Blood Drive at Fulton County Government - Thursday, December 1, 2016

Meet Former Olympian Shirley Crowder Meadows, 76 #SeniorsOfFulton #OAM2016

Former Track Star and Olympian Shirley Crowder Meadows teaches a sittercise class at the Darnell Senior Multipurpose Facility. She hasn’t stopped moving despite knee surgery.

“I started running in ninth grade at Booker T. Washington here in Atlanta and that was an accident. I loved basketball and after basketball season, most of my friends who played basketball also ran track. One day I was sitting on the steps waiting for my friends and a person who finished Washington High offered to teach me what he knew about hurdles. While I was running in high school, a coach at Tuskegee wanted me to come and participate with her girls. After getting a Bachelor of Science degree from Tennesse State and working on my skills, I ran with Wilma Rudolf and Martha Hudson in the 1960 Olympics. Today, I keep moving in spite of my knee surgery. I would urge others with challenges not to give up. Get God on your side and keep moving.”

Shirley Crowder Meadows, 76 ‪#‎SeniorsOfFulton‬ ‪#‎OAM2016‬

Every Kid Healthy Week Salute to Fulton County Schools Creative PE Program

Every child in Fulton County deserves to be well-nourished, physically active, healthy and ready to learn. Studies from researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and elsewhere show that in addition to preventing obesity and obesity-related health problems, regular physical activity enhances important components of academic performance for youngsters, including concentration, cognition and classroom behavior.

Sadly, one in three children aged 2 to 17 in Fulton County is estimated to be either overweight or obese and fewer than half of Georgia high school students are physically active for at least an hour a day.  Health experts say that if these trends continue, this generation will be the first in history to live shorter lives than their parents.

The good news is, with sound nutrition and opportunities for physical activity, kids thrive. That’s why Action for Healthy Kids and the Fulton County Partnerships to Improve Community Health (PICH) Program are calling on adults and children alike during Every Kid Healthy Week (April 25-29, 2016) to help make schools healthier places, so kids can live healthier lives and be better prepared to learn and succeed academically.

This week, the Fulton County PICH Program is shining a spotlight on the wonderful efforts by Fulton County Schools to improve the health and wellness of students.  The PICH Program is proud of its partnership with Fulton County Schools to implement creative Physical Education programs in elementary and middle schools this year. PICH provides financial support for the implementation of the Exemplary Physical Education Curriculum (EPEC) in all Fulton County elementary schools and the SPARK Curriculum in middle schools. Both programs are research-based and promote healthy habits in all aspects of students’ lives. PICH is also funding a series of workshops that to-date have trained over 300 health and PE teachers in creative P.E. instruction techniques.

Combating childhood obesity by increasing opportunities for physical activity is a topline goal of the PICH Program. The collaboration between PICH and the Fulton County Schools on these new P.E. strategies will ensure that students have the means to become both physically fit and academically stronger.

Dr. Tasha Guadalupe, Health and Physical Education Coordinator for Fulton County Schools, says the resource funding that PICH is providing will “enhance teachers’ instructional strategies through a standards-based approach, helping students to maintain good health, perform better in class, and promote an active lifestyle.”

Learn more about the PICH Program at http://www.fultoncountyga.gov/partnership-to-improve-community-health. For more information about the Fulton County Schools, visit http://www.fultonschools.org. The website http://www.everykidhealthyweek.org has details about Every Kid Healthy Week.

Juma Returns to Fulton County to Recruit another 200 Youth

My Brother’s Keeper Fulton County (MBKFC) will host a new recruitment with Juma Ventures on Saturday, April 16, 2016 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.  The new recruitment will be held at Oak Hill, Child, Family and Adolescent Center located at 2805 Metropolitan Parkway SW, Atlanta, GA.  Employment opportunities for young adults ages 18-21 at the Georgia Dome and Turner Field will be available at the hiring event.

