Atlanta, Georgia Jan 23, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - The Georgia Association of Black County Officials (GABCO) proudly announces the esteemed honorees for the 2024 Chairman's Reception, recognizing the exceptional dedication and hard work of leaders across the state of Georgia. This year, GABCO has expanded its reach beyond the metro Atlanta region, acknowledging leaders from Augusta-Richmond, Burke, Macon-Bibb, Columbus-Muscogee, Dougherty, and Savannah-Chatham.

Interim Executive Director Oz Nesbitt, Sr. expressed pride in the organizations extended footprint, stating, "We are exceptionally proud of our territory being expanded. However, without the hard work and dedication of these statewide leaders, none of this would be possible. It takes bold and brave individuals courageous enough and willing to place their names on a ballot. Public service has become a risky business, and finding people willing to make this life-changing sacrifice in today's climate is rare, to say the least."

The following individuals have been recognized as GABCO's 2024 Honorees:

CEO of the Year:  
  - Michael Thurman (Dekalb)  
  - Oz Nesbitt, Sr. (Rockdale)  

County Chair of the Year:
  - Ramona Jackson-Jones (Douglas County)  
  - Jeff Turner (Clayton County)  

County Commissioner of the Year: 
  - Alakea Anderson (Clayton)  
  - Henry Mitchell (Douglas)  
  - Lorraine Cochran-Johnson (Dekalb)  

Superior Court Judge of the Year: 
  - Maureen Wood (Rockdale)  
  - Asha Jackson (Dekalb)  

State Court Judge of the Year:  
  - Ashley Palmer (Cobb)  
  - Michael T. Garrett (Clayton)  
  - Monique Walker (Augusta-Richmond)  

Magistrate Court Judge of the Year:  
  - Jana J. Edmonson-Cooper (Cobb)  
  - Phina Aten (Rockdale)  
  - Chanae Clemons (Clayton)  

District Attorney of the Year:  
  - Tasha Mosley (Clayton)  
  - Alisha Johnson (Rockdale)  

Solicitor General of the Year:  
  - Makia Metzger (Cobb)  

Sheriff of the Year: 
  - Ezell Brown (Newton)  
  - Alfonso Williams (Burke)  

Marshal of the Year: 
  - Ramone Lamkin (Augusta-Richmond)  
  - Maria McKee (Fulton)  

Superior Court Clerk of the Year:  
  - Debra DeBerry (Dekalb)  
  - Danielle Forte (Columbus/Muscogee)  

State Senator of the Year: 
  - Lester Jackson (Savannah-Chatham)  
  - Harold Jones (Augusta-Richmond)  

State Representative of the Year: 
  - Inga Willis (Fulton)  
  - Omari Crawford (Dekalb)  

County Clerk of the Year:  
  - Jahwan Ware (Dougherty)  

County Manager of the Year: 
  - Dr. Keith Moffett (Macon-Bibb)  

County Attorney of the Year:
  - Charles Reed (Clayton)  

Tax Commissioner of the Year: 
  - Irvin Johnson (Dekalb)  
 
The Georgia Association of Black County Officials remains committed to advocating for the welfare of Georgians, particularly people of color and underserved communities, in critical areas such as health, education, social justice, economic empowerment, and more. GABCO is dedicated to embracing Economic Development through diverse procurement practices that serve all Georgians.

Join us in celebrating the service and accomplishments of these outstanding leaders and award recipients. Their commitment to public service and their communities continues to inspire and shape the future of the South.

For more information about GABCO and the 2024 Chairman's Reception, please visit www.gabcoonline.org.

About GABCO:  
The Georgia Association of Black County Officials (GABCO) is dedicated to advocating for the needs of Black county officials and underserved communities throughout Georgia. Through collaboration and leadership, GABCO works to promote equitable policies, foster economic development, and enhance community engagement statewide.