Myron McGhee, Valdosta State University graduate student, recently received a first place award for Excellence in Genealogy by the National Archives's Acting Archivist Adrienne C. Thomas.
A scholar in VSU's Master of Library and Information Science program, McGhee was awarded as a result of his participation in an essay contest celebrating both the 75th anniversary of the National Archives and the Fifth Annual National archives Genealogy Fair.
His $1,000 prize signifies his achievements in genealogy research based on genealogical records from the National Archives that trace his family's ancestry using federal, state and local government records. McGhee's essay, "The Use of National Archives Holdings for Genealogical Research," was originally written for his Archives Theory and Issues course at VSU.
A circulation specialist for Emory University, McGhee was honored at the aforementioned genealogy fair held on April 22, at the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C.
The National Archives is known worldwide as a treasure chest of genealogical information. Each year, millions of people use federal records in the National Archives to search for their family roots. Census schedules, ship passenger arrival lists, citizenship papers, military pension files, land patents and court records offer detailed evidence to flesh out family histories.
Information about National Archives holdings relating to genealogy can be found at http://www.archives.gov/genealogy/. This competition provided an opportunity for students to share their research "treasures" with the public.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Joe Doyle Selected as 2009 Henry Toll Fellow
Council of State Governments program recognizes leaders from across the nation
Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Joseph B. Doyle, Director of the Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Office of Customer Service, is one of 40 emerging state leaders from across the nation selected for the prestigious Toll Fellowship Program sponsored by The Council of State Governments.
The annual week-long seminar, which will be held in Lexington, Ky., Sept.12-17, is named in honor of Henry Toll, a Colorado senator who founded CSG in 1933. The seminar seeks to develop the next generation of leaders from all three branches of state governments from across the country. This year's dynamic program focuses on trends analysis, policy development, media and constituent relations, and leadership and institutional changes. The experience gives these leaders perspectives they would not ordinarily obtain during the course of their regular governmental service.
Doyle was nominated by Governor Perdue, with endorsements from Chief Financial Officer Tommy Hills and Chief Operating Officer Jim Lientz.
“Joe Doyle has worked hard to remake the culture of state government, working closely with agencies to ensure our citizens are treated just as businesses treat their best customers,” Governor Perdue said. “His efforts have led to agencies providing better customer service often at the same or less cost, and protected Georgia consumers from unlawful business practices. I was honored to nominate him for this deserved recognition.”
Doyle was selected from many outstanding applicants by a committee of state elected and appointed officials as one of the most promising leaders of state government. This year’s applicant pool included state leaders from all three branches and represented 40 states and two US territories. Past Toll Fellowship graduates include governors, US Senators and members of Congress, as well as leaders in state government.
Doyle has been tasked by Governor Perdue to lead two state agencies:
- The Office of Consumer Affairs protects consumers and businesses from unlawful or deceptive practices in the marketplace.
- The Office of Customer Service is a unique program which engages all Agencies and state employees in improving service to citizens. This is done by Speeding up Service Delivery (Faster); being Helpful and Courteous (Friendlier) and Simplifying Access to state services (Easier).
Doyle is the 10th Georgian selected for the program since it began in the mid-1980s, and the first Georgia selected since 2005.
The Council of State Governments is the premier multibranch organization forecasting policy trends for the community of states, commonwealths and territories on a national and regional basis. CSG alerts state elected and appointed officials to emerging social, economic, and political trends; offers innovative state policy responses to rapidly changing conditions; and advocates multistate problem-solving to maximize resources and competitiveness. CSG promotes excellence in decision-making and leadership skills and champions state sovereignty.
For more information about the Henry Toll Fellowship Program, visit www.csg.org/leadership/tollfellows/default.aspx or contact Krista Rinehart at (859)244-8249.
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Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Joseph B. Doyle, Director of the Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Office of Customer Service, is one of 40 emerging state leaders from across the nation selected for the prestigious Toll Fellowship Program sponsored by The Council of State Governments.
The annual week-long seminar, which will be held in Lexington, Ky., Sept.12-17, is named in honor of Henry Toll, a Colorado senator who founded CSG in 1933. The seminar seeks to develop the next generation of leaders from all three branches of state governments from across the country. This year's dynamic program focuses on trends analysis, policy development, media and constituent relations, and leadership and institutional changes. The experience gives these leaders perspectives they would not ordinarily obtain during the course of their regular governmental service.