Applicants must register to participate in pre-employment sessions that will include the following activities:

• Application Completion Session
• Presenting the Best You Seminar
• Mock Interview Session
• Actual Job Interview

Applicants must register by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/my-brothers-keeper-fulton-county-taskforce-juma-ventures-job-fair-tickets-23041608070  

The new recruitments are part of a continuing collaboration among the Fulton County Aging and Youth Services Department, Juma Ventures and My Brother’s Keeper Fulton County Task Force.  MBKFC is an initiative of Chairman John H. Eaves Ph.D., District 7 and Commissioner Joan P. Garner, District 4.

Aging and Youth Services Director Dr. John M. Thompson expressed his excitement about the continued partnership with Juma Ventures.  “The Georgia Dome recruitment is another wonderful opportunity to prepare our young adults for the world of work, assist them with their finances to prepare for higher education and to teach them the principles of financial management. This partnership is a major boost to help young adults to build successful futures,” said Dr. Thompson.

MBKFC is part of the national My Brother’s Keeper Alliance created by President Barack Obama to help young people reach their full potential through second chances and to remain on track to reach their goals.

“Juma's effort to employ (200) opportunity youth -- disengaged, out of work and out of school young adults, ages 18-21 has been a success in Atlanta.  Where there is a lack of economic opportunities, there is often a lack of hope and inherent social, health, and legal problems that are by-products of the environment.  Collaborations with programs such as My Brother's Keeper Fulton County’s Taskforce, as a whole, have embraced Juma's efforts to enrich, enlighten, and advance their community,” said Richard Martinez, Juma’s Chief of Social Enterprise.

Juma strives to break the cycle of poverty by paving the way to work, education and financial capability for the most economically challenged and disadvantaged youth in America.  The pre-employment events represent a continued partnership with MBK Fulton County to provide disadvantaged Fulton County youth with employment for years to come.  The previously hired 80 youth and young adults completed training the weekend of March 26-27, 2016 and began operating 6 concessions stands at Turner Field for the Atlanta Braves Opening Day on April 4, 2016.

For more information, contact My Brother’s Keeper Fulton County Program Coordinator Robert Lewis Jr. by email (robert.lewis@fultoncountyga.gov) or phone (404-613-7937).

Tips to Curb Bad Eating Habits

Are you guilty of skipping breakfast, ordering takeout, getting jitters from coffee overload and counting potato chips as part of a viable diet plan? It's time to kick those habits to the curb and start eating right. In honor of National Nutrition Month®, the Fulton County Partnerships to Improve Community Health (PICH) Program and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics present this guide to help you get started.

Eat Breakfast
There's no better way to start your morning than with a healthy breakfast. The key to a good breakfast is balance. Include lean protein, whole grains and fresh, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables. For example, oatmeal cooked with low-fat milk and sliced almonds and berries or crust-less quiche with mixed veggies, low-fat cheese and a slice of whole-wheat toast.

Cut Back on Caffeine
Too much caffeine can interfere with sleep, can make you jittery and can cause you to lose energy later in the day. Keep your caffeine intake in check by limiting regular coffee to 3 cups or less a day, and watch what you put into it. Skip unwanted calories and sugar by drinking it as plain as possible. Need to wean off? Try three things: switch to half decaf or tea, drink plenty of water and eat small, frequent meals to keep up energy.

Bring Lunch to Work
How do you make bringing lunch to work easy? Have your arsenal of food for the week. Have the right foods to put together. By stocking up the fridge, you're setting yourself up for success. Prepare the week's lunches over the weekend — bake chicken, chop veggies, steam rice. Make sure your options include a combination of lean protein and carbohydrates. For example, whole-grain bread with turkey, 1 cup of veggies and a piece of fruit. Or, try a salad with veggies and chicken, a piece of fruit and a 100-calorie cup of low-sodium soup. It doesn't have to be a full meal. If you're crunched, get a snack. Go for fat-free or low-fat yogurt and fruit, whole-wheat crackers and low-fat cheese or hummus and baby carrots.

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and veggies add color, flavor and texture, plus vitamins, minerals and fibers to your plate. Pick one fruit or veggie you've never tried each time you go to the grocery store. It's a great way to discover new options. Don't let winter stop you from enjoying produce either. It might be harder to find fresh options, but frozen and canned are great alternatives.

