James Swafford was recognized by the Association County Commissioners of Georgia for completion of the Commissioners Training Program and the Certified Commissioners Advanced Program at the association’s 96th annual meeting held recently at the Savannah Civic Center in Chatham County.

“ACCG has an excellent training program and I was fortunate to be able to complete the Certified Commissioner Training and the Certified Commissioners Advanced Training Program,” said Swafford. 

“I feel I am obligated to do my best and take advantage of every opportunity to better serve the citizens of this great county,” he added.

Swafford, who is the commissioner for District 2, began training prior to taking office in 2009 and was able to complete both training programs in less than 16 months.

These training programs are offered by ACCG in conjunction with the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia and have educated more than 2,600 elected and appointed county officials in the last two decades.

Swafford was one of more than 100 county officials from across the state to graduate at the recent Savannah meeting.

“Our training programs are nationally recognized as an outstanding example of training for county commissioners and other county officials,” said ACCG Executive Director Ross King.

“We are extremely proud of this year’s graduates, who committed the time to complete these training programs and expand their knowledge in many key areas of local government operations,” he added.

In addition to the training, Swafford serves on two policy committees with ACCG.

“Participation on the policy committees and having discussions on issues with other commissioners from around the state has been very beneficial,” Swafford said.

“The more you learn and hear makes one more proud of our great county and the wonderful staff and employees we have. Dawson County is really blessed,” he added.