The Council
The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, also known as “Georgia’s DD Council” is one of 55 entities of its type in the United States and territories that report to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Administration for Community Living. It is authorized under Public Law 106-402, the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act Amendments of 2000.
Our activities are governed by a 27-member board, appointed by the Governor and comprised of at least 60 percent individuals with developmental disabilities and family members. Other members include policymakers that represent various agencies and organizations having a vested interested in persons with developmental disabilities.
Originally established as the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, our name was changed in July 2009 to the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, in accordance with legislation that ordered the reorganization of the Department of Human Resources (DHR), Department of Community Health (DCH) and the newly created Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD).
Today, GCDD continues to serve as an advocate for all persons with developmental disabilities. We are charged with creating systems change for people with developmental disabilities and their families by increasing opportunities for independence, inclusion, integration, productivity and self-determination. Activities include public policy research and analysis, reform, project demonstrations, education and training.
Applications for Council Membership
Applying for appointment to the 27-member Council is a true form of advocacy. If you are appointed to the Council, all members are responsible for attending four quarterly meetings, held virtually or in-person. Members are reimbursed for lodging, meals and mileage to attend meetings. Applicants should have first-hand knowledge about DD in Georgia.
To apply, please complete the applications (linked below) and email, mail, or submit online to GCDD. GCDD accepts applications year-round. If you have any questions regarding applying to the Council or completing this application, please email us at .
The online application is available below. The application is also available in the following formats:
Applications can be submitted online; emailed to with “Council Member Application” in the subject line; or mailed to the GCDD offices at:
Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities
Sloppy Floyd Building, West Tower
200 Piedmont Avenue SE
Suite 426, 4th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30334
Attention: Fanta Mitchell
Since our inception in 1971, GCDD has been a powerful advocate for more than 1.7 million Georgians with developmental disabilities and their families. The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities wishes to thank those members who rotated off the Council this year. Below is a list of current Council members.
Council Members / Advisory Board Members
Melissa Barwick
Georgia Department of Human Services – Designee
Jeff Allen Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency – Designee |
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Melissa Barwick Georgia Department of Human Services – Designee |
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Lori Campbell Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities – Designee |
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Mark Crenshaw Executive Committee Member Center for Leadership in Disability - Georgia State University – Designee |
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Brian Dowd Georgia Department of Community Health – Designee |
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Wesley Ford Self-Advocate Jackson |
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Dorothy Harris Self-Advocate Fitzgerald |
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Rena Harris Georgia Advocacy Office - Designee Lawrenceville |
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Nandi Isaac Self-Advocate Macon |
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Wina Low
Georgia Department of Education – Designee
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Lisa Marie Newbern
Council Chair
Atlanta |
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Evan H. Nodvin Executive Committee Member Self-Advocate Atlanta |
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Sharifa Peart
Georgia Department of Public Health – Designee
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Dr. Zolinda Stoneman Institute of Human Development & Disability – University of Georgia Athens |
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Sharia Stripling |
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Elana Meyers Taylor |
State Agency Partners
Commissioner Russel Carlson |
Georgia Department of