Charlotte Nash, Chairman of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners

has done a lot to serve her community in a variety of different capacities, but a little over a month ago she made headlines when in a special election. 

When she was sworn in on March 28, she became only the second woman to hold the post and she looks forward to carrying out her first elected office position in a manner that will make Dacula proud.

“I have deep roots in Gwinnett County,” said Nash. “My father's family moved here in the 1820's, and I have lived in the Harbins Community all my life.”  

A 1971 graduate of Dacula High School, Nash married her high school sweetheart, Michael, to whom she has now been married for nearly 39 years. The Nash’s have one son, a daughter, a son-in-law and two granddaughters.

Nash went on to graduate from the University of Georgia in 1975 with a degree in accounting and for nearly thirty years served our county as finance director and county administrator. 

It’s clear that Nash loves our county and that Dacula holds a special place in her heart.
 
“Dacula is not only home, it is a special place,” she said. “While it has grown a great deal since my childhood, it still retains a small town feel. Many of the same families live in the area, including some of my lifelong friends.”

Dacula has indeed grown a lot recently, yet many people are anxious over what the future holds for Dacula especially in light of the economic uncertainty that continues to cloud our nation’s landscape.

“The pace of growth and change in our community is going to be slower over the next decade due to the general slowdown in the economy,” she said. “However, I think that folks will still be attracted to Dacula. The type and amount of commercial development will be influenced both by the economy and by sewer availability. I anticipate that some important road improvements, like grade-separated intersections along 316, may be completed in the next ten years.”  

“A real miracle would be ,” she jokingly added.

Charlotte Nash is taking to her new role as one would expect, with the ease of a veteran county worker who knows how county government works. 

“The transition into the Chairman's role has not been too difficult since I had a good idea regarding the demands and responsibilities before I decided to run for the office,” she said. “The county staff and district commissioners have welcomed me and have been supportive as I began my service.”

Nash is quick to point out that despite her easy transition into her newly elected position, there are certainly some big challenges ahead of her, challenges she is ready to face head-on. 

“My priorities include regaining the public's trust, managing the county budget within available revenues without increasing property taxes and working with the business community to foster economic activity and job creation,” said Nash.

Dacula looks forward to seeing how one of its own is able to help make our community and beyond an even better place to live.