The Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG or Georgia’s County Association) recently awarded county officials certificates for completing core requirements in the ACCG Lifelong Learning Academy. The following Fayette County officials received education certificates:

• Commissioner Charles Oddo, Revenue and Finance specialty track
• Deborah Bell, Planning and Zoning Director, County Official certification
• Amanda Schoonover, Assistant Finance Director, County Official certification
• Michelle Bennett-Copeland, Library Director, County Official certification
• Steve Hoffman, Road Department Director, Intergovernmental Relations specialty track
• Lee Ann Bartlett, Chief Appraiser, Public Safety specialty track
• Leslie Nieber, Building Official and Director, Public Safety specialty track
• Lewis Patterson, Human Resources Director, Revenue and Finance specialty track.

Commissioner Oddo praised ACCG for its vital support of Georgia’s county governments.

“ACCG provides an invaluable service to local county governments throughout Georgia.  While being a voice for all 159 Georgia counties at the state level, it is a key partner in educating its members on the myriad of functions County governments are tasked to fulfill, and the challenges they face doing so,” Commissioner Oddo said. 

“ACCG’s Lifelong Learning Academy provides educational opportunities to me in my role as a Commissioner, and to our Staff in their roles serving our community.  Participation makes us all better at what we do.  I am pleased to have completed another level in the Lifelong Learning Academy, and proud Fayette County is so well-represented by so many of our staff who attend,” Oddo said.

Executive Director Dave Wills praised participants of the Lifelong Learning Academy for their dedication to professional growth.

“Participating in the Lifelong Learning Academy is a commitment – a commitment to professional growth and to building the strength and resilience needed to tackle the challenges facing one’s community,” said Executive Director Dave Wills. “I commend leaders who have honored this commitment, emerging stronger, more capable, and better equipped to lead with confidence.”

Leslie Nieber said the training enhances service to citizens and fosters more professional relationships among department directors.

“Fayette County’s commitment to excellence extends beyond core certifications. With the strong encouragement and support of the Board of Commissioners and Mr. Rapson, our leadership team is empowered to pursue advanced certifications across all specialty tracks,” Leslie Nieber said. 

“As Building Official, this comprehensive training is invaluable, enabling me to direct citizens to the appropriate department to handle their needs efficiently. Furthermore, this initiative fosters enhanced team collaboration and cultivates more professional working relationships among directors. This is a mutually beneficial endeavor, and I deeply appreciate the opportunity to continue this professional growth and achievement path,” she said.

Lewis Patterson said the knowledge obtained in the academy strengthens the county’s ability to deliver high-quality, cost-effective services to residents.

“I’m proud that the leadership of Fayette County sees the value in allowing staff to attend the Lifelong Learning Academy and become Certified County Officials,” said Lewis Patterson. “These classes provide staff with a better understanding and appreciation of what their peers do every day.  The result has been a stronger Fayette County team which can collectively overcome any obstacle and provide quality, cost-effective services to the citizens of Fayette County,” he said.  

The Lifelong Learning Academy is a product of the longstanding partnership between ACCG and the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia (CVIOG). Created with input from county commissioners who identified courses based on the issues and decision-making challenges they often face, it is a unique adult education program that provides county officials with a tailor-made educational opportunity to assist them with governing at the local level. To ensure the course requirements and curriculum remain relevant and engaging, the ACCG Lifelong Learning Committee – which comprises county commissioners and staff from both ACCG and CVIOG – meet regularly to review the curriculum and adjust accordingly. The Lifelong Learning Academy has been successful in equipping county officials with the necessary skills to meet the current needs of their constituents thanks to the collaborative approach undertaken by ACCG and CVIOG.