Twenty-two professionals from government organizations across Georgia recently earned certification in Data Analysis and Decision Making for Government from the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government.
The Data Analysis and Decision Making for Government Certificate program is offered through the Institute’s Georgia Data Innovation Hub. The 60-hour program is designed to expand participants’ knowledge of analytics fundamentals and help them stay on top of an ever-changing field. They learn how to effectively interpret, package and present data to different decision makers with ease.
Participants in the 2025-2026 Data Analytics and Decision Making for Government Certificate program represented eight state agencies and three local governments.
Graduation was held during the Developing Data Analytics Capabilities Conference in late March. The ceremony included presentations by Georgia Public Safety Training Center’s Adam Ham, chief technology officer, and Kelly A. Carmichael, leisure services director for Spalding County Parks and Leisure Services.
Carmichael was one of seven students from Spalding County government. Spalding County Manager Steve Ledbetter participated in the program’s first cohort and encouraged county staff to enroll.
“One of the most important takeaways from this course has been reinforcing the idea that strong leadership today requires leading through the numbers,” said Ledbetter. “The ability to ground discussions in data, clearly visualize that information, and transparently explain why decisions are made is essential, especially in public service.”
The next session will start in September. See more information and register online.
2025-2026 Data Analysis and Decision Making for Government Certificate Program graduates:
David Allen, Spalding County
Alicia Ashley, Georgia Department of Corrections
Ross Barrineau, Georgia Department of Corrections
Kelly A. Carmichael, Spalding County
Erica R. Dye, Spalding County
Jameelah Brown Ferrell, Georgia Commission on Family Violence
Wesley T. Flowers, Cobb County Government
Lance Griffin, Spalding County
Adam Ham, Georgia Public Safety Training Center
Briana Harris, Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce
Vickie Hennessy, Spalding County
Cliff Hogan, Georgia Department of Corrections
Garrett Moon, Georgia Department of Administrative Services
LePrissa Moore, Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce
Michael D. Moore, Governor’s Office of Student Achievement
Brian Palmer, Thomas County
Micki Rios, Spalding County
April W. Ross, Georgia Commission on Family Violence
Ryan Schulz, Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities
Brandon Steed, Georgia Department of Audits & Accounts
Mike Windham, Spalding County
Samantha Wynn, Georgia Department of Corrections