ACCG, Georgia’s County Association, recently awarded Dougherty County Commissioners, Ed Newsome, District 1, Victor Edwards, District 2, and Russell Gray, District 4, as well as Michael Sistrunk, Assistant Public Works Director for Dougherty County, with a certifi- cate for successfully completing the core requirements in the Lifelong Learning Academy. These individuals were honored during the ACCG County Reconnect Conference at the Savan- nah Convention Center in Chatham County.

ACCG and the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia have collabo- rated for more than two decades to provide county officials with supplemental training and edu- cational tools in the Lifelong Learning Academy. With abundant courses to choose from, everyu county official has a tailor-made learning experience that allows them to excel in specific areas of expertise.

“County officials are faced with many challenges and ever-evolving circumstances under which they must govern Georgia’s local communities,” said Dave Wills, ACCG’s Executive Director. “The Lifelong Learning Academy was created to help them navigate those challenges. I com- mend county leaders, such as Commissioner Newsome, Commissioner Edwards, Commis- sioner Gray, and Mr. Sistrunk, who take full advantage of educational opportunities to further their knowledge on how to better serve their communities.”

The Lifelong Learning Academy was created with input from county commissioners who identi- fied courses based on the issues and decision-making challenges regularly faced by county offi- cials. To ensure the course requirements and curriculum remain relevant and engaging, the ACCG Lifelong Learning Committee – comprised of county commissioners and staff from both ACCG and the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia – meet regularly to review and adjust accordingly. Through this collaborative approach, the Lifelong Learning Academy has been successful in equipping county officials with the necessary skills to meet the needs of their constituents.

“We are extremely proud of our Dougherty County Commissioners and others who participate in the Lifelong Learning Academy, which is an incredible asset throughout Georgia provided by ACCG and the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia,” said Christo- pher S. Cohilas, Chairman of the Dougherty County Board of Commissioners. “By participating in the Academy, our officials are armed with a wealth of knowledge to help them in our local community here in Dougherty County.”

Pictured (top left): Mara Shaw, Associate Director, Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia; Commissioner Ed Newsome, District 1 Dougherty County; and Rob Gordon, Director, Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia.

Pictured (top right): Mara Shaw, Associate Director, Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia; ACCG President and Bartow County Sole Commissioner Steve Taylor; Commissioner Russell Gray, District 4 Dougherty County; Ro Gordon, Director,

Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia; and ACCG Executive Director Dave Wills.