Doyle was nominated by Governor Perdue, with endorsements from Chief Financial Officer Tommy Hills and Chief Operating Officer Jim Lientz.
“Joe Doyle has worked hard to remake the culture of state government, working closely with agencies to ensure our citizens are treated just as businesses treat their best customers,” Governor Perdue said. “His efforts have led to agencies providing better customer service often at the same or less cost, and protected Georgia consumers from unlawful business practices. I was honored to nominate him for this deserved recognition.”
Doyle was selected from many outstanding applicants by a committee of state elected and appointed officials as one of the most promising leaders of state government. This year’s applicant pool included state leaders from all three branches and represented 40 states and two US territories. Past Toll Fellowship graduates include governors, US Senators and members of Congress, as well as leaders in state government.
Doyle has been tasked by Governor Perdue to lead two state agencies:
- The Office of Consumer Affairs protects consumers and businesses from unlawful or deceptive practices in the marketplace.
- The Office of Customer Service is a unique program which engages all Agencies and state employees in improving service to citizens. This is done by Speeding up Service Delivery (Faster); being Helpful and Courteous (Friendlier) and Simplifying Access to state services (Easier).
Doyle is the 10th Georgian selected for the program since it began in the mid-1980s, and the first Georgia selected since 2005.
The Council of State Governments is the premier multibranch organization forecasting policy trends for the community of states, commonwealths and territories on a national and regional basis. CSG alerts state elected and appointed officials to emerging social, economic, and political trends; offers innovative state policy responses to rapidly changing conditions; and advocates multistate problem-solving to maximize resources and competitiveness. CSG promotes excellence in decision-making and leadership skills and champions state sovereignty.
For more information about the Henry Toll Fellowship Program, visit www.csg.org/leadership/tollfellows/default.aspx or contact Krista Rinehart at (859)244-8249.
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Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Three from DNR Honored for Right Whale Work
Three employees of the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division’s Nongame Conservation Section have been recognized for their outstanding work during the 2008-2009 right whale calving season.
Senior wildlife biologists Clay George and Mark Dodd and wildlife technician Kate Sparks received awards at the recent Southeastern Implementation Team for Right Whale Conservation conference in St. Augustine, Fla., for their contributions to disentangling North Atlantic right whales.
The 2008-2009 calving season included five documented whale entanglements. Four of the whales were freed from the life-threatening fishing gear and line.
Along with Dodd, George and Sparks, those honored for their part in the disentanglement efforts included Tom Pitchford and Katharine Jackson of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Patricia Naessig of Wildlife Trust, Jessica Taylor of the New England Aquarium, Brian Sharp of Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies and Chris Slay of Coastwise Consulting Inc.
According to conference organizers, the group endured harsh conditions and made personal sacrifices to ensure that the critically endangered animals were given every chance for survival.
“We are very proud of the work that Clay, Mark and Kate accomplished during the 2008-09 season,” Nongame Conservation Section Chief Mike Harris said. “Their dedication and commitment to conservation of Georgia’s wildlife are an example for all of us in the Wildlife Resources Division.”
The Southeastern Implementation Team for Right Whale Conservation is made up of more than a dozen organizations and agencies, including the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Wildlife Trust, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the New England Aquarium. All work together to advance right whale conservation along the eastern U.S. coast.
Decimated by commercial whaling in the 19th century, approximately 400 North Atlantic right whales remain. Almost 200 were sighted off the Georgia coast this winter, up from 150 in 2008. The total includes 39 sets of mother and calf pairs, breaking the previous record of 31 calves set in 2001. The rest of the whales were juveniles and non-breeding adults.
Sparks, Dodd, George and wildlife technician Adam Mackinnon, all part of the Nongame Conservation Section staff at the Brunswick office, also completed training and testing requirements this year to earn the designation of captain.
Georgians can help conserve right whales and other nongame wildlife through buying a wildlife license plate featuring a bald eagle or a ruby-throated hummingbird. The program is vital to Wildlife Resources’ Nongame Conservation Section, which receives no state funds for its mission to help conserve wildlife not legally hunted, fished for or trapped, as well as rare plants and natural habitats in Georgia.
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Senior wildlife biologists Clay George and Mark Dodd and wildlife technician Kate Sparks received awards at the recent Southeastern Implementation Team for Right Whale Conservation conference in St. Augustine, Fla., for their contributions to disentangling North Atlantic right whales.
