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For more than 80 years, the Vinson Institute has worked with public officials throughout Georgia and around the world to improve governance and people's lives. From Georgia's early days as a largely agrarian state with a modest population to its modern-day status as a national and international force in business, industry, and politics with a population of almost 10 million, the Institute has helped government leaders navigate change and forge strong directions for a better Georgia.
In the Spotlight > Twenty-Two Achieve Certification in Local Government Finance

Twenty-Two Achieve Certification in Local Government Finance

Posted May 16, 2012
Contact: Courtney Yarbrough, cryarb@uga.edu; 706.542.6221

In recognition of their continuing education in governmental finance, accounting, budgeting, and more, 22 local government officials earned either their Level I or II certified finance officer status from the Vinson Institute's financial management program in the first quarter of 2012.

The Institute's financial management training provides city and county officials with the information and tools they need to establish sound accounting practices and strong financial foundations in their governments. Level I certification requires individuals to participate in 108 hours of instruction about the intricacies of government budgeting, purchasing, accounting, and other public finance topics. Level II certified financial officers engage in an additional 84 hours of instruction in intermediate governmental accounting and budgeting principles, internal controls, and revenue administration as well as public finance electives.

The Institute also works with state finance officers through the state financial management certificate program.

Level I

Aimee Abernathy, City of Waleska
Steve Barnette, Cobb County School District
Crystal Boyett, Pierce County Board of Commissioners
Barbara Bradford, Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners
Cynthia Campbell, Dawson County Board of Commissioners
Brandy Edwards, City of Nelson
Miria Gamble, Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners
Tennasha Green-Gresham, City of Albany
Vernetha Halls, Dekalb County Government
Cheryl Hester, Eatonton-Putnam Water & Sewer Authority
Elizabeth Reeves, City of Duluth
Shondra Turner, Dekalb County Government
Julie Yawn, Chatham County – Savannah MPC
Crystal Young, Gwinnett County Department of Community Services

Level II

Nalene Conway, City of Tybee Island
Melissa Freeman, City of Tybee Island
Stephanie Hogan, City of Tybee Island
Glynn Jones, City of Cedartown
Brenda Josey, City of Milledgeville
Phyllis Mitchell, Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners
Dawn Troke, City of Milton
Connie Walton, Meriwether County Health Department

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