Media release from the Office of Governor Brian Kemp:
Governor Brian P. Kemp, in conjunction with the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), the University System of Georgia (USG), the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC), and the Governor’s Office of Education and Workforce Strategy (GOEWS), held the fourth annual Governor’s Workforce Summit last week, celebrating excellence across Georgia’s education and workforce development system. The event included the presentation of the 2026 Top State for Talent Awards, honoring students, schools, employers, and leaders who are strengthening Georgia’s workforce and building a stronger talent pipeline for the future.
“Georgia is the undisputed Top State for Business, and if we want to maintain that coveted position, we need to ensure our workforce is ready to meet the unprecedented jobs coming to our state,” said Governor Brian P. Kemp. “The Top State for Talent Initiative is helping us deliver on that mission, and I am proud to congratulate each of these award recipients for their stand-out accomplishments.”
The awards recognize outstanding achievement and partnership across Georgia’s education and workforce development system and highlight the individuals and organizations helping Georgians prepare for and connect with meaningful careers.
“Georgia’s success starts with our people, and these award recipients represent the very best of the partnerships and opportunities that are preparing Georgians for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Greg Dozier. “From students taking the first steps toward their careers to employers investing in the next generation of talent, each of these honorees is helping advance Governor Kemp’s vision of making Georgia the Top State for Talent.”
The 2026 Top State for Talent Award recipients are:
- Georgia College and Career Academy Student of the Year: Omari Hill, Liberty College & Career Academy
- Georgia Dual Enrollment Student of the Year: Sincere Shakur, Atlanta College and Career Academy
- Georgia Work-Based Learning Student of the Year: Connor Wallace, Stephens County High School
- Georgia Youth Apprenticeship Program Completer of the Year: Remington Pruitt, Vidalia City High School
- Business Partner of the Year: Toyo Tire North America Manufacturing, Inc.
- Georgia College and Career Academy of the Year: Catoosa From Here to Career Academy
- Top State for Talent Award: University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue
The inaugural Top State for Talent Award, presented to University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue, recognizes his exceptional leadership and commitment to strengthening Georgia’s education and workforce development system and expanding opportunities for Georgians.
The fourth annual Governor’s Workforce Summit brought together more than 1,200 leaders from business, education, workforce development, and government entities from across the state to strengthen talent pipelines and better connect hardworking Georgians with career opportunities.
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