The 2008-2009 calving season included five documented whale entanglements. Four of the whales were freed from the life-threatening fishing gear and line.
Along with Dodd, George and Sparks, those honored for their part in the disentanglement efforts included Tom Pitchford and Katharine Jackson of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Patricia Naessig of Wildlife Trust, Jessica Taylor of the New England Aquarium, Brian Sharp of Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies and Chris Slay of Coastwise Consulting Inc.
According to conference organizers, the group endured harsh conditions and made personal sacrifices to ensure that the critically endangered animals were given every chance for survival.
“We are very proud of the work that Clay, Mark and Kate accomplished during the 2008-09 season,” Nongame Conservation Section Chief Mike Harris said. “Their dedication and commitment to conservation of Georgia’s wildlife are an example for all of us in the Wildlife Resources Division.”
The Southeastern Implementation Team for Right Whale Conservation is made up of more than a dozen organizations and agencies, including the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Wildlife Trust, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the New England Aquarium. All work together to advance right whale conservation along the eastern U.S. coast.
Decimated by commercial whaling in the 19th century, approximately 400 North Atlantic right whales remain. Almost 200 were sighted off the Georgia coast this winter, up from 150 in 2008. The total includes 39 sets of mother and calf pairs, breaking the previous record of 31 calves set in 2001. The rest of the whales were juveniles and non-breeding adults.
Sparks, Dodd, George and wildlife technician Adam Mackinnon, all part of the Nongame Conservation Section staff at the Brunswick office, also completed training and testing requirements this year to earn the designation of captain.
Georgians can help conserve right whales and other nongame wildlife through buying a wildlife license plate featuring a bald eagle or a ruby-throated hummingbird. The program is vital to Wildlife Resources’ Nongame Conservation Section, which receives no state funds for its mission to help conserve wildlife not legally hunted, fished for or trapped, as well as rare plants and natural habitats in Georgia.
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Friday, May 15, 2009
Royal Presented CAES Medallion of Honor
During graduation ceremonies for the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences May 9, State Rep. Richard Royal received the college’s highest honor: the Medallion of Honor for Service.
“Richard Royal was one of the most respected members of Georgia's House of Representatives,” said J. Scott Angle, UGA CAES dean and director. “For the college, he provided expert advice and worked behind the scenes to help our college effectively support Georgia's largest industry - agriculture.”
The medallion is given in recognition of service to the college and the agricultural industry in Georgia.
“It was a great honor" to receive the medallion, Royal said. “I was extremely happy that during my political career, I was in a position to assist the University System of Georgia and especially the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of Georgia.”
Royal’s strong legislative voice for agriculture in Georgia has provided outstanding leadership and support for CAES, particularly for the college’s campus in Tifton, Ga., said Joe West, CAES assistant dean in Tifton.
“His support has strengthened our ability to deliver high-quality agricultural programs,” West said. “Support for faculty positions, facilities and his advocacy have helped to ensure that the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences will continue to deliver the research and educational programs to further Georgia’s agricultural industry.”
Royal was first elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1983. He represents the 171st District, which includes Mitchell and Colquitt counties. He served as chairman of the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight Committee and chairman of the Property Tax Sub-committee of the House Ways and Means Committee.
Royal also served as a member of the Appropriations and Natural Resources and Environment committees. He was also appointed to the Tobacco Advisory Committee by the Speaker of the House and to the Fiscal Affairs Committee by the Governor.
Royal attended Mitchell County High School and the Georgia Institute of Technology. Prior to his service in the House of Representatives, he served on the Camilla City Council for 10 years.
He received multiple awards and honors for leadership from the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia and the Georgia Municipal Association. In 2003, Royal became the first recipient of the Presidential Citation from Georgia Tech.
Royal and his wife, Marilyn, have five children and nine grandchildren. He is a deacon at Pebble City Baptist Church and has been a Sunday school teacher for over 24 years. When not in session, he is a consultant for the petroleum industry.
CAES is one of the oldest colleges of agriculture in the nation and among the top five in the nation for research and extension programs. This year, the college also celebrated its largest student body in history, breaking a record that has stood since 1978.
“It is our mission to support Georgia agriculture through our research programs on campus at our Agricultural Experiment Stations across the state and to delivery that research through UGA Cooperative Extension to producers, families and businesses who need it,” Angle said.