Cook Dinner at Home
Making meals at home doesn't have to zap the last bit of your time and energy. The trick is to plan ahead. If the week is cramped for you, then prepping on the weekend is a great time saver. Choose options you can make in advance. For example, cook a batch of soup you can portion out for lunches or dinner during the week, or bake a whole chicken to slice for sandwiches, wraps and casseroles. Use shortcuts such as pre-cut or frozen veggies and keep staples on hand such as low-sodium broth, herbs and lemons for flavoring. A quick and easy idea is to turn leftover beef into stew with beans, no-salt-added diced tomatoes and pre-cut veggies.

Quick Tips
For breakfast eat …
• Berries with low-fat cottage cheese and high fiber cereal
• Whole-wheat English muffin with peanut butter
• Whole grain cereal with low-fat or fat-free milk
• Oatmeal with a side of hard-boiled or scrambled egg

For lunch try …
• Oil-based salad dressing instead of a cream-based dressing
• Salad with as many veggies as possible
• Ordering an appetizer as a meal
• Splitting an entrée or save half for later

For dinner use …
• Pre-cut veggies
• A slow cooker
• Leftovers
• Extra veggies in stir-fry, meatloaf, spaghetti sauce and soup
• Frozen fruit for desserts

This message for healthy living is made possible by funding to the Fulton County Partnerships to Improve Community Health (PICH) Program from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

www.fultoncountyga.gov/partnership-to-improve-community-health

Fulton Board Adopts New Strategic Plan

Plan sets bold strategies for success in six priority areas

At its January 6 meeting, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners adopted a Strategic Plan, which lays out Fulton County's strategies for success over the next three years.

The plan was developed with input from Fulton County employees and residents, as well as the Board of Commissioners, with targets in six key priority areas:

* All People are Safe.

* All People are Healthy.

* All People are Self-Sufficient.

* All People have Economic Opportunities.

* All People's Lives are Culturally & Recreationally Enriched.

* All People Trust Government is Efficient, Effective and Fiscally Sound. 

"This plan provides a framework to move forward with the work that Fulton County constituents seek now and in the future," says Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman John H. Eaves. "After talking to constituents, we took a long hard look at what issues and concerns they wanted and needed to see addressed."

County Manager Dick Anderson said, "The new Strategic Plan will serve as our "playbook" in guiding Fulton County's delivery of efficient, high-impact service to every resident and visitor of Fulton County. Importantly, this plan documents Fulton County's role as a catalyst for regional success, in addition to our role as a service provider."

Chief Strategy Officer Anna Roach led the strategy teams that developed innovative, high impact strategies in the six priority areas . "The adoption of the strategic plan is a very exciting development for Fulton County. Our team looks most forward to the performance management work that will flow from the adoption of the strategic plan, because the result will be greater accountability and transparency for citizens."

In implementing the plan, Fulton County will launch a citizen-facing performance management system, providing regular updates about progress in the key strategy areas. In coming months, residents will be able to monitor progress through web-based dash boards. Residents will also have opportunities to remain engaged in implementing the strategies.

Note: Please find the adopted Fulton County strategic plan here. 

