department, where he supported the county in budget worksheet preparation, financial forecasting, and data analysis. By the end of the summer, he was hired part-time to continue his work while completing his studies.

In preparation for the 2025 legislative session, the ACCG Governmental Affairs Team has been making connections with members of the Georgia General Assembly. The team has met with various legislators to discuss ACCG's Policy Agenda for 2025.

Members of the Governmental Affairs Team with the Lt. Governor's Office staff Brad Vaughn and Ines Owens.

The full team at the 34th Biennial Institute for Georgia Legislators in Athens-Clarke County.

Kaylon Day and House Speaker Jon Burns at the Biennial Institute.

Mark your calendars for the 2025 Capitol Connection Conference! Join us February 24 - 25 for two days of networking, learning, and strengthening connections with ACCG and state leaders. Registration will open soon.

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