ACCENT Five newly-elected officials take office in early January 2021
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
ACCENT
Five newly-elected officials take office in early January 2021
January 2021 · Vol. 23, Issue 1
The ACCGov Employee & Retiree Newsletter
The five elected officials taking their seats in January are (above from left to right): District 6 Commissioner Jesse Houle, District 8 Commissioner
Carol Myers, Sheriff John Q. Williams, District Attorney Deborah Gonzalez, and Probate Court Judge Susan Schaffer.
Two commissioners, the Sheriff, Master Plan Citizen Committee, coordinated training for all newly-hired
the District Attorney, and the Probate the SPLOST 2011 and 2005 Citizen officers, as well as led classes for Police
Court Judge are the newest elected Advisory Committees, and the SPLOST employees about overcoming bias,
officials of Athens-Clarke County. 2005 Citizen Oversight Committee. community-oriented policing, and de-
New District 6 Commissioner Myers is a mother of two daughters escalation tactics.
Jesse Houle begins their full four year and a grandmother. She holds a Williams has also published a book
term after serving the remainder of late doctorate in Adult Education from the of poetry. He is married to Meshondra
Commissioner Jerry NeSmith's term University of Georgia. and has two sons, a step-son, and
during the last several weeks of 2020. The four-year terms for Houle, three step-daughters. He was sworn
As an activist, organizer, musician, Myers, and re-elected Commissioners in on December 22 and took office on
worker, and community leader, Houle Mariah Parker (District 2), Allison January 1.
has been active in the community for Wright (District 4), and Mike Hamby Attorney Deborah Gonzalez
more than a decade. They helped grow (District 10) begin on January 6. was elected to the office of District
the capacity of numerous local and Athens-Clarke County’s new Attorney for the Western Judicial
regional organizations, co-founded Sheriff is John Q. Williams. He Circuit, which is comprised of Athens-
Athens for Everyone, and assisted succeeds outgoing Sheriff Ira Edwards. Clarke County and Oconee County.
progressive candidates in winning local After growing up in Gary, Gonzalez is a practicing attorney
and state offices. Indiana and studying Speech and with more than 20 years of experience
Houle has served as Operations Communications at Iowa State concentrating in the areas of media,
Manager for Nuçi’s Space and Outreach University, Williams moved to Athens. entertainment, social media, and
Coordinator for Athens for Everyone. He spent several years working in technology through her legal firm
New District 8 Commissioner 9-1-1 operations at the University of D Gonzalez Law Group, LLC and
Carol Myers succeeds Andy Herod, Georgia Police Department and in the Letterbox Legal.
who did not run for re-election. Charlotte-Mecklenburg (NC) Police Gonzalez previously served as
An educator by profession, Myers Department before joining the Police state representative for Georgia House
was a teacher and later retired as Dean Department in 2007. District 117, which included Athens-
of General Education from Athens Among other positions, Williams Clarke, Barrow, Jackson and Oconee
Technical College. Living in Athens has served as communications officer Counties. During her legislative tenure,
for 35 years, she has served on the in the 9-1-1 center, patrol officer, and she served on the Judiciary Non-
steering committee of the 100% Athens detective. He has been awarded as Civil House Committee. She was also
Renewable Energy Initiative since 2018 Police Civilian Employee of the Quarter appointed co-chair of the National
and on the boards of BikeAthens and and Sworn Employee of the Quarter, as Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators’
Complete Streets Athens. well as the Sworn Employee of the Year Taskforce on Criminal Justice and the
►
An avid cycler who rode across for 2010-2011. Law.
the country solo in 2015 and rides Most recently, Williams served Gonzalez is also a published
regularly, Myers is chair of the Athens as a supervisor and instructor with author, most recently of “Managing
in Motion Commission and previously the Police's Career Development and Online Risks: Apps, Mobile, and Social
served on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Training Unit. In this capacity, he
continued on p. 4 ►
Wharton named Sustainability Officer
Manager Blaine Williams
named Mike Wharton as the new
Sustainability Officer in December.