Patrise Perkins-Hooker Confirmed as Fulton County Attorney

By a unanimous vote, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners confirmed Patrise Perkins-Hooker as Fulton County Attorney. On December 16, 2015, Ms. Perkins-Hooker was named the sole finalist for the post. Ms. Perkins-Hooker has served as Vice President and General Counsel for Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. (ABI) for the last 6 years. "I want to thank the Commissioners for appointing me to this position and I am humbled by their confidence in me," said Patrise Perkins-Hooker, the new Fulton County Attorney. "I am excited about the opportunity to work with the team at Fulton County and to continue the tradition of delivering quality legal services of behalf of its residents." "When we were looking to fill the vital position of County Attorney, the Board of Commissioners was looking for a legal mind who understands the unique concerns of a governmental entity," says Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman John H. Eaves. "Ms. Perkins-Hooker's work with the Atlanta BeltLine and much of her prior experience demonstrates that unique understanding of many of the legal issues facing Fulton County." Patrise Perkins-Hooker has worked as a practicing attorney for more than 2 decades and is the Immediate Past President of the State Bar of Georgia. Prior to joining the Atlanta Beltline, Ms. Perkins-Hooker was a partner with the law firm of Hollowell, Foster & Gepp, PC and the owner of her own law firm, Patrise Perkins-Hooker and Associates, PC. Ms. Perkins-Hooker is an honors graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology and earned both a Juris Doctor and a Master of Business Administration degree from Emory Law and Business Schools respectively. She is admitted to the Georgia, Federal District and Tax Courts. She has served as a Past President of both the Emory Business School Alumni Association and the Gate City Bar Association. The latter organization also inducted Ms. Perkins-Hooker into its Hall of Fame. Ms. Perkins-Hooker is a former Trustee of the Georgia Institute of Technology's Alumni Association and was selected as its Outstanding Young Alumnus for 1988. She has served her community in various capacities for civic and community organizations including Hosea Feed the Hungry. She has received numerous honors for her service to the legal profession and the community, including receiving the Leah Ward Sears Award for Distinguished Service to the Profession and the Eleonore Raoul Greene Trailblazer Award from Emory University Law School. Patrise Perkins-Hooker is married to Douglas R. Hooker and they have two children and eight grandchildren. She is scheduled to assume her new duties on January 14, 2016. For more information, visit Fulton County's website at www.fultoncountyga.gov or connect with Fulton County Government on Twitter at @FultonInfo or Facebook at Fulton County Government.

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners Honors Assistant Attorney April Ross in Final Meeting of the Year

Every attendee stood to their feet after Fulton County Assistant Attorney April Ross thanked the Board of Commissioners for presenting her with a proclamation in the last board meeting of the year.

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners recognized Ross, an Assistant Attorney for the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, for her volunteer work with victims of gun and domestic violence.  

In 2014, Attorney Ross’ life was drastically changed after being ambushed and shot multiple times by her estranged husband. Ross’ miraculous recovery has allowed her to volunteer at the Shepherd Center and work with other victims of gun violence.  She shares her story of survival with the victims she helps in an effort to truly make a difference in their daily lives.

Attorney Ross returned to work in November and has been moving full steam ahead. She is currently assigned to the trial unit with a specific focus on domestic violence cases.

Fulton County Voters Can Request an Absentee Ballot through October 30, 2015

Some Fulton County voters may prefer to vote absentee by mail. To request an absentee ballot, registered voters may fax or mail a written request or go online to request an absentee ballot application. Voters can vote absentee by mail for any reason. Citizens can retrieve an absentee ballot through Friday, October 30, 2015. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2015.

A request letter should include the name and date of the election, the voter’s name, address as registered, date of birth and the voter’s signature. The letter can be faxed to (404) 730-8839 or mailed to Fulton County Voter Registration, Attn: Absentee Ballot, 130 Peachtree St., SW, Suite 2186, Atlanta, GA 30303. Absentee ballots may also be 

requested in person at one of the three Fulton County Government centers:

• North Fulton Service Center - Room 232, 7741 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30328

• South Fulton Service Center- 5600 Stonewall Tell Road, Room 108, College Park, GA 30349

• Fulton County Government Center -130 Peachtree Street, Suite 2186, Atlanta, GA 30303

All absentee ballots must be received in the Registration & Elections Office by 7:00 pm on Election Day (Tuesday, November 3^rd). Photo identification is not necessary when voting by mail (except for first time registered voters in Georgia who register by mail that have not already satisfied this requirement).

For more information about absentee voting, voter registration and the upcoming 2015 November Municipal General and Special Election, log on towww.fultonelections.com or (404) 730-7072.

