GABCO Honors 2024’s Outstanding Public Servants at Annual Chairman’s Reception “`

Atlanta, Georgia, January 23, 2025 – The Georgia Association of Black County Officials (GABCO) has announced the recipients of its 2024 Chairman’s Reception awards. This year’s honorees represent a wider range of Georgia counties, extending beyond the Atlanta metro area to include Augusta-Richmond, Burke, Macon-Bibb, Columbus-Muscogee, Dougherty, and Savannah-Chatham.

Interim Executive Director Oz Nesbitt, Sr., expressed pride in GABCO’s expanding reach, emphasizing the critical role of dedicated leaders across the state. He highlighted the challenges and risks involved in public service, commending the courage of those who step forward.

GABCO’s 2024 Honorees are:

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)

GABCO is committed to advocating for Georgians, particularly those from underrepresented communities, focusing on health, education, social justice, and economic empowerment. The organization promotes inclusive economic development through diverse procurement practices.

GABCO celebrates the achievements of these leaders whose dedication inspires and shapes the future of the South.

For more information, please visit [website address].

About GABCO:
The Georgia Association of Black County Officials (GABCO) advocates for Black county officials and underserved communities, promoting equitable policies, economic development, and community engagement statewide.