“Mike’s dedication to the local
government’s natural resource
and sustainability initiatives spans
Viewpoint nearly four decades of service to this
Manager Blaine Williams community,” says Williams.
Wharton has served in the
interim position since April 2020.
A s this edition of ACCENT marks
the first one for 2021, I’d like
to wish each of you a Happy New
Prior to that, he served as the
Ecological Resources Administrator
since the office’s launch in 2017.
Year. 2020 was unprecedented "I look forward to continuing the Wharton will lead the Sustainability Office,
for all of us, both personally and which launched in 2017 as a unit of the
creative and innovative initiatives Manager’s Office and only the fourth program
professionally. already underway and to finding new of its kind in a local government in Georgia.
While juggling challenges ways to protect and enhance all of
outside of work, you each made our community’s natural resources," Wharton says.
changes to your work patterns, Prior to joining the Sustainability Office, Wharton headed the former
processes, and procedures. Among Natural Resources Division of the Leisure Services Department and
others, buildings and workstations served as the Operations Administrator for the department. Under his
were closed, shifts were altered, tenure, ACCGov developed the first Greenway Plan adopted by a local
remote work became the norm government in Georgia. He spent more than 39 years working with
for some, and increased safety sustainability, natural resources, and recreation for ACCGov.
procedures went into place. The Sustainability Office promotes innovative practices and policies to
From the human contact reduce ACCGov’s environmental footprint.
side of things, some of you may
not have seen other co-workers
Off site. For details, call 706-613-3501
in person for months. We also News & Notes ext. 7872 or visit accgov.com/kaccb.
were unable to hold our ACCGov-
wide holiday luncheon in 2020, Juried Exhibition: Submissions MLK Day of Service: The annual
which provides many of you an for the 46th Juried Exhibition at 2021 MLK community Day of Service
opportunity to see friends and co- the Lyndon House Arts Center is Monday, January 18. More than 20
workers in other departments. will be received through January community organizations are hosting
I know that I look forward 22 online through a system linked volunteer service projects with a
to this event every year, as do at www.accgov.com/exhibits and variety of daytime shifts available for
many of you for the food and on the Lyndon House Arts Center's volunteers of all ages. All volunteers
fellowship. It is these relationships Instagram and Facebook accounts. must wear face coverings and
that we have with each other Athens area visual artists can submit maintain social distance at all times.
throughout ACCGov that makes our up to three entries for an entry fee of
Pre-registration is required for all
environment so special. $30. For details, call 706-613-3623 orvolunteers. A special “choose your
In ACCENT Employee visit accgov.com/lyndonhouse. own adventure” option has been
Spotlights that feature a retiree, added for those not comfortable
they seem to always mention that Bring One for the Chipper: The with volunteering with a group.
”the people” will be what they annual Bring One for the Chipper These volunteers may participate
will miss the most upon retiring. I Christmas Tree recycling event by documenting their service on
often hear the word "family" used organized by Keep Athens-Clarke the community registration site. For
when it comes to many of your County Beautiful is January 9 from more information and to register,
departments, divisions, or offices. 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Cofer’s Home and visit accgov.com/mlkday or call
Add to this personal element Garden Showplace, Clarke Middle 706-613-3440 ext. 384.
the fact that the people who work School, Chase Street Elementary
here have such a wealth of skill and School, and Sandy Creek Nature Keeping it Safe: The Keep It
professionalism, and it’s easy to Center. Roll offs are also available Safe award is presented to the
see why many view ACCGov as one through January 14 at Cofer’s Home department with the most COVID-19
of the best places to work in the and Garden Showplace, the Tag related cleaning efforts each month.
Office on Lexington Road, and the Solid Waste is the recipient for the
continued on p. 3 ► Georgia Square Mall Recycling Drop most cleaning efforts in November.
Retirements (Effective January 1) Promotions (Effective November 15) Accomplishments
Board of Elections: John Davis Joshua Pavlosky (Public Utilities)
and Ronda Levitt - both Poll passed the state Water Distribution
Coordinator and Keira Digel Drake, exam.
