(Media release from Floyd County, GA):
ACCG, Georgia’s County Association, recently awarded county officials with certificates for completing requirements in the Lifelong Learning Academy.
Vice Chair Allison Watters was honored for successfully completing the Intergovernmental Relations specialty track requirements in the
Lifelong Learning Academy. “We are fortunate to have the training resources offered through ACCG,” said Vice Chair Watters. “The specialty track of Intergovernmental Relations has been especially helpful to me as I believe that our ability as local officials
to work well with other governments and agencies is paramount to improving communities.”
Commissioner Scotty Hancock was honored for successfully completing the County Operations & Management and Intergovernmental Relations specialty track requirements in the Lifelong Learning Academy. Commissioner Hancock stated “Being a lifelong learner is important to me. It allows me to be an effective leader. The training offered by ACCG is excellent. I am thankful to be given the opportunity to serve the citizens of Floyd County.”
Commissioner Rhonda Wallace was honored for successfully completing the Citizen Engagement specialty track requirements in the Lifelong Learning Academy. “The training from ACCG is always interesting and helpful,” said Commissioner Wallace. “I feel this set of courses will prepare me when dealing with uncomfortable issues and give me real life experiences to share with our citizens.”
ACCG and the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government have collaborated for more than two decades to provide county officials with supplemental training and educational tools in the Lifelong Learning Academy. With abundant courses to choose from, every 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 commend county leaders such as Commissioner Hancock 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 identified courses based on the issues and decision-making challenges regularly faced by county officials. 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.
