The Association County Commissioners of Georgia recently installed its officers for 2010 – 2011 at its annual meeting and recognized the service of outgoing president, former Bulloch County Commissioner Jan Tankersley. 
       Tankersley served as ACCG President from January 2009 through April 2010. She is credited with leading the association through the development of its first strategic plan as well as guiding the ACCG Board of Managers through the selection and transition of its new executive director Ross King. King was installed at the ACCG Annual Meeting was charged with the leadership of the association following the retirement of executive director Jerry Griffin who served in this role for more than 23 years.
       “As ACCG President, I had the opportunity to work with the board and professional staff to shape the future of the association and interact closely with county officials from throughout the state,” Tankersley said. “I also gained valuable experience and understanding of issues before the General Assembly by working with the ACCG policy team, which has prepared me as I seek to serve as a state representative for this district.” 
      Tankersley recently qualified to run for State House District 158 and announced her campaign at the closing ceremonies of the ACCG Annual Meeting. 
      While Tankersley was president, ACCG worked on legislative issues ranging from property tax reform and transportation funding to water conservation and indigent defense. ACCG also expanded its communications efforts, issued more than $3 million in dividends to counties participation in its pooled workers’ compensation program, and saved counties more than $7 million in medical costs for inmates through a new program established in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia.   
      “Jan is a respected leader who has served ACCG well and led her counterparts through some of the most challenging economic times our state has ever faced,” said ACCG executive director Ross King.  “We wish her much success in this next step of her political career.”
      Tankersley, was first elected to the Bulloch County Commission in 2001.  She qualified for a third term on the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners in 2008 and ran unopposed. She currently serves on the Ogeechee Technical College Foundation Board, and chairs the school’s Scholarship Board and Fundraising Committee.  In January 2009, she was appointed to serve on the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Council.
      ACCG officers who will serve through April 2011 include President Lamar Paris, Union County Sole Commissioner; First Vice President Melvin Davis, Oconee County Commission Chairman; Second Vice President Clinton Perry, Taylor County Commissioner; and Third Vice President Mike Berg, Dawson County Chairman.