State Park, Historic Site managers recognized
From staff reports
ATLANTA — Several Department of Natural Resources employees were honored recently during the annual Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites Managers Conference. An awards ceremony was held to celebrate those who make more than 60 State Parks and Historic Sites outstanding destinations for Georgia’s citizens and visitors. They also attended training sessions and shared ideas on park operations.
Below are this year’s award winners, and more information on each site can be found on GaStateParks.org:
Henry Struble Manager-of-the-Year Award
Winner: David Gomez, manager of New Echota Historic Site in Calhoun and Chief Vann House Historic Site in Chatsworth
Henry Struble was one of the most influential directors in the division’s history. Nominees exhibit a high degree of professionalism and are recognized as management leaders. Gomez is one of the more knowledgeable and experienced managers in the division. Under his guidance, New Echota Historic Site’s visitation increased by 48% and ParkPass sales nearly quadrupled in the past year. During 2023, Gomez participated in community outreach with the Gordon Historical Society and the Gordon Chamber of Commerce, focused on maintenance projects such as replacing wooden routed signs and interpretive signs, and performed boundary line inspection.
Above and Beyond Award
Winner: Brad Ballard, Region 6 Manager
When the Reynolds Mansion on Sapelo was experiencing staffing shortages, Region 6 Manager Ballard stepped in to keep the historic inn open and welcoming guests. He worked approximately 65 days, staying over on the island many nights, plus spending many days off picking up supplies from the mainland. He prioritized maintenance, embraced operational changes and was not afraid to ask for help.
Most Outstanding Site Operation
Winner: Stephen C. Foster State Park, Fargo — Manager: Bryan Gray
The Most Outstanding Site Operation award is given to the park that represents an excellent record in all aspects of management. This year, Stephen C. Foster State Park in the Okefenokee Swamp hosted an overnight Region 6 manager meeting, the DNR State Parks/Law Enforcement joint meeting and a DNR Board meeting. Staff assisted with a workday at nearby Fort McAllister State Park, filled in staff shortages at Laura S. Walker and Skidaway Island state parks, and correcting long-term maintenance issues at Reynolds Mansion. Stephen C. Foster rangers serve as Park Ranger Academy instructors and Manager-in-Training program trainers.
Customer Service Award
Winner: Jessica Godbee, Sylvania Information Center Manager, Sylvania
The Customer Service award highlights someone who embodies the DNR’s “We Serve” mentality with a can-do, problem-solving attitude. Godbee is committed to serving travelers as they stop at the Sylvania Information Center to gain more information about Georgia. Serving a free Coke and sample of peanuts, Godbee points to the map on the countertop to show the best back roads to take across the state, highlighting festivals and hidden gems along the way.
Best Year-Round Programming Award
Winner: F.D. Roosevelt State Park, Pine Mountain — Manager Desmond Timmons
The Best Year-Round Programming award considers program quality and diversity, number of events, attendance and consistent positive feedback. F.D. Roosevelt State Park offered more than 300 programs this year, reaching 14,000 visitors. Topics included archery shoots, guided hikes, game nights, home school programs and school field trips. The park’s programming efforts are led by Interpretive Ranger Danielle Joerger who serves on the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites Program Advisory Committee. This year, Joerger created a scout merit badge programs for Girl Scout Archery, Girl Scout Camporee, and Boy Scout Reptiles and Amphibians.
Natural Resource Enhancement Award
Winner: General Coffee State Park, Nicholls — Manager Mikayla Spencer
Natural Resource Enhancement includes projects such as pollinator gardens, use of prescribed fire, invasive species elimination, trail creation and maintenance, and similar conservation-minded projects. General Coffee State Park’s pitcher plant bog was improved with prescribed burns which allow more sunlight to reach the carnivorous plants, stimulate bog growth and remove undesirable species. Approximately 60 additional pitcher plants were planted, and an additional controlled burn was conducted to improve views from the entrance and enhance the wiregrass community.
Cultural Resource Enhancement Award
Winner: Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site, Cartersville — Manager Bobby James
Projects that enhance cultural resources may include museum renovations, interpretive exhibits or preservation efforts that enhance a site’s history. Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site’s museum underwent a major renovation with the removal and repatriation of all Native American artifacts this year. With help from the State Parks Division’s Cultural and Interpretive Resources Unit, Department of Natural Resources’ Engineering & Construction Unit, region staff, park staff and Muskogee Creek representatives, the museum was transformed into an open-concept indoor education area. The renovated museum will offer hands-on activities and interactive learning experiences, as well as a staff-made dugout canoe.
Outstanding Golf Course of the Year
Winner: Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course at Richard B. Russell State Park, Elberton — Manager: Barry Johnston
Nominees demonstrate excellent pro shop administration, customer service, cleanliness, maintenance, retail and player satisfaction. During the past year, Arrowhead Pointe Golf Course hosted more than 100 golf packages and multiple tournaments, including state high school regionals and the Elberton Granite Association tournament, plus showed impressive growth in pro shop sales.
Retail Operation of the Year Award
Winner: High Falls State Park, Jackson — Manager Terry Miller
Funds generated from gift shops help keep Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites in good condition for guests. Nominees for Retail Operation of the Year stock popular items, try new things and demonstrate sales growth. High Falls State Park and its satellite park Dames Ferry have successful gift shops that provide guests with firewood, ice, candles, soaps, small propane tanks, stickers and tee shirts. The staff keeps close track of any restocking needs, and stores are attractively decorated.
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Dougherty Commissioner Gloria Gaines to serve as honorary sponsor of 2027 international conference in Atlanta
“By Alan Mauldin
[email protected]
ALBANY – In 1898 academic and sociologist W.E.B. Du Bois traveled to southwest Georgia during his summer break from teaching to investigate the lives of black residents in the “Black Belt” and later covered his sociological studies of the region in two chapters of his book “The Souls of Black Folk.”
The academic and peace activist’s visit and subsequent account was more than an intellectual exercise, however, according to Dougherty County Commissioner Gloria Gaines.
Du Bois’ account inspired South Carolina native Joseph Winthrop Holley to move Albany, where he founded the Albany Bible and Manual Training Institute. The institute later became part of the University System of Georgia and became a four-year college in 1943 before its last renaming in 1996 as Albany State University.
Holley was inspired by Du Bois’ writing, said Gaines, who will be an honorary sponsor of The International Conference on W.E.B. Du Bois: Race, Democracy and Global Justice in 2027. The conference is scheduled for April 9-11 in Atlanta.
“I am in admiration (of) his impact on the founding of Albany State University,” she said. “I also appreciate his political philosophy as well. He was clearly identified with Atlanta University and education.”
During her time at Albany State Gaines worked in the office of civil rights attorney C.B, King.
She holds a master’s degree in community development and worked as an assistant general manager for MARTA.
Her travels also have taken her to Africa, where she worked and met Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
For the 2027 conference, Gaines has collaborated with individuals including professor Preston King, C.B. King’s youngest brother..
Last year she traveled to Accra, Ghana, where DuBois died after he was stranded out of the United States for his opposition to nuclear weapons and had his passport renewal denied, for his 157th birthday celebration.
The conference will feature discussions of democracy, equality and human dignity, Gaines said
“Those are issues that were important to him,” she said. “Now is a good time to talk about democracy. Some may see it as under threat. I think this conference will be timely. It’s a timely issue, not just for black folks as well as human dignity and equality within the country.”
