More than 500 commissioners and other county government officials attended professional development classes that Institute of Government faculty and other subject-matter experts presented at the 2019 ACCG Annual Conference.

The Institute of Government works with ACCG, Georgia’s County Association, to provide leadership training and continuing education at the conference and other training events. Conference classes presented through the Lifelong Learning Academy curriculum ranged from economic development and community revitalization to understanding leadership styles to working with school boards and other partners.

The courses gave county leaders the opportunity to gain credit hours in the Lifelong Learning Academy, a continuing education curriculum the Institute of Government developed in partnership with ACCG. County officials who successfully complete 66 hours of training earn certification. In addition, the academy offers in-depth training in specialty areas such as economic development and intergovernmental relations.

At the conference, 69 commissioners were recognized for successfully completing the academy’s core and specialty track courses.

Gov. Brian Kemp spoke at the conference’s Officer and Board Installation Luncheon, where ACCG President Harry Lange of Harris County passed the gavel to incoming President Billy Pittard, chairman of the Oglethorpe County Board of Commissioners.

The conference, which was held April 25–29 in Savannah, also featured training courses for county clerks led by Institute instructors.