Fulton County Commissioners Meet with Mayors of Fulton County

Members of the Board of Commissioners held another successful meeting this week with the mayors of Fulton County cities to discuss important issues such as economic development and transportation, in an effort to collaborate for the best outcomes for all residents. The meeting took place at the Fulton County Lewis Slaton Courthouse.

City of Atlanta and Fulton County Family Days

Did you know that Zoo Atlanta is one of four zoos in the United States currently housing giant pandas. When's the last time you visited the zoo? Well this weekend if you are a City of Atlanta or Fulton County employee, then you can visit the zoo for free. 

Zoo Atlanta will host City of Atlanta and Fulton County Family Days on Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16. On these two dates, guests who can demonstrate residence or employment in either the City of Atlanta or Fulton County Government will be admitted free. Admission is valid for two adults and up to four children. 

Family Days hosted in prior years have been extremely well-attended. Plan to arrive early, and consider MARTA travel, as parking will be limited. 

Recognized forms of identification: 

• City of Atlanta or Fulton County residents: Georgia Driver's License; State of Georgia-issued voter identification; or water, gas or light utility bill. 

• City of Atlanta or Fulton County Government Employees: City of Atlanta employee identification card or Fulton County Government employee identification card. 

Admission discounts valid only on Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16, 2015. Offer not valid with any other discount or promotion; not valid online. 

Guests eligible for free admission include: 

• City of Atlanta residents 
• Fulton County residents 
• City of Atlanta Police 
• City of Atlanta Firefighters 
• Fulton County Government employees
• Fulton County Police 
• Fulton County Sheriffs 
• Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport Employees (ID must say Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport)

Fulton County To Launch Fulco2Go App: Unveiling of Smart Phone Apps That Improves County Quality of Life

Fulton County Government, is unveiling a new smart phone app, Fulco2Go, built by CitySourced. Fulco2Go allows residents to easily report basic traffic and code enforcement issues.  It also enables them to report animal control issues from their smart phones (by utilizing photo & GPS location) to be automatically sent to the appropriate Fulton County Department for resolution. Fulton County is excited to provide residents improved access to issue reporting and other helpful County information.

"Fulton County Government is committed to expanding digital services and e-commerce opportunities wherever they are available and make good sense.  The CitySourced app is a simple and effective way for residents to have their concerns about the communities in which they live and work, addressed and resolved in a quick and efficient manner.  Fulco2Go will help push Fulton County in its mission to be first in three areas:  impact, efficiency and service. We are thrilled to partner with CitySourced to further our commitment to making Fulton County First in 3," said Fulton County Manager Dick Anderson.

The app was built by CitySourced, a Los Angeles-based company that represents the vanguard of the open government movement by leveraging the latest technologies to take the friction out of civic engagement in ways that optimize government resources.  In addition, CitySourced has been recognized with awards from IBM Smart Camp, AlwaysOn, TechCruch50, and others for innovations in service to the public sector.

"We are thrilled to support Fulton County’s App Launch efforts throughout the month of August to help drive product adoption and educate constituents on how easy it is to help make their County a better place to live,” said Jason Kiesel, Founder and Chief Architect of CitySourced.  “We developed CitySourced in order to streamline, prevent, and help predict the occurrences of basic traffic and code enforcement issues, while improving quality of life and public safety using mobile technology."

The Fulco2Go app is now accessible in the app store for both Apple and Android products.   In concert with the app launch, Fulton will feature a public send-off of “street teams” canvassing local businesses and public buildings to spread the word on the app launch and demo of Fulco2Go for County residents on Monday, August 3. Promotion of Fulco2Go will also be featured throughout the month of August in various Fulton County publications including social media, website and e-communications to residents.   It’s fast.  It’s easy.  It’s Fulco2Go.  

Join FCFRD in Supporting Children's Healthcare of Atlanta T-shirt

The Fulton County Fire Rescue Department has chosen Children's Healthcare of Atlanta as the beneficiary their 2015 t-shirt fundraiser. County employees are invited to join their team to support "Children's" as they celebrate their 100^th year anniversary of providing the best possible health care for Atlanta's children and support for the families.

