Mike Berg received an unexpected honor over the weekend when he was named the recipient of the Emory Green Leadership Award.

The highest honor that can be given to an elected county official by ACCG, he received the award during the 2015 Association County Commissioners of Georgia annual meeting in Savannah.

"It was a total surprise," said Berg, chairman of the Dawson County commission. "What an honor that was. I was so surprised."

Named in honor of former Bibb County chairman and former ACCG president Emory Greene, the award celebrates one elected county commissioner who best exemplifies outstanding commitment to his community and state.

ACCG 2nd Vice President and Elbert County Chairman Tommy Lyon presented the award.

"His county has thrived under his leadership with massive expansion to include premium outlet stores frequently visited by those from surrounding areas," he said. "The stability of his county government is attributed to his vision and leadership."

Now in his third term as chairman of Dawson's governing body, Berg said Dawson's government center, which opened in 2012 and will be paid off this summer using 1-cent sales tax revenue, is among his most satisfying accomplishments.

Before moving to Dawson County, he also served as a Gwinnett County commissioner at a time of substantial growth.

He served as the association's president in the 2013/2014 term.

"[His] noteworthy leadership extends beyond his county and reaches others through his involvement in ACCG as chair of the lost committee and several sub-committees as well as his active involvement on the association's board of managers," Lyon said. "With his guidance, ACCG released its second strategic plan to lead us through 2020."

County Clerk Danielle Yarbrough was also recognized during the annual conference.

She was one of only two county clerks in the state to receive her clerk's certification.

"The certification requires a number of classes that she had to complete, and she did that rather quickly," Berg said.