ATLANTA – State Representative Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) today announced that she has selected Jan Dunaway as a recipient of the Yellow Rose/Nikki T. Randall Servant Leader Award, which is sponsored by the Georgia Women’s Legislative Caucus.
“I am honored to award Jan Dunaway with the Nikki T. Randall Servant Leader Award,” said Rep. Davis. “She embodies what it means to be a servant leader through her many years of dedication to her community. Through her involvement in both the healthcare and environmental sectors, she has served as a role model and educator to her community.”
Jan Dunaway has a background as a registered nurse and a former state employee. Jan retired in 2022 after serving as a manager for the Healthcare Facility Regulation Division, specifically focusing on Long-term Care (LTC), but she continues to work as a part-time nurse inspector for the Veterans Affairs LTC facilities, helping to ensure compliance and quality care nationwide.
Besides her healthcare career, Jan is also involved in environmental conservation efforts. For the past two decades, she has served as a DeKalb County Soil and Water Conservation Supervisor, volunteering her time to protect the “Waters of State” within the county. She continues her conservation efforts through her regular meetings with county officials and municipalities, where she advocates for the preservation of natural resources.
Jan was also involved in the Army Corps of Engineers’ Indian, Sugar, Intrenchment and Snapfinger Creek Stream Study from 2004 to 2012. Although the project was not completed, Jan remained committed to improving the health of local streams and protecting the South River.
Currently, Jan keeps her community informed about upcoming zoning changes, special land use permits and other local matters. Jan also provides assistance to new homeowners, especially those who are newly relocated to America, by helping them navigate utility services and save money on their bills.
This award was created in honor of former State Representative Nikki T. Randall, who became the first African American female elected to the Georgia General Assembly. Former Rep. Randall served as chair of the Georgia Legislative Women’s Caucus. Every year during Women’s History Month, this caucus recognizes outstanding women in Georgia who exemplify the leadership and inspiration embodied by former Rep. Randall.
Rep. Davis also introduced a privileged resolution, House Resolution 1321, to honor Jan Dunaway.
*Editor’s Note: a picture of Jan Dunaway is attached.
Representative Viola Davis represents the citizens of District 87, which includes portions of DeKalb County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Insurance, Interstate Cooperation, Natural Resources & Environment and Urban Affairs committees.
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