2009/2010
COMMITTEE Chairs

GAAO has several working committees. Each represents a specific subject area. Some are specified in the GAAO Constitution and others exist to enhance knowledge and work to improve property tax administration.

We welcome and encourage our members to become involved with a committee. We solicit members from small, medium and large counties alike. We believe that diversity assures that all counties have an opportunity to express their ideas and work toward goals that are effective for all of us.

Most Committee Chairs are named at the Semi-Annual Business meeting in November of each year. Chairs of the Legislative Policy Statement Committee and the Director of Legislative Affairs are appointed at the Annual Summer Conference. If you are interested in serving on a committee, please contact the current President-elect.

If you wish to contact a committee to share ideas, please click on the highlighted area below. You will be taken to the names for each person serving for the current year.

AUDIT - Andrea Crutchfield, Bibb County

CHAPLIN - Willie Haynes,Sr., Toombs County

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY - Dave Shelley, Cobb County

The Commercial Property Committee offers research and assistance in the valuation of commercial property in the State of Georgia and offers recommendations regarding legislative policy.

EDUCATION - Steve Swindell, Cherokee County

The Education Committee addresses the education needs of Assessors and Appraisers in the State of Georgia. It determines topics of current interest, develops and presents one-day seminars sponsored by GAAO. This committee prepares a written annual report that is presented to the Education Steering Committee to offer input into the Georgia Certification Program sponsored by the Georgia Department of Revenue.

ELECTIONS: Darryl Gray, Emanuel County

The Elections Committee is responsible for the proper conduct of the election to include certification of voters and ballots, the vote count and the declaration of elected officials. This committee may adopt and promulgate such rules and procedures as may be necessary to ensure the proper and orderly conduct of the annual election and submit to the Executive Board for approval.

LEGISLATIVE LIAISON - Phil Hogsed, Cobb County

The Director of Legislative Affairs (Legislative Liaison) is appointed by the President Elect during the annual summer conference. This Director is responsible for carrying legislative issues for the association, interacting with the Association of County Commissioners (ACCG), the Department of Revenue, Legislators, and others involved in developing policy regarding assessment administration. The Director of Legislative Affairs shall serve as a member of the Legislative Policy Statement Committee and may also serve as a registered lobbyist for the association.

LEGISLATIVE POLICY STATEMENT - Steve Swindell, Cherokee County

The Legislative Policy Statement Committee is responsible for preparing the Legislative Policy Statement that is presented to the Georgia Legislature during each annual session. This purpose of the statement is to inform Legislators and GAAO members of the concerns and recommendations involving legislation or proposed legislation that affect property tax administration.

MEMBERSHIP - Mike Marchese, Coweta County

The Membership Committee is responsible for promoting membership in our professional organization. It prepares brochures, flyers, and other promotional items as needed. The committee reviews the membership numbers and determines any needs for changing district lines.

NOMINATIONS: Kirk Dunagan, Clarke County

The Nominations Committee consists of not less than five (5) regular members in good standing, and is responsible for selecting members in good standing as candidates for offices of President, President-Elect, Vice President, and when applicable open district positions on the Executive Board. The committee makes its presentation of selected nominees at the Semi-annual Summer Conference business meeting. The Chair will also call for nominations from the floor at that time.

PARLIAMENTARIAN: Curtis Hunter, PhD, Jefferson County

PERSONAL PROPERTY: Peggy James, Floyd County

The Personal Property Committee is responsible for addressing issues that deal with personal property taxation. It offers research and assistance in the area of assessment methodology and recommendations regarding Legislative policy.

RULES, REGS & BY LAWS: Donna McCoy, Johnson County

The Rules, Resolution and By-Laws Committee may adopt and promulgate changes to the GAAO Constitution and By-Laws as approved by the Executive Board and majority vote of the eligible voting members. It review both the Constitution and By-Laws annually for any needed changes. SUMMER CONFERENCE - John Scott, Bulloch County

The Summer Conference Committee consists of the Executive Director, who chairs this committee, the President, the President-elect, and a secretary that is appointed by the Chairman. This committee is responsible for planning the GAAO Summer Conference.

TECHNOLOGY/GIS: Terry Ross, Upson County

The Technology Committee is responsible for dealing with the technical issues that effect assessment offices. It researches and assists in areas such as GIS, GAAO Website, aerial photography, CAMA systems, and other area of concern.