CONYERS - Rockdale County Tax Commissioner RJ Hadley was recently named a finalist for Georgia Tax Commissioner of the Year by the Georgia Association of Tax Officials (GATO). Hadley, the only first-term tax commissioner serving on GATO's legislative committee, was nominated for his innovative leadership and ongoing efforts to further issues related to citizen engagement and tax collection in the state.

"Being considered by your colleagues for this nomination is among the highest honors one member can bestow on another," said GATO President Cindy Cannon. "Attaining this nomination only confirms [Commissioner Hadley's] hard work, dedication and service as Rockdale County Tax Commissioner."

Of the 159 Tax Commissioners in Georgia, Hadley was one of only 19 commissioners nominated and only 5 finalists in the running for the honor.

"I am humbled to receive this recognition from my peers and thankful for the continued efforts of the best county tax office staff in Georgia," Hadley said.

In addition to being nominated for Tax Commissioner of the Year, Commissioner Hadley was named Civic and Community Engagement Advocate of the Year by the Association County Commissioners of Georgia, received an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties for his LAUNCH internship program and was named to the Atlanta Regional Commission's Regional Leadership Institute since taking office in January 2013.