District 2 commissioner recognized for academic achievement in Lifelong Learning Academy

Emanuel County District 2 Commissioner Ricky Thompson 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).

The Emanuel County Board of Commissioners initially announced Thompson’s completion of the academy this summer after he finished his final course, but it wasn’t until October 10 at the 2024 Legislative Leadership Conference at The Classic Center in Athens that ACCG recognized him. At that time, ACCG awarded Commissioner Thompson and approximately 40 of his colleagues certificates during a celebratory luncheon that culminated the 2-day conference.

The honor marks the summit of a 14-month journey to certification, which began with his election in April 2023.

Two months later, the very month he took office, Commissioner Thompson completed his mandated orientation as required by Georgia O.C.G.A. § 36-20-1. This curriculum is designed to educate newly-elected commissioners about their roles and responsibilities and the fundamentals of local governance.

In the year that followed, he pursued additional education by completing his core certification—a rigorous 66-hour program combining in-person and virtual classes.

His training through the LLA 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 Thompson 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.

“Having been through these classes, I feel I’m a much better public servant,” Commissioner Thompson said. “I’m glad the orientation is required and that we have the opportunity to learn beyond it through the Lifelong Learning Academy because every class truly did teach me something new and valuable.”

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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 Thompson, along with a couple of other local commissioners, is taking advantage of this opportunity. He’s currently focused on the Economic Development track, gaining insights and strategies that can strengthen local growth. While at the Legislative Leadership Conference last month, he completed a course on policy development, implementation, and evaluation, further equipping him with tools to create positive change for Emanuel County.

“Any time I have the chance to sit in and learn from the professors at the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, I’m going to take it if I can—especially if it helps me learn what I can do to grow our economy, bring more jobs here, keep existing businesses down, and keep property taxes down. As a business owner, I get why it’s important to have a strong local economy, especially in a rural area like ours where opportunities are limited compared to bigger places,” Commissioner Thompson said. “That’s why I chose to focus on the Economic Development track. Every class I’ve taken through ACCG and CVIOG so far has been great, and I hope what I’m learning about this particular part of government right now will help me make a real difference for all of our county.”

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.

Ricky Thompson serves as Emanuel County’s District 2 commissioner. Prior to being elected to the commission, he sat on Nunez City Council. As a county commissioner, he serves on the Emanuel County Hospital Authority, the airport authority, and the Emanuel County Public Facilities Authority. He is a lifelong Emanuel County resident and a Swainsboro High School graduate. He owns his own tool franchise and runs a personal care home with his wife, Diana.

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 www.emanuelco-ga.gov.