District 1 Commissioner recognized for Academic Achievement in Lifelong Learning Academy

Emanuel County District 1 Commissioner Kawame Coleman now holds a distinguished achievement in leadership and public service, having completed the requirements to become a certified county commissioner through Association County Commissioners of Georgia’s (ACCG) Lifelong Learning Academy (LLA).

He was recognized for the achievement at the 2025 ACCG Conference in Savannah on Thursday, April 24, 2025. At that time, the association awarded Commissioner Coleman and more than 50 of his colleagues certificates during a celebratory luncheon that culminated the 4-day gathering.

The honor marks the summit of a 12-month journey to certification, which began with his election in April 2024.

Just two weeks after taking office, Commissioner Coleman attended his first professional development class through the LLA. This curriculum is designed to educate newly-elected commissioners about their roles and responsibilities and the fundamentals of local governance.

Over the past year, he has completed a total of 66 rigorous hours of training, to include mandated orientation for newly-elected commissioners as required by Georgia O.C.G.A. § 36-20-1. The classes covered a range of essential topics, including County Government 101 and County Government Law, which provided him with knowledge of operational practices and the specific legal framework that guides county decision-making.

Commissioner Coleman also studied Economic Development, learning strategies to stimulate local growth and job creation, and Human Resources, covering employee relations and policy management for the county workforce. The Leadership Institute offered advanced leadership training to help him navigate challenges and lead effectively. Additionally, Property Appraisal & Taxation focused on property valuation and tax processes that support county revenue, and Public Safety & Public Health equipped him with knowledge on community health initiatives and emergency management.

“The Lifelong Learning Academy gave me a clearer picture of everything that goes into leading at the county level,” Commissioner Coleman said. “I’m thankful to have had the chance to learn from some of the best and to better prepare myself to serve Emanuel County well.”

All instruction for both his mandatory orientation and core certification was provided by the prestigious University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government (CVIOG). This partnership between ACCG and CVIOG, now more than two decades strong, gives county officials a tailor-made learning experience that equips them to excel in public service.

“The Lifelong Learning Academy is critical to educating county officials about the challenges they may encounter in public service,” said ACCG Executive Director Dave Wills. “County leaders who prioritize furthering their education are better equipped to address those challenges and are assets to their communities. I commend Ricky for his unwavering dedication to understanding his 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 UGA’s CVIOG—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.

After completing their core certification, county commissioners have the option to pursue specialty tracks to build expertise in specific areas. Commissioner Coleman, along with three other commissioners, is taking advantage of this opportunity. He is currently focused on the Quality of Life/Social Issues track, gaining insights and strategies that promote stronger, healthier communities. While at the ACCG conference this past weekend, he completed a course titled Addressing Complex Community Issues, which emphasized the importance of engaging citizens from all walks of life, building collective wisdom, and fostering collaboration to find meaningful solutions for the challenges facing Emanuel County.

“Learning through the Carl Vinson Institute of Government has shown me see how unique our area is and how much potential we really have because of it. The classes helped me to think about ways we can make life better for everyone,” Commissioner Coleman said. “That’s why I chose the Quality of Life and Social Issues track—because I want to make sure Emanuel County is a place where everyone feels seen, heard, included, valued. The lessons I’ve learned, I hope, are going to help me identify areas that need attention, think outside the box when it comes to solutions, and overall improve everyday life here, and I hope that makes my constituents and our community as a whole proud.”

All commissioners’ complete LLA training records on their respective biographies on the county website.

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, visit www.accg.org.

Kawame Coleman serves as Emanuel County’s District 1 commissioner. A lifelong Emanuel County resident and 1996 graduate of Swainsboro High School, he was elected to the commission in 2024 after building strong community ties as a youth mentor, recreation department coach, and longtime supporter of local initiatives. As a commissioner, he serves on the Emanuel County Public Facilities Authority and the Twin City-Emanuel County Recreation Authority. He and his wife, Shayla, are raising their six children in Emanuel County.

The Emanuel County Board of Commissioners governs Emanuel County, focusing on legislative and administrative responsibilities. Comprised of representatives from five districts, the board oversees policies and programs that impact local development, budgeting, and public services. Commissioners work collectively to ensure fiscal responsibility and address community needs, collaborating with other county departments and agencies. They are committed to supporting economic growth, public safety, and community well-being across Emanuel County.

For information about the commissioners and for the latest from the county government, visit 124 North Main Street in Swainsboro; call 478-237-3881; follow us on Facebook; or visit www.emanuelco-ga.gov.