“But our greatest challenge,” he said, “is to attract, educate and graduate the workforce that will support and lead the industry in the future. With strong commitment from state legislators like Richard Royal, we are making large strides toward meeting the employment demands of the industry with highly qualified graduates.”
By Faith Peppers
University of Georgia
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“Richard Royal was one of the most respected members of Georgia's House of Representatives,” said J. Scott Angle, UGA CAES dean and director. “For the college, he provided expert advice and worked behind the scenes to help our college effectively support Georgia's largest industry - agriculture.”
The medallion is given in recognition of service to the college and the agricultural industry in Georgia.
“It was a great honor" to receive the medallion, Royal said. “I was extremely happy that during my political career, I was in a position to assist the University System of Georgia and especially the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the University of Georgia.”
Royal’s strong legislative voice for agriculture in Georgia has provided outstanding leadership and support for CAES, particularly for the college’s campus in Tifton, Ga., said Joe West, CAES assistant dean in Tifton.
“His support has strengthened our ability to deliver high-quality agricultural programs,” West said. “Support for faculty positions, facilities and his advocacy have helped to ensure that the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences will continue to deliver the research and educational programs to further Georgia’s agricultural industry.”
Royal was first elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1983. He represents the 171st District, which includes Mitchell and Colquitt counties. He served as chairman of the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight Committee and chairman of the Property Tax Sub-committee of the House Ways and Means Committee.
Royal also served as a member of the Appropriations and Natural Resources and Environment committees. He was also appointed to the Tobacco Advisory Committee by the Speaker of the House and to the Fiscal Affairs Committee by the Governor.
Royal attended Mitchell County High School and the Georgia Institute of Technology. Prior to his service in the House of Representatives, he served on the Camilla City Council for 10 years.
He received multiple awards and honors for leadership from the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia and the Georgia Municipal Association. In 2003, Royal became the first recipient of the Presidential Citation from Georgia Tech.
Royal and his wife, Marilyn, have five children and nine grandchildren. He is a deacon at Pebble City Baptist Church and has been a Sunday school teacher for over 24 years. When not in session, he is a consultant for the petroleum industry.
CAES is one of the oldest colleges of agriculture in the nation and among the top five in the nation for research and extension programs. This year, the college also celebrated its largest student body in history, breaking a record that has stood since 1978.
“It is our mission to support Georgia agriculture through our research programs on campus at our Agricultural Experiment Stations across the state and to delivery that research through UGA Cooperative Extension to producers, families and businesses who need it,” Angle said.
“But our greatest challenge,” he said, “is to attract, educate and graduate the workforce that will support and lead the industry in the future. With strong commitment from state legislators like Richard Royal, we are making large strides toward meeting the employment demands of the industry with highly qualified graduates.”
By Faith Peppers
University of Georgia
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Thursday, May 14, 2009
Dr. Emily Abrams Massey of Atlanta Honored as 'Healthy Hero' by the AMERIGROUP Foundation
/PRNewswire/ -- The AMERIGROUP Foundation today announced that it is honoring Dr. Emily Abrams Massey, principal of Seaborn Lee Elementary School, by designating her a "Healthy Hero."
Dr. Massey has served as principal at Seaborn Lee for more than six years. After noticing an increase in the number of overweight children suffering from health issues, Dr. Massey decided to take action. With a clear vision to improve the overall health and well-being of her students, Dr. Massey worked with the school nurse and cafeteria chef to devise a plan that would help change her students' eating habits and promote healthier lifestyles. Adopting principles from Dr. Yvonne Sanders-Butler's book, "Healthy Kids/Smart Kids," last year Seaborn Lee became a sugar-free zone with a new menu, including healthier choices such as grilled foods, whole-grain cereals, and fruits and vegetables. Dr. Massey quickly got parents on board to help create a support system for students and to encourage healthy families.
"Dr. Massey demonstrates a strong commitment to improving the lives of children and families through a cooperative, community effort," said John E. Littel, Chairman of the AMERIGROUP Foundation. "Her commitment offers a tremendous example of the meaningful results each of us can have within our own community. The AMERIGROUP Foundation is pleased to recognize and support her continuing efforts and achievements."
"I am absolutely elated to be receiving recognition from the AMERIGROUP Foundation for my efforts to create a healthier school environment," Dr. Massey said. "I am proud of our partnership and the great work that the AMERIGROUP Foundation is doing within the community. This is a great testament for all of the 17 schools within my cluster that are incorporating the Healthy Kids/Smart Kids Sugar-Free Zone."
