As Rockdale continues to position itself locally, regionally and nationally, the county is pleased to announce the appointment of Chairman and CEO Richard Oden to serve in two distinguished roles that will enhance quality of life for stakeholders who live, work and play in the County. 

The Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) selected Oden to serve on its 2015-2016 Board of Managers and the National Association of Counties (NACo) National Board of Directors during the 2015 ACCG Annual Conference in Savannah April 17-20. U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson installed the new 40-member board.

On Tuesday, ACCG Executive Director Ross King attended the BOC’s meeting to publicly recognize Chairman Oden.

“The ACCG Board of Mangers is comprised of individuals with a passion for public service,” King said. “They show a willingness to serve not only as a leader in their own community, but also as a leader among their peers by serving their statewide association.

“We have a very dedicated Board of Managers who work well together and work to continually frame our strategic vision for the future.”

Oden will serve the ACCG Board of Managers by building relationships with ACCG leadership and state and federal representatives to share legislative platforms and significant issues impacting counties within his district. He will also attend conferences, trainings and meetings, mentor other elected county officials and encourage member participation in ACCG programs and events.

“I am extremely honored that ACCG leadership put their confidence in my skills and abilities in this way,” Oden said. “On Rockdale’s behalf I have been fully vested in being an active partner and leader as an ACCG member, and plan to continue that role, but now in a wider and more significant realm.” 

Furthermore, Oden is now one of only two ACCG Board of Managers members statewide, along with Monroe County Commissioner James Ham, who will represent Georgia’s 159 counties as a NACo board member. 

As a NACo board member, he will serve as a liaison between the Board of Managers, members and NACo to represent the interest of ACCG members in NACo. In addition, he will communicate with the President and Executive Director about activities and policies that affect NACo and its membership, and is required to attend certain conferences, Board of Managers meetings and NACo board meetings.

 “There are many places where my vision for the county lines up with ACCG’s goals, so my work representing the Board of Managers, whether here in Georgia or traveling to a NACo event, will continue to produce positive outcomes,” Oden said.

Lastly, ACCG recognized Oden at the conference with a plaque in honor of his longtime service as its Economic Development and Transportation Policy Committee Chair. He has served in that role for six and a half years.

For more information about ACCG and NACo, please visit www.accg.org and www.naco.org.