Date Posted: February 19, 2025
Dr. Irvin T. Clark, Southern Crescent Technical College President, has been awarded the South Metro Development Outlook 2025 Excellence in Education and Workforce Development Award. Nominated by Carlotta Harrell, Chairwoman of the Henry County Board of Commissioners, Dr. Clark was presented the award at the 23rd annual South Metro Development Outlook Conference (SMDO25) held at the Georgia International Convention Center on February 19.
Dr. Ray Perren, Deputy Commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), presented the award to Dr. Clark stating, “This award stands for not only the way he has served the Technical College System, but also the way he has served and uplifted our entire college community. Irvin’s contributions truly define those of a transformational leader shaping the future of education and workforce development. I have seen him reach out to every corner of his service area to make sure every student has access to world class educational opportunities. He has traveled this country to meet with industry leaders who have manufacturing facilities in the south metro area to ensure their workforce needs are met. This is an outstanding award going to an outstanding individual.”
“I am honored to receive the Excellence in Education & Global Workforce Development Award. Workforce development is the driving force to success in Georgia’s economy, employment, and success and I am proud to combine that with the training we provide at Southern Crescent Technical College and across the state in the TCSG system. It is a privilege to work directly with the communities we serve through economic development, workforce development, Quickstart, our local industries and the many other pathways available in Georgia. I am proud to be a part of the solutions to keep Georgia number one in workforce development.” stated Dr. Clark.
“The Technical College System of Georgia and the work Dr. Clark has done is a significant component for workforce for this region. Thank you for all of your contributions.” Dr. Michael Hightower, Managing Partner of The Collaborative Firm, LLC said in recognition of the award.
Among the honorees for the day were Dr. Anthony W. Smith, Superintendent of Clayton County Public Schools; Mayor Andre Dickens, Mayor of the City of Atlanta; Kathryn Powers, Marta Board Member and Assistant Dean of Mercer Law School; Bill Edwards, Public Servant; John Wieland, Founder of John Wieland Homes; and Mercedes Miller, President of the Atlanta Airport District Convention and Visitors Bureau. SMDO25 continues to serve as the leading platform for examining and shaping the future of economic development in South Metro Atlanta.
About South Metro Development Outlook
The South Metro Development Outlook (SMDO) conference is the brainchild of Michael Hightower, Managing Partner of The Collaborative Firm, LLC, a Planning, Program Management and Development Company. It has emerged to become the largest development conference of its kind in south metropolitan Atlanta. The conference provides a platform that convenes elected officials, appointed individuals and industry professionals with an interest in fostering sustained economic growth throughout the Region, with a specific focus on Clayton, Coweta, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, and Henry Counties, as well as the City of Atlanta. Use this media hub to get the information you need to tell the story of the South Metro Development Conference. Here you’ll find photos, videos, interviews, press releases, b-roll and more that highlights industries such as: transportation, economic development, energy, banking, media, real estate, aviation, and business. If you have questions, please contact smdo@tcfatl.com and (404) 684-7031.