(Lawrenceville, Ga., Dec. 4, 2020) – In recognition of her significant contributions to Gwinnett County and the entire Atlanta region, Gwinnett Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlotte Nash on Wednesday received the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Harry West Visionary Leadership Award for 2020.

Nash, who is retiring this year after almost 40 years in public service, joined the ARC board in 2011 and has held a variety of leadership roles across the region, including chairman of the Transportation and Air Quality Committee; member and chair of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District board; chief local elected official on the Atlanta Regional Workforce Development Board; and member of the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority board.

“Charlotte has been one of the most active and impactful, members of the ARC Board. That’s probably an understatement,” said Kerry Armstrong, ARC board chairman. “She has brought a deep wealth of knowledge, perspective, and wisdom to the table that will be sorely missed. Charlotte has been more than a member of the ARC board. She has been a leader – in words, which are few. And in deeds, which are too many to count.”

Her career began as Gwinnett County’s grants manager in 1977, and she served as county administrator for nine years before leaving in 2004. She ran for Board of Commissioners chairman in 2011 out of her devotion to the county she has called home her entire life.

The Harry West Visionary Leadership Award was established in memory of ARC’s longest-serving executive director, who exemplified courageous and visionary leadership throughout his career in the public, private and university sectors.

“The ARC has played a huge role in shaping metro Atlanta for the better, and Harry West was one of the driving forces at the ARC whose positive influence is still felt even today,” Nash said. “To receive this award named after him is a great honor. I’m humbled and grateful to have been selected from among so many deserving people.”

Gwinnett County Administrator Glenn Stephens praised Nash for her vision and dedication to making metro Atlanta a better place to live.

“It has been an honor to work with and support Chairman Nash during her tenure both on the ARC board as well as Chairman of Gwinnett County,” he said. “I humbly believe that Chairman Nash has provided an example of the regional thinking, planning and innovation that would make Mr. West proud, and that we will continue to see her positive impact on our region for years to come.”

Each year, the physical award is passed from one recipient to the next. It is a turned wooden bowl of Red “Leopard” Maple, crafted by Phillip Moulthrop, the middle of three generations of Marietta wood turners.

In taking a raw piece of wood and through vision, skill and determination – turning it into something of lasting beauty and value, the bowl symbolizes visionary leadership.

Nash received the award during Wednesday’s ARC board meeting, which was held virtually.

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Note: Photos from the award presentation are available on the County’s Flickr page.