 

Order your t-shirts before the deadline to show your support for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and your Fulton County Fire Rescue Department.

 

To order your t-shirt or sweat shirt, complete the order form and fax it to their t-shirt provider. Your questions may be directed to Penny Wolfe penny.wolfe@fultoncountyga.gov or 404-612-3855.

 

Fifty percent (50%) of the proceeds will be donated to Children's while the remaining 50% will be donated to the Metropolitan Atlanta Fire Fighters Conference (MAFFC) to support free firefighter training during their annual conference.

25th Anniversary of the Passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act

As part of an Expo and Celebration honoring the 25^th Anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Fulton County Government presented the Barham Disability Champion Award to four disability advocates serving Fulton County residents.  The awards were named in honor of musician and advocate for those living with disabilities, Frank Barham, who was killed in a motor vehicle crash earlier this year.  The honorees include:                        

  

Beverly Williams has led the Advisory and Outreach Center of the Georgia Library for Accessible Services for the past 16 years.  Ms. Williams oversees the delivery of library services to persons with disabilities throughout the state of Georgia and actively works to inform members of this community of services available to them.

Yvette Pegues was crowned Ms. Wheelchair USA for 2014-2015, representing both the nation and Georgia in that capacity.  After surviving a traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, Ms. Pegues devoted her much of her effort to serving those living with disabilities including founding the non-profit Your Invisible Disability Group and serving as a national spokesperson for Camp Dream, a recreational camp for children with disabilities.

Teodoro Maus is the retired Consul-General to Atlanta, representing his native Mexico.  Now a naturalized US citizen, Mr. Maus co-founded the Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Rights (GLAHR) which helps Latinos defend and advance their civil and human rights, including the rights of those living with disabilities. He is also a producer and anchor of a Spanish language talk radio program, GLAHR INFOMRA, discussing issues surrounding Latino immigrants in the United States. 

Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (pictured above) have worked tirelessly to advocate for children and adults living with disabilities for the past 28 years.  In that time, the organization has worked to secure thousands of wheelchairs and other medical equipment for citizens in need including those in Fulton County. 

Fulton County Sheriff's Office Annual Homeless Initiative

Join Fulton County Sheriff Ted Jackson and staff at the annual Homeless Initiative on Saturday, August 8, 2015, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., located at 185 Central Avenue, S.W., Atlanta, GA 30303.

  

Volunteer at this important event and assist local homeless women, men, and children.

 

For more information about volunteer opportunities or the event, please call Ms. Brenda Clemons at (404) 612-3562.

 

 

Fulton County and MARTA to Host a Job Fair to Hire Bus Operators

MARTA is recruiting Customer focused, professional BUS OPERATOR candidates starting at $14.09 per hour.  The Fulton County Office of Workforce Development will host a Job Fair on Thursday, July 16, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Adamsville Career Center inside the Adamsville Regional Health Center located at 3700 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive 30331.

The Customer Service Test times will begin at 9:00am and 1:00pm. To be considered for this position, applicants must bring copies of the following:

• An original 7-year Motor Vehicle Report; no more than one (1) moving violation within 24 months
• A Copy of High School Diploma or Equivalent (G.E.D.)
• A resume with a valid telephone number and e-mail address
• A copy of a valid Class “A” or “B” GA CDL driver’s license or GA CDL permit, with Passenger Endorsement “P” must be presented

Applicants must bring “copies” of ALL the required documents to the Job Fair.

Education/Experience Requirements:

 

• Applicants must be at least 21 years old
• Must pass all pre-employment Background Screenings related to this position, which include Customer Service tests and Physical Exam, which includes drug and alcohol testing
• Excellent customer service skills are required

 

License Requirements:

• Valid Georgia Class “A” or “B” CDL driver’s license or GA CDL permit with Passenger Endorsement

MARTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Job fair attendees will have the opportunity to speak with MARTA Human Resources representatives about this career opportunity. Professional

Business Attire is required at this Job Fair. An online profile must be created to be considered for the position.

