CONYERS, GA— Harvard University sent two students from their Masters of Public Administration program to assist with the transition for the new leadership of Rockdale County. Chairwoman JaNice Van Ness for the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners offered it was a tremendous boost of support to be selected by Harvard to receive assistance during the beginning weeks of the new administration. The students are part of the Taubman Center for State and Local Government of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government provides students with internships through its Transition Term program.
To assist in this endeavor, the commission asked Derek Marchman to serve as the team’s guide and counsel to aid in securing meetings, data, and report development. The students serving as Team Rockdale for the Transition Term program are Ms. Shanequa Moore, who recently moved from New York City to Cobb County, and Mr. Willie Powell, who is from New Hampshire.
The students arrived in Conyers on January 1 and will return to campus on January 18. During their time in Rockdale, they have met with all of the Commissioners, a majority of the department directors, elected officials, Conyers Rockdale Economic Development Council. and even the leadership for the City of Conyers and Covington to obtain a holistic perspective of local governance. Policy issues discussed range from leadership culture to economic development, taxes, public infrastructure, land use, social services, technology and data utilization, strategic planning, and performance management.
Some highlights of their time in Rockdale include dinner and fellowship at the homes of multiple community leaders offering the opportunity for additional insight. In addition, the students participated in a historical moment by visiting the Carter Center for President Jimmy Carter’s viewing.
The culmination of the team’s meetings and data analysis will result in a presentation of findings to Chair Van Ness, including suggestions to assist in the generation and implementation of solutions. These ideas will help the commission address challenges, enhance efficiency, and expand effective programs to better serve the citizens.
Van Ness offers, “The work of the team will greatly assist in our efforts to conduct in-depth reviews of departments, staff, and budgets before the commission will implement changes. More importantly, it is one of the most respected schools in the world that will support future measures. We wish to thank the students and Mr. Marchman for their dedication and work to assist in the enhancements of Rockdale County” The dissemination process of the findings is yet to be determined. Still, the commission expects elements of the information to surface in future actions taken by the commission to create a more efficient, transparent government.
Marchman Consulting helps communities make an impact with data analysis, grant development, implementation, and evaluation for sustainability efforts for a variety of programs. An example is the alcohol risk management (ARM) measures, such as Marchman’s award-winning RASS training program. Validation of his success, Marchman was the recipient of the Office of Victims of Crime 2022 Victims’ Rights Award presented by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland on the Washington Mall. More information of his services is available at www.marchmanconsulting.com.
