SCDA honors departing board member, welcomes new member

Savonda Turner, who served on the Stephens County Development Authority Board for several years, was honored at the SCDA meeting on July 19.

SCDA Chairman Brian Akin said, ‘The Stephens County Development Authority would like to applaud the dedication, leadership and wisdom of Savonda Turner, who completed her tenure on the SCDA Board in June. Savonda has worked diligently …  to promote economic development within Stephens County, and has made significant contributions to Stephens County and the city of Toccoa. We thank Savonda Turner for her tireless work in our community.” 

Akin presented Turner with a plaque for her service.

At the same meeting, Akin welcomed new SCDA Board of Directors member Lisa Lawson. 

Lawson’s role as Chair of the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce automatically gives her a seat on the SCDA board. 

Lawson is the North Georgia Community Outreach Advisor for WoodmenLife and a lifelong resident of Stephens County. She opened a salon at age 19 and was the owner and operator of “Lisa’s Hair Gallery” for 15 years. 

After selling the salon, she was employed by UGA’s Cooperative Extension Service as the 4-H Program Assistant and later took a position with Stephens County as the Senior Center director.

Lawson has also served on the Ninth District Opportunities board as well as the North Georgia Housing Authority board.

The Stephens County Development Authority board of directors consists of the Stephens County Board of Commissioners Chair, The City of  Toccoa’s Mayor, the Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce Chair and two members appointed by the Stephens County Board of Commissioners.

For more information on the Stephens County Development Authority and the Board of Directors, visit scda.biz.