Ambassador of the Year 2000

The Ambassador of the Year Award was proposed by the first Executive Secretary of GMIS International, Jack Humphries. The GMIS Board approved this special recognition award to the GMIS member, who by recruiting new members had helped his/her organization to grow. In my present position as Executive Secretary of GMIS International, it is my pleasure to congratulate our 2000 Ambassador of the Year, Charles Downey.

The 2000 Ambassador of the Year Award recipient is a dedicated, loyal GMIS member who is always working for the benefit of GMIS. He recruits new members, contacts and welcomes new members and is always willing to answer a lot of questions about and for GMIS. Charles has been employed with Fulton County, Georgia for twenty-four years. He has been working for the Clerk to the Fulton County Board of Commissioners for eleven years and prior to that worked with the Fulton County Finance Department, Housing Authority and the Tax Commissioner offices. Charles has a B.S. degree in Business Administration from West Georgia College. Charles is married to a lovely West Georgia graduate, Jane and they have two children, Chad and Sandra.

Charles's strong commitment to GMIS started years ago when another loyal GMIS member, Lynn Morris with the State of Georgia, introduced him to the GA-GMIS Educational Conference. Charles stated, "After attending my first meeting, I knew that I could learn a lot about computers and how to manage a computer system with many users. Also, I found an organization that cared and was willing to help any member regardless how large or small their operation was." Meeting and talking with other government information technology people has allowed him to gather first-hand knowledge about many computer systems. He stated, " I find myself very fortunate to be a part of GMIS. I am trying my best to give back just a small part of what I have gained from GMIS throughout the years. Networking with other computer professionals is just FANTASTIC!!! I LOVE IT!"

Charles' dedication to GMIS is indicated by his years of involvement and work for the betterment of the organization. He became an involved member and has worked his way through the State Chapter Vice President seats and is now the President of the GA GMIS Chapter. Charles served on the Conference 2000 Committee and was responsible in securing the Chairman of the Fulton County Commissioners as a speaker. Charles is working with the University of Georgia in an effort to offer a Certification Program for Information Technology Professionals.

Charles was introduced to the computer field with an IBM 5520. A lot has changed since those days. IBM has provided training and support, but Charles will tell you that a lot of moral support has come from his association with the GA-GMIS people.

Please join me, and the GMIS Board in congratulating Charles Downey as the 2000 Ambassador of the Year.