Melissa Gogo, Kirk Kipling, Peter Antwan Reid and John Shepard
Maurer, Sandra Metts, Braden (both Public Utilities) passed the
Sanders, and Anna Small - all state Wastewater Collection exam.
Benjamin Connie
Assistant Poll Coordinator
Burgess Deadwyler Jamie Gresham (Public Utilities)
Fire Sheriff HR: Philip Spence III - Senior passed the Water Distribution
23 years 10 years Human Resources Generalist System Operator exam, which will
Leisure Services: Brian McGhee - allow him to receive his Georgia
Program Leader State Water Distribution License.
Public Utilities: William Cottrell - The following Transit employees
Superintendent of Water Treatment earned a certificate from GDOT for
and Joel Casper, Jr. - Grounds Crew completing its Drug and Alcohol
Harry Duranso II Ira Edwards, Jr. Leader Program exams: Alex Crayton, Pat
Police Sheriff Hale, El Harris, Derick Gandy,
31 years 33 years Trans. & Public Works: Jason Dennis Blake, and Felipe Max.
Jones - Engineer I
Denise Plemmons (Solid Waste)
(Left) completed the TRUE Advisor
Susan Tate Sympathy certification program. TRUE (Total
Probate Court Resource Use and Efficiency) Zero
24 years Harold Pritchett Waste certification is administered
(Retiree) passed by Green Business Certification Inc.
away on November There are only 17 TRUE Advisors in
Births 20. He retired in Georgia.
Sonia Davis (Tax Commissioner) December, 1992 Jon Pierson (Central Services)
- granddaughter Elizabeth June from the Police Department after participated in a 25K Trail Race
Bond was born on December 4. 25 years of service. in Sky Valley, GA called Sky to
Joanne DeJausserand (Planning) Summit. The race had a total
Get Well - mother; Matt Ferman (Fire) elevation gain of 3,500 feet and
- grandmother; Leigh Hodges summited Rabun Bald, which is the
Patty Bidinger (SPLOST) - second highest peak in Georgia.
husband; Denise Dickson (Public (Public Utilities) - grandfather; and
Michelle Stroud (Public Utilities) - Pierson also completed a half
Utilities); and Greg Jackson marathon trail race on December
(Public Utilities). mother-in-law.
12 in Helen, GA.
◄ “Viewpoint,” from p. 2 The goal is to find exemplary We want to communicate – in
stories that resonate with all kinds of your words and images – the wealth
area, in Georgia, and even beyond. people who may choose to work with of varied ACCGov work opportunities
We recently embarked on a way us in part because they identify with and the potential to have meaningful,
to better tell this story with your help. our employees, their work, and what positive impact in the community
Human Resources and the Inclusion they value. through employment with ACCGov.
Office are collaborating with What The survey asks employees about Thanks to those of you who
Works Cities, a national effort by their favorite stories about their time have taken the time to send in your
Bloomberg Philanthropies, to help at ACCGov, what they would say to personal accounts. Facts and figures
encourage a diverse set of residents someone interested in working at are important when it comes to job
to apply for positions with ACCGov. ACCGov, and why their work and job seeking, but it is the stories and the
We solicited and hope to share is important to the community. people who transform work turn
our employees’ personal stories As these responses come in, into a career and sometimes….even
about their best work experiences in we’ll follow up with employees to family.
order to communicate and educate a share some stories in educational or Blaine Williams is the Manager of
diverse universe of job seekers. promotional efforts. the Unified Government
◄ “Officials,” from p. 1
To Your Health when, where,
and why, the
Media Security.”