The AMERIGROUP Foundation periodically honors "Healthy Heroes" who have made a significant difference in the communities served by its corporate underwriter, AMERIGROUP Corporation, which administers publicly funded healthcare programs such as Medicaid and Medicare for state and federal governments. AMERIGROUP Community Care of Georgia brings healthcare services to about 213,000 people enrolled in Medicaid in the State.
To honor Dr. Massey's service, the Foundation will present a $1,000 contribution to the organization of her choice, the American Diabetes Association.
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Dr. Massey has served as principal at Seaborn Lee for more than six years. After noticing an increase in the number of overweight children suffering from health issues, Dr. Massey decided to take action. With a clear vision to improve the overall health and well-being of her students, Dr. Massey worked with the school nurse and cafeteria chef to devise a plan that would help change her students' eating habits and promote healthier lifestyles. Adopting principles from Dr. Yvonne Sanders-Butler's book, "Healthy Kids/Smart Kids," last year Seaborn Lee became a sugar-free zone with a new menu, including healthier choices such as grilled foods, whole-grain cereals, and fruits and vegetables. Dr. Massey quickly got parents on board to help create a support system for students and to encourage healthy families.
"Dr. Massey demonstrates a strong commitment to improving the lives of children and families through a cooperative, community effort," said John E. Littel, Chairman of the AMERIGROUP Foundation. "Her commitment offers a tremendous example of the meaningful results each of us can have within our own community. The AMERIGROUP Foundation is pleased to recognize and support her continuing efforts and achievements."
"I am absolutely elated to be receiving recognition from the AMERIGROUP Foundation for my efforts to create a healthier school environment," Dr. Massey said. "I am proud of our partnership and the great work that the AMERIGROUP Foundation is doing within the community. This is a great testament for all of the 17 schools within my cluster that are incorporating the Healthy Kids/Smart Kids Sugar-Free Zone."
The AMERIGROUP Foundation periodically honors "Healthy Heroes" who have made a significant difference in the communities served by its corporate underwriter, AMERIGROUP Corporation, which administers publicly funded healthcare programs such as Medicaid and Medicare for state and federal governments. AMERIGROUP Community Care of Georgia brings healthcare services to about 213,000 people enrolled in Medicaid in the State.
To honor Dr. Massey's service, the Foundation will present a $1,000 contribution to the organization of her choice, the American Diabetes Association.
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TSA Names Mary Leftridge Byrd Federal Security Director for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
/PRNewswire/ -- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has named Mary Leftridge Byrd as the federal security director for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
"A strong and dynamic leader, Mary has a proven track record in helping large organizations achieve success," said Lee Kair, TSA's assistant administrator for Security Operations. "Her energy and determination will be real assets as she leads TSA operations at the world's busiest airport."
Leftridge Byrd began her career in criminal justice and law enforcement in 1974. She has served as warden and superintendent of medium and maximum security institutions in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Most recently, she was the assistant and deputy secretary with the Washington State Department of Corrections.
Leftridge Byrd holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Pennsylvania State University. She has been recognized for professional excellence and in 2005 received the criminal justice professional of the year award from the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. In 2008 she was elected to the American Correctional Association, National Board of Governors.
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"A strong and dynamic leader, Mary has a proven track record in helping large organizations achieve success," said Lee Kair, TSA's assistant administrator for Security Operations. "Her energy and determination will be real assets as she leads TSA operations at the world's busiest airport."
Leftridge Byrd began her career in criminal justice and law enforcement in 1974. She has served as warden and superintendent of medium and maximum security institutions in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Most recently, she was the assistant and deputy secretary with the Washington State Department of Corrections.
Leftridge Byrd holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Pennsylvania State University. She has been recognized for professional excellence and in 2005 received the criminal justice professional of the year award from the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. In 2008 she was elected to the American Correctional Association, National Board of Governors.
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Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears Joins Schiff Hardin LLP in Atlanta
/PRNewswire/ -- Schiff Hardin LLP takes particular pride in announcing that Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears will join the firm in its Atlanta office as a partner on October 15, 2009, following her retirement from the Georgia high court. She will become a member of Schiff Hardin's Litigation Group, focusing on general and appellate litigation, as well as corporate compliance issues.
"I am honored to be joining such a distinguished law firm with a long history of service and dedication to its clients," said Chief Justice Sears, the first woman and the youngest person ever to become a Georgia Supreme Court Justice.