For more information, contact Jason Lane in the Office of Workforce Development at 404-613-6381, or MARTA’s Office of Human Resources in the Recruiting Branch at (404) 848-5544 or visit www.itsmarta.com.

Citizens with disabilities, who need assistance, including communications in an alternative format, should contact the Disability Liaison in the Aging and Youth Services Department at (404) 613-7944. For Georgia Relay Access, citizens who need assistance should dial 711.

County Manager Names New Members to Fulton County Executive Leadership Team

Fulton County Manager Dick Anderson has named several new members to Fulton County’s Executive Leadership team.

“I am thrilled with the caliber of talent we have been able to attract, to help us serve our constituents and lead Fulton County into the future,” said Anderson.

John Thompson, Ph.D. – Director of Aging & Youth Department – Thompson currently serves as Executive Director of the District of Columbia Office on Aging, a role he has held since 2011.  He previously served as Director of the National Aging Information & Referral Support Center, and brings more than 15 years of experience in health, aging and social services.  He will be responsible for oversight of Fulton County’s senior services and an array of youth programs.  The Fulton County Aging & Youth Department has a 2015 budget allocation of $22.3 million and more than 170 employees.

Frankie L. Atwater, Sr. – Director of Housing & Community Development Department – Atwater currently serves as Deputy Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. He brings more than a decade of experience in housing and grant program management. He will be responsible for Fulton County’s Community Development Block Grant and Housing programs, as well as the Office of Workforce Development. The Fulton County Department of Housing & Community Development Department has a 2015 budget of $8.3 million and 40 employees.

Tony Phillips – Director of Parks & Recreation – Phillips has served with Fulton County for 15 years, most recently as Deputy Director of Planning & Community Services.  Phillips will be responsible for oversight of parks maintenance and recreation programming at 21 parks & recreation facilities in unincorporated Fulton County. The Fulton County Parks & Recreation Department has a 2015 budget of $3.3 million and more than 60 employees.

Dennis King – Assistant Director for Facilities – King brings extensive experience in facilities management in the corporate and government sectors, having served with Bellsouth, the State of Georgia and the State of Florida.  He will be responsible for strategic, long-range planning for Fulton County’s facility needs.

Last month, Anderson made several other appointments to the executive team, from within the Fulton County organization.

Felicia Strong-Whitaker – Director of Purchasing & Contract Compliance - Strong-Whitaker has served with Fulton County since 2004, and previously served as Interim Director of Purchasing & Contract Compliance.  She has more than 25 years of experience with large-scale public procurement organizations.

Jeff Cheek – Director of Ryan White – Cheek has served with Fulton County for 26 years. He most recently served as Health Program Administrator with the Department of Health & Wellness.  Cheek also previously served as Director of the Ryan White Program, which administers approximately $23 million in annual grants to provide care and treatment to people with HIV.

Jessica Corbitt-Dominguez – Director of External Affairs – Corbitt-Dominguez has served with Fulton County for more than 15 years. She most recently served as Public Affairs Manager with the Office of Communications, and is now responsible for oversight of Communications, Intergovernmental Affairs, and Broadcast/Cable/Film.

Anderson is currently recruiting for several other positions on the Fulton County Executive Leadership team and expects to have all appointments complete by August of this year.

Fresh Rolls into its 5th Season to Promote Healthy Lifestyles

 

The Fulton Fresh Mobile Farmer’s Market program kicked off the 2015 season by providing fresh produce and nutrition education to over 200 participants who attended the opening ceremony. Information about Cooperative Extension and other county services was made available to participants. Healthy treats and fresh produce were the highlights of the day.



Fulton Fresh Mobile Farmer's Market
(Photo Credit: Nadera Harris)

The Fulton Fresh Mobile Farmer’s Market was created to help combat disparities within the Fulton County communities where residents are living in areas that are considered “food deserts.” The program offers nutrition education and recipes on how to prepare tasty and healthy meals with the fresh produce they receive.

For information about the Fulton Fresh Mobile Farmer’s Market program and Fulton County  Cooperative Extension, call 404-332-2400 or visit www.fultoncountyga.gov.