Gonzalez is married to Robert Kattie Clark (Police) says availability
“Bob” Scott, a chemistry professor and that she has always been a little of trained
administrator, and is the mother of heavy. Playing sports in middle and individuals
two. She earned her law degree from high school kept her from appearing to assist her
New York Law School. obese, but once she slowed down has been very
She was sworn in on December 17 in adulthood she realized the beneficial.
and took office on January 1. importance of continuing to exercise She learned
Susan Schaffer was sworn in and take care of her body. Over the how to lose
as the new Probate Court Judge last four or five years, Clark has also weight, tone
on December 18 and took office on added a focus on a healthy diet. and strengthen
January 1. She succeeds retiring "I am not worried about the her body, and
number on the scale," she says "but I improve her Clark
Probate Judge Susan Tate.
Schaffer has over 25 years of do want to look and feel healthy." overall health.
experience in law. She began as an To tackle the metabolism "I have learned to listen to my
attorney representing rural, lower challenges of adulthood, Clark body and pay attention to how my
income clients in civil legal matters. reached out to the Wellness Program. body reacts when I eat certain foods,"
She served 13 years as the managing Personal Trainer Lauren Ray provided she says.
attorney for the University of Georgia assistance and guidance, while When experiencing optimum
School of Law Family Violence Clinic Wellness Coach Kendra Houghton results, Clark felt like she had more
where she taught students and helped her work through some of the energy, was less grouchy, and got
provided representation to indigent more difficult times in her journey. better sleep.
survivors of domestic violence. Speaking of the experience, Clark "It is amazing how well your body
For the last six years, Schaffer says, "I feel like these two ladies will treat you when you treat it right,”
has worked at the Probate Court as taught me more in a few months than she says.
Staff Attorney and Chief Clerk. She I had known my whole life."
has served as a Pro Hac Vice Judge Though Clark feels she is a novice To Your Health provides health-related
for the Probate Court, has attended when it comes to healthy foods and notes from ACC’s Wellness Program and
annual trainings from the Council of being able to determine what works other sources.
Probate Court Judges of Georgia, and
is a regular participant in the Athens
Access to Justice Initiative.
Light Up Athens brightens downtown
Schaffer conducts mental health In December, Leisure Services
Crisis Intervention Training to local hosted the inaugural “Light Up
law enforcement and has performed Athens” event throughout downtown.
other trainings for ACCGov employees The holiday program featured
on estate and guardianship issues. Athens storefronts with lights and
Schaffer is also an ACCGov Innovation decorations, fun activities, holiday
Ambassador program graduate. character appearances, a Santa’s
A mother of two teenage mailbox, holiday music, and spots for
daughters, she is past-president and taking festive photos.
board member for the Sisterhood at
Congregation Children of Israel.
Schaffer obtained her B.A. degree
from Boston University and her law
degree from the University of Memphis.
January 14 marks 30 years
since unification of the former
City of Athens and Clarke
County governments.
ACCENT Editor:
Jeff Montgomery
Send comments, questions, letters to:
Public Information Office
Produced monthly by the Athens-Clarke County Layout & Preproduction: P.O. Box 1868 - Athens, GA 30603
Public Information Office with input from the Irena Epling & Jason Harwell 706-613-3795 - 706-613-3026 (fax)
Communications Work Team, a committee of Writers: www.accgov.com
department representatives. Chaney Wynne & Irena Epling info@accgov.com
Congratulations
to the following employees on receiving 10 to 35 year service pins in 2020
Solid Waste: George Bailey • Trans. & Public Works: William Lamey •
Transit: Debra Wynn
35 Years
Building Inspections: Douglas Hansford, Reversal Lamb •
Central Services: Angela Helmly, Steven Hinsch, Howell McKinnon III,
Elizabeth Smith • District Attorney: William Parker • Finance: Christopher
Caldwell • Fire: Eric Frey, Daniel Hendrix • IT: Dierdra Stroud •
Leisure Services: Carla Collins • Police: Thaddeus Glenn, Ronald Mills,
30 Years Michael Ward • Public Utilities: Stanley Wymbs • Trans. & Public Works:
Kevin Gentry • Transit: Danny Johnson
Building Inspections: Jeffrey Norman • Central Services: Ronald Harris,
Peter Jackson, Rita Shelnutt • Clerk of Commission: Christine Howard •
Finance: Jacqueline Scott • Fire: Kyle Beeson • HR: Tami Brown • Police:
Raymond Anderson II, Thomas Anthony, Gregory Calhoun, Charles Ivey,
David Norris • Public Utilities: Michael Hughes • Sheriff: Luke Bishop,
25 Years Gerri Durie
Central Services: Willie Craddick, Kathy Casper • Corrections: Sandra
Turman • Finance: Elizabeth Sayer, Daniel Taylor • Fire: Charles Black,
Christopher Culver, Howard McCants III, Jason Pierce, Jeremiah Smith,
John Thompson, Jr., Jeremy Wall, David Wall, Jr. • IT: John Guest, Jr.,
Uma Kandasamy • Leisure Services: Catherine Padgett, Chad Skelton,
20 Years Shannon Williams • Planning: Joanne DeJausserand • Police: Anthony
Banks, Preston Cusachs, Jonathan Simms • Public Utilities: Kevin Porter,
William Brooks • Sheriff: Takreem Gomes, David McAllister III • Solicitor:
Pamela Morrison • Tax Assessor: Joseph Dunagan • Trans. & Public Works:
Grady Davis • Transit: Charmaine Barnes
continued on reverse
Attorney: Sean Palmateer • Central Services: Gilberto Fonseca-Cespedes,
Reginald Glenn, Michael Young, Sr. • Clerk of Courts: Antionette Evans
• Corrections: Reginald Smothers, Sr. • District Attorney: Ashley Ivey,
Heather Moore • Extension: Judie McAllister • Fire: Joshua Allen, Brian
Burke, Christopher Dorsey, Kenneth Jackson, James Sapp, Kenneth
15 Years Wilson, Glenn Wood • HR: Sara Ivy, Traci Mason • Police: Steven
Berardinelli, Kenya Campbell, Stewart Heard, John Jennings, Irene
O’Rourke, Jonathan Patterson, Enrique Rivera, Jr., Matthew Smith,
Felix Troche, Sung Wang, Kevin Zapata • Public Utilities: David Lester,
Gary Puckett, Rafael Rivera-Mendez, Bomani Wilson, Bill Hodo • Sheriff:
Benjamin Chaloux, Christopher Haag, Takia Taylor • Solid Waste: Charles
Bush, Jeremiah Poole • Superior Court: Gary Bowen • Tax Assessor:
Heather Cox, Sarah Stephens • Trans. & Public Works: Marty Fulcher,
Nancy Garner Cerrato • Transit: Alfred Walters
Finance: Eric Griffin • Fire: Robert Bettis, Michael Burel, Joel Fincher,
Benjamin Jeffers, William Johnson, Kevin Kearney, Sherrod Lawrence,
Carl Martin, Charles Newson, Steven Redd, Daniel Saeidian-Bavani,
Emily Thompson, Wilhelm Waters, William Wooden • IT: Jonathan Cooper
• Juvenile Court: Regina Thomas • Magistrate Court: Krista Wideman •
10 Years Operational Analysis: Stephanie Maddox • Planning: Frederica Varnum •
Police: Amanda Blair, Frederick Dearing, Jr., John Johnson, Jr., Untwann
Leverette, Lesley Moore, Daniel Schmidt, Catrena Sims, Jennifer Stewart
• Public Utilities: Clarence Burgess, Tommy Green, Soraya Lattimore,
Cynthia Poole, James Taylor • Sheriff: Arthur Booker, Connie Deadwyler,
Usha Fleming, Adrian Goodman, Robert Hare, Gwendolyn Jones, John
Marcinik, Nathan McCain, Jr., Justin Prestridge, April Slay • Solicitor:
William Fleenor • Solid Waste: Alfred Jones, Stacy Smith, Richard Whiten •
Superior Court: Amanda Hunter, Brandon Andrews, Jason Kelley •
Tax Commissioner: Stephanie Aarstad • Transit: Caza Betty, Brian Cannon,
Rico Hopp, Felipe Max, Victor Pope
You can also read