Schiff Hardin Chairman Robert H. Riley, emphasized the significance of her decision to become a Schiff Hardin partner. "Chief Justice Sears is a uniquely gifted lawyer and person. It is a great honor to have her join our firm. This is an important day for our clients, who now will have access to the insights and experience of a great jurist," Riley said.
Schiff Hardin's Managing Partner, Ronald S. Safer, echoed Mr. Riley's praise. "Chief Justice Sears is not only an outstanding jurist and an outstanding lawyer, but an outstanding person. I cannot overstate the positive impact Chief Justice Sears will have in expanding our client service capabilities, our law firm culture and our strong competitive position - both in Atlanta and across the United States. What a wonderful honor this is to the entire Schiff Hardin family that Chief Justice Sears selected our firm from among the many other premier law firms that she could have chosen," Safer said.
Schiff Hardin's Atlanta Office Coordinating Partner Michael K. Wolensky added, "We are so proud that an attorney and civic leader of Chief Justice Sears' stature is joining us. Our clients will be well-served by Chief Justice Sears' sound judgment and unique legal skills. We also are committed to supporting her ongoing activities as a community leader, serving as a member or on the board for so many important organizations."
Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears
When appointed in 1992, Chief Justice Sears became the first woman and the youngest person ever to become a Georgia Supreme Court justice. Born June 13, 1955 in Heidelberg, Germany, she grew up traveling the globe with her family and father, Lt. Colonel Thomas Sears, who served as a Master Army Aviator in the U.S. Army. The Sears family eventually settled in Savannah, Georgia, where she attended elementary and high school. In 1976, Chief Justice Sears earned her B.S. degree at Cornell University and moved to Atlanta, where she earned her J.D. from Emory University School of Law in 1980.
After earning her law degree, Chief Justice Sears decided to stay in Atlanta. There, she made a name for herself working as a trial lawyer for the law firm, Alston and Bird. In 1985, after five years of working, Mayor Andrew Young appointed her as a judge in Atlanta's City Traffic Court. After serving three years in this position, Chief Justice Sears was elected to the Superior Court of Fulton County, Georgia. She became the first African American woman to hold such a position in the State of Georgia. In February of 1992, Governor Zell Miller appointed Chief Justice Sears to Georgia's Supreme Court. Chief Justice Sears retained her seat on the state's Supreme Court by winning a statewide election in the fall of 1992. This made her the first woman to win a contested statewide election in Georgia. In 1993, Chief Justice Sears received an honorary Doctor of Law degree from Morehouse College. She then continued her education and earned a LL.M. degree from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1995. She was sworn in as Chief Justice of Georgia's Supreme Court on June 28, 2005.
Chief Justice Sears has several civic and professional affiliations. She served as chairman of the American Bar Association's Board of Elections, the Judicial Section of the Atlanta Bar Association, and the Atlanta Bar's Minority Clerkship Program. She founded and served as the first president of the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys. Chief Justice Sears is a member of the Atlanta Chapter of Links, Inc., and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Georgia Trend magazine has honored Justice Sears as one of the "100 Most Influential Georgians," and in 1993 Business Atlanta magazine named her as one of the "Under Forty and on the Fast Track." In 2001, she was the recipient of the Emory Medal from Emory University for being an "Outstanding Young Alumna."
During her tenure on the Georgia Supreme Court, she spearheaded two major initiatives: the Georgia Supreme Court's Commission on Children, Marriage, and Family Law and the Committee on Civil Justice. The Commission on Children, Marriage, and Family Law was established to address the legal and administrative issues stemming from the increasing fragmentation of Georgia's families, while the Committee on Civil Justice was established to develop, coordinate, and support policy initiatives to expand access to the courts for poor and vulnerable Georgians.
In addition to practicing law at Schiff Hardin, Justice Sears plans to devote half her time over the course of the next 18 months to two other ventures. Starting August 15, she has accepted an offer from the Institute for American Values to serve for one year as the William Thomas Sears Distinguished Fellow in Family Law. The fellowship is named after her beloved brother Tommy, who died in November 2007 at the age of 53. The Institute for American Values is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan research institution based in New York City. Its goals are to produce cutting-edge scholarship in the area of marriage and family, influence how Americans think about financial thrift and generosity, and increase Americans' engagement in Islam-West relations.
