Gordon County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bud Owens has been reappointed as chair of the Health and Human Services Policy Committee for the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG Georgia Counties).
The appointment was made by ACCG President and Colquitt County Commissioner Marc DeMott and places Owens in a key leadership role within the statewide organization representing Georgia’s county governments.
ACCG officials say policy development and legislative advocacy remain among the organization’s most important functions, with policy committees playing a critical role in shaping the association’s legislative priorities.
“Policy development and legislative advocacy are foundational aspects of our organization,” said ACCG Executive Director Dave Wills. “ACCG prioritizes being a member-driven and focused organization. The Governmental Affairs staff looks forward to working with the new leaders of our policy committees to drive discussions and help lead change on issues of significance to all Georgia counties.”
Through a consensus-based policy development process, ACCG’s policy committees evaluate issues affecting county governments and develop recommendations. Those recommendations are later considered by the full membership and incorporated into the ACCG Policy Agenda, which guides the association’s advocacy efforts during the Georgia General Assembly’s legislative sessions.
As chair of the Health and Human Services Policy Committee, Owens will help lead discussions on a wide range of issues impacting counties across the state. The committee focuses on health and human service delivery and financing, including indigent health care, medically underserved areas, public health programs, mental health services, developmental disabilities, addictive diseases, hospital authorities, emergency medical services, and housing-related concerns.
Joining Owens in the committee’s leadership will be Dougherty County Commissioner Russell Gray, who has been appointed vice chair.
The reappointment reflects Owens’ continued involvement in statewide county government issues and provides Gordon County with representation in policy discussions that influence health and human services initiatives throughout Georgia.