Georgia’s Developmental Disabilities Council Welcomes New Members

On Monday, September 16, 2024, at the Georgia State Capitol Governor’s Office, Governor Brian Kemp swore in eight new Council members from the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD). Every four years, GCDD swears in new Council members who are board appointed by Governor Kemp. This group is comprised of at least 60 percent individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and family members. Other members include policymakers that represent various agencies and organizations having a vested interest in people with DD. This ceremony was the swearing in of eight (8) new Council members.

The significance of this event cannot be understated. The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities has long played a critical role in advocating for the rights and needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. Since its inception in 1971, the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD), formerly known as the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, has been a powerful advocate for more than 1.7 million Georgians with I/DD and their families. GCDD’s success is driven by the 27-member, Governor-appointed Council and the statewide I/DD community that have been integral in driving projects, partnerships, and policy for Georgia’s DD community.

The new Council members represent diverse communities across several Georgia counties, including Carroll, Fulton, Camden, Dekalb, Muscogee, Chatham, and Walker counties. Each member brings unique perspectives and experiences to the table, which is vital for addressing the needs of the developmental disabilities community. The responsibilities of a GCDD Council member include attending four quarterly meetings, held virtually or in-person, as well as participating in various GCDD events throughout the year. Their commitment is not just a job; it’s a passion to serve a population that often faces numerous challenges in accessing services and resources. Attendees of the ceremony included First Lady Marty Kemp, GCDD Board Chair Lisa Newbern, GCDD Executive Director D’Arcy Robb, State Representative Scott Hilton, and members of GCDD’s staff, all of whom underscored the importance of this initiative.

The new council members include:

• Jessica Cowell – Self Advocate
• Martha Haythorne – Self Advocacy
• Dayna Holbel – Organizational Representative, Emory Autism Center
• Tais Kaiser – Parent
• Brook Kubik – Parent
• Jennifer Snyder – Organizational Representative, LIFE Center for Independent Living
• Chrstine St. Pierre – Sibling
• Dave Ward – Organizational Representative, Tommy Nobis Center

(Note: Leslie Kate Thornton – a Self Advocate from St. Mary’s, Georgia, was not in attendance but will be sworn in at the October Council meeting.)

The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) stands as the State’s leader in advancing public policy on behalf of persons with developmental disabilities. Its mission is to bring about social and policy changes that promote opportunities for the wide spectrum of diverse individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to live, learn, work, play, and worship in their communities. As part of its ongoing efforts, the GCDD collaborates with various organizations, including the Georgia Disability agency, to ensure that the voices of individuals with developmental disabilities are heard and represented in policymaking processes.

The work done by the GCDD is vital not only for the individuals they directly serve but also for the broader community. By advocating for inclusive policies and practices, they help create an environment where all individuals, regardless of their abilities, can thrive and contribute to society.