Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) has named Jason Gamel, the college’s director of Recruitment, as the recipient of the 2026 Staff Member of the Year Award.
The award recognizes GNTC staff members who make significant contributions to the college and to technical education. Gamel received the honor during a presentation by GNTC President Dr. Heidi Popham on Friday, March 6.
Gamel said he is grateful for the opportunity to serve the college and its students.
“I firmly believe in GNTC’s mission and am very grateful to work with the people I have at GNTC,” Gamel said. “GNTC serves as a vital community resource, and I appreciate being part of GNTC’s impact on our community.”
He also praised the college’s team and resources.
“I have always been impressed with GNTC’s dedicated faculty, staff and state-of-the-art training,” Gamel said.
As part of the recognition, Gamel received $250 from the GNTC Foundation, a certificate of recognition, a $250 gift card from Academic Affairs, a GNTC gift basket and the parking space of his choice for one year.
Gamel joined GNTC in 2006 as director of Institutional Advancement and became director of Recruitment in 2017. In his current role, he supports recruitment efforts through planning events, coordinating logistics and preparing materials for outreach activities. He regularly presents information about GNTC programs, courses and services to prospective students and community stakeholders, while also organizing campus tours and participating in high school visits, career fairs and other recruitment events. He also works to maintain communication with high school counselors and community partners.
According to Dr. Popham, 34 staff members were nominated for the award, with the list narrowed to three finalists. Along with Gamel, finalists included Josh Hickman, Military-Connected Services coordinator, and Amy Waters, property accountant specialist.
Other nominees included Toni Adams, custodian; Donna Baldwin, director of Student Success and campus manager; Larry Blanchard, director of Advisement; Billy Bridges, Campus Police officer; Matt Bryant, director of Enrollment Services; Selena Cameron, Accounting technician; Brad Cooper, director of data and research analyst; Kimberly Edgeworth, Financial Aid coordinator; Kayla Franks, Campus Police lieutenant; Lydia Gordon, director of Student Success and campus manager; Lori Gregor, Student Success coordinator and campus manager; Johna Jenkins, director of Student Success and campus manager; Jeffery Johnson, technology support specialist; Amber Jordan, director of Marketing and Public Relations; John Kenyon, assistant director of Marketing and Public Relations; James Madden, maintenance supervisor; Mary Mathis, Marketing media specialist – social media; Stephen Meeks, coordinator of Library Services; Tiffany Nance-Maltz, administrative assistant to the dean of General Education; Julie Norman, library campus coordinator; Missy McLain, graduation specialist; Jessica Quiroz, Student Success coach; Kelly Roberson, Human Resources specialist; Medina Safic, Career Services coordinator; Daniel Smith, technology support specialist; Heather Thomas, Student Success coach; Linda Tinney, Career Transition specialist; Justin VanNest, technology support specialist; E.K. West, Financial Aid specialist; Trish Wiggins, director of Student Engagement; and Mark Williams, custodian.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College provides workforce education and training for residents of northwest Georgia. Students can pursue associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in a variety of fields, including aviation, business, health care, industrial programs and public service.
Over the past year, more than 14,000 individuals benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. The college currently serves more than 9,300 credit students and reports a 100 percent job placement rate. Thousands of additional individuals are served through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start programs.
For more information about Georgia Northwestern Technical College, visit www.GNTC.edu.