Writer: Staff Reports
Published November 1, 2023
Fayette County News
The Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) awarded Fayette County officials with certificates for completing requirements in the ACCG Lifelong Learning Academy.
Recipients were presented with their achievement certificates during the 2023 ACCG Legislative Leadership Conference at the Jekyll Island Convention Center in Glynn County.
Commissioner Charles Oddo was honored for successfully completing the Intergovernmental Relations specialty track requirements in the Lifelong Learning Academy. Parks and Recreation Director Anita Godbee completed the Quality of Life/Social Issues track. Fire Chief Jeff Hill and 911 Director Katye Vogt completed the Public Safety track.
“I am pleased to have accomplished another level in the continuing education provided by the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia. ACCG programs provide a source of real-life, professional experience that participants can draw on to better their own public service skills. Since being elected, I have been proud to be a proponent of continuing education not only for our commissioners, but also for our staff. The insight we all gain from participating translates into better service to our community, which in the final analysis is our purpose for what we do,” Commissioner Oddo said.
ACCG and the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia 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 from which they may choose, every county official has a tailor-made learning experience that allows them to excel in specific areas of expertise.
“The Lifelong Learning Academy is critical to educating county officials about the challenges they may encounter in public service,” said Dave Wills, ACCG executive director. “County leaders who prioritize furthering their education are better equipped to address those challenges and are assets to their communities. I commend Oddo for his unwavering dedication to understanding his community.”
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.
