Commissioners Don Elwell, R. Greg Harris, & Jack Richie Earn
FAC Certified County Commissioner Designation
Detail :
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18, 2012
CONTACT: Cragin Mosteller, (850) 294-9307
Commissioners Don Elwell, R. Greg Harris, & Jack Richie Earn
FAC Certified County Commissioner Designation
--Florida Association of Counties graduates Harris, Richie & Elwell from certification program--
ORANGE, FL – The Florida Association of Counties (FAC) presented Highlands County Commissioners Jack Richie, Don Elwell and R. Greg Harris with the Certified County Commissioner (CCC) designation following their completion of a comprehensive study program developed by the association. The Commissioners received the designation with more than thirty other county commissioners during an awards ceremony held at the FAC Annual Conference in Orange County, FL.
“Excellent program, I really enjoyed it and appreciated the ability to talk with other Commissioners about issues that they have already addressed” said Commissioner Richie.
CCC certification is not a requirement to serve as a county commissioner in Florida. However, county commissioners may voluntarily enroll in the program and complete a series of courses totaling 42 hours. The coursework is designed to provide information and enhance skills relevant to a commissioner’s duties and responsibilities as an elected official.
“The classes during the FAC program were invaluable, with some great information and resources for a rookie commissioner like myself. Even more importantly, I was very fortunate to form some terrific relationships with new commissioners from other Florida counties.” Elwell continued, “I’ve already called and spoken to some of the other commissioners about various issues that have come before us here in Highlands County that they might have already addressed in their own counties.”
The CCC program coursework covers a variety of topics, such as county government roles and responsibilities, county government structure and authority, financial management, ethics and sunshine law, negotiation skills, economic development, and effective communication. Completion of all coursework averages 12 to 18 months. The University of Florida / IFAS Extension sponsors this program.
“The material was invaluable in helping me transition into my role as a Commissioner. The networking and camaraderie with other Commissioners throughout the State has already paid huge dividends”, said Commissioner Harris.
Following are the names of the thirty-three (33) county commissioners who received their CCC designation in 2012: Jimmy Anderson, Baker County; Betsy Barfield, Jefferson County; Sue Birge, Hardee County; Kathy Bryant, Marion County; Paulette Burdick, Palm Beach County; John Dailey, Leon County; Kristin Dozier, Leon County; Don Elwell, Highlands County; Pam Feagle, Taylor County; Ed Fielding, Martin County; Clyde Fleming, Suwannee County; Adam Giddens, Baker County; Greg Harris, Highlands County; Jason Holifield, Dixie County; Grady Johnson, Hardee County; Steve Kelley, Nassau County; J.J. Kenney, Citrus County; Chip LaMarca, Broward County; Ward McDaniel, Gulf County; Darrell McDougald, Calhoun County; Jim Melvin, Santa Rosa County; Monty Merchant, Holmes County; John Nelson, Jefferson County; Philip Oxendine, Suwannee County; Dave Perisot, Okaloosa County; Al Perry, Hendry County; Jack Richie, Highlands County; Jim Selph, DeSoto County; Barbara Sharief, Broward County; Tynalin Smiley, Gulf County; Lewis Vaughn, Hamilton County; Kenneth Williams, Holmes County; and, Carl Zalak, Marion County.
“This certification allows our citizen electorate to become experts in county government improving their communities,” said FAC Executive Director Chris Holley. “The 329 graduates of this program is a testament to the importance of this curriculum to Florida’s public servants and our counties”
For more information about the CCC program and courses, visit the FAC web site at www.fl-counties.com.
For 80 years, the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) has represented the diverse interests of Florida’s counties, emphasizing the importance of protecting home rule – the concept that government closest to the people governs best. The Florida Association of Counties helps counties effectively serve and represent Floridians by strengthening and preserving county home rule through advocacy, education and collaboration.