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"I am honored to be joining such a distinguished law firm with a long history of service and dedication to its clients," said Chief Justice Sears, the first woman and the youngest person ever to become a Georgia Supreme Court Justice.
Schiff Hardin Chairman Robert H. Riley, emphasized the significance of her decision to become a Schiff Hardin partner. "Chief Justice Sears is a uniquely gifted lawyer and person. It is a great honor to have her join our firm. This is an important day for our clients, who now will have access to the insights and experience of a great jurist," Riley said.
Schiff Hardin's Managing Partner, Ronald S. Safer, echoed Mr. Riley's praise. "Chief Justice Sears is not only an outstanding jurist and an outstanding lawyer, but an outstanding person. I cannot overstate the positive impact Chief Justice Sears will have in expanding our client service capabilities, our law firm culture and our strong competitive position - both in Atlanta and across the United States. What a wonderful honor this is to the entire Schiff Hardin family that Chief Justice Sears selected our firm from among the many other premier law firms that she could have chosen," Safer said.
Schiff Hardin's Atlanta Office Coordinating Partner Michael K. Wolensky added, "We are so proud that an attorney and civic leader of Chief Justice Sears' stature is joining us. Our clients will be well-served by Chief Justice Sears' sound judgment and unique legal skills. We also are committed to supporting her ongoing activities as a community leader, serving as a member or on the board for so many important organizations."
Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears
When appointed in 1992, Chief Justice Sears became the first woman and the youngest person ever to become a Georgia Supreme Court justice. Born June 13, 1955 in Heidelberg, Germany, she grew up traveling the globe with her family and father, Lt. Colonel Thomas Sears, who served as a Master Army Aviator in the U.S. Army. The Sears family eventually settled in Savannah, Georgia, where she attended elementary and high school. In 1976, Chief Justice Sears earned her B.S. degree at Cornell University and moved to Atlanta, where she earned her J.D. from Emory University School of Law in 1980.
After earning her law degree, Chief Justice Sears decided to stay in Atlanta. There, she made a name for herself working as a trial lawyer for the law firm, Alston and Bird. In 1985, after five years of working, Mayor Andrew Young appointed her as a judge in Atlanta's City Traffic Court. After serving three years in this position, Chief Justice Sears was elected to the Superior Court of Fulton County, Georgia. She became the first African American woman to hold such a position in the State of Georgia. In February of 1992, Governor Zell Miller appointed Chief Justice Sears to Georgia's Supreme Court. Chief Justice Sears retained her seat on the state's Supreme Court by winning a statewide election in the fall of 1992. This made her the first woman to win a contested statewide election in Georgia. In 1993, Chief Justice Sears received an honorary Doctor of Law degree from Morehouse College. She then continued her education and earned a LL.M. degree from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1995. She was sworn in as Chief Justice of Georgia's Supreme Court on June 28, 2005.
Chief Justice Sears has several civic and professional affiliations. She served as chairman of the American Bar Association's Board of Elections, the Judicial Section of the Atlanta Bar Association, and the Atlanta Bar's Minority Clerkship Program. She founded and served as the first president of the Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys. Chief Justice Sears is a member of the Atlanta Chapter of Links, Inc., and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Georgia Trend magazine has honored Justice Sears as one of the "100 Most Influential Georgians," and in 1993 Business Atlanta magazine named her as one of the "Under Forty and on the Fast Track." In 2001, she was the recipient of the Emory Medal from Emory University for being an "Outstanding Young Alumna."
During her tenure on the Georgia Supreme Court, she spearheaded two major initiatives: the Georgia Supreme Court's Commission on Children, Marriage, and Family Law and the Committee on Civil Justice. The Commission on Children, Marriage, and Family Law was established to address the legal and administrative issues stemming from the increasing fragmentation of Georgia's families, while the Committee on Civil Justice was established to develop, coordinate, and support policy initiatives to expand access to the courts for poor and vulnerable Georgians.
In addition to practicing law at Schiff Hardin, Justice Sears plans to devote half her time over the course of the next 18 months to two other ventures. Starting August 15, she has accepted an offer from the Institute for American Values to serve for one year as the William Thomas Sears Distinguished Fellow in Family Law. The fellowship is named after her beloved brother Tommy, who died in November 2007 at the age of 53. The Institute for American Values is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan research institution based in New York City. Its goals are to produce cutting-edge scholarship in the area of marriage and family, influence how Americans think about financial thrift and generosity, and increase Americans' engagement in Islam-West relations.
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