Statewide Business Association Selects Oden as Commissioner of the Year

CONYERS, Ga. – Rockdale County Chairman & CEO Richard A. Oden has been selected Commissioner of the Year from the 2012 Georgia Minority Business Awards.

The 15th annual award was presented during a multi-cultural banquet themed, “Preparing Our Teens for Global Competition,” on March 29 at the Georgia International Convention Center. Clayton County Commission Chairman Eldrin Bell, also a past awardee, presented Oden the award.

Oden was one of 11 people honored. Other awardees included business presidents and CEOs, a mayor and nonprofit director.


More than 300 people from throughout the region attended the celebration.

“I was surprised by the nomination and very humbled to get such an award,” Oden said. “I’m in an esteemed group of awardees, which makes me encouraged to keep doing the work that I’m doing for Rockdale County.”

The Atlanta Business Journal sponsors the awards. The honor was created 15 years ago and now has expanded to recognize leaders and businesses for outstanding community service in areas such as community development, international business, sales growth, personal achievement, nonprofit organizational excellence, longevity of service, and government administration.

The awards selection committee said the Chairman received the award “…because of the many county management growth projects you have developed for Rockdale County and also accomplishing becoming the first African-American CEO for Rockdale County.”

Through sponsorships, the event also works to raise scholarship funds for students majoring in business, graphic design, international studies, IT and are in trade schools.
 

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