Several elected officials and staff members representing county government in Franklin County have recently been recognized for their educational and professional accomplishments.

County commissioners Wyman Pounders and Chris Wallace have joined an elite group of county officials by completing 50 hours of education from the Alabama Local Government Training Institute on the basic responsibilities of the county commission.

They were first elected in 2012 and have graduated from ALGTI in less than a year, which is their earliest opportunity.

The program emphasizes budgeting, personnel matters, planning, and road and bridge responsibilities. This educational program began in 1994 as a mandatory program for first-time county commissioners by act of the Alabama Legislature. It is a joint effort between the Association of County Commissions of Alabama and Auburn University.

“No matter how much experience you bring with you, county government is highly specialized, so new commissioners find they have much to learn,” said Sonny Brasfield, ACCA executive director.

“We are especially proud of the commissioners who were first elected in 2012 who have made their education a top priority. They wasted no time and should be commended for their dedication to their county responsibilities.”

In addition, County Administrator Crista Madden earned professional designation as a Certified County Administrator from the County Government Education Institute. The CGEI programs are administered by ACCA.

Recipients must first earn a certificate in county administration, which requires 72 hours of course work – six courses of 12 hours each. In order to receive the designation of Certified County Administrator, the professional must complete an additional 24 hours of course work and have been a county administrator for a minimum of three years.

Two others in the commission office also completed education programs:

Leah Mansell, accounts payable clerk, earned the Certificate in County Administration.

Mandi Willis, human resources director and payroll clerk, earned a Certificate of Completion for passing four basic courses on county government.

“We are especially proud of our county administrative staffs because participating in this continuing education program shows their intent to become better public servants,” said ACCA President Debbie Wood.

“This is a tested program, which means much more than just showing up for a class. It means a great amount of dedication to improving local government services for our citizens.”

The Association of County Commissions of Alabama is a statewide organization representing county government in Alabama. ACCA promotes improved county government services in Alabama, offers educational programs for county officials and their staff members, administers insurance programs for county governments and employees, offers legal advice, and represents the interests of county government before state and federal organizations and agencies.