ATLANTA, GA. (October 27, 2023) – Newton County District 3 Commissioner Alana Sanders was recognized for completing the requirements in the ACCG Lifelong Learning Academy by the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) during the 2023 ACCG Legislative Leadership Conference at the Jekyll island Convention Center recently.
Sanders was honored for successfully completing the Leadership Development specialty track requirements in the Lifelong Learning Academy.
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 Sanders for her unwavering dedication to understanding her 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.
“Completing 48 hours of coursework in leadership development from UGA in partnership with ACCG has been an enlightening experience,” Sanders said. “As an elected official, I believe continuous professional development is essential. It not only equips us with the skills necessary to navigate complex challenges but also reinforces our commitment to public service. Engaging in such programs strengthens our ability to make informed decisions, fosters innovation, and ultimately enhances the well-being of our communities.
“Elected officials owe it to their constituents to invest in their own growth, ensuring that they are well-prepared to address the evolving needs of the people they serve.”
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ACCG is Georgia’s county association and works on behalf of county officials and their communities by providing public policy and legislative advocacy, leadership development, civic and community engagement initiatives, insurance and retirement programs that specialize in local government needs and other cost-saving programs. Formed in 1914 when county officials came together to help fund the state’s first highway department, ACCG today serves as a catalyst for advancing Georgia’s counties. For more information, go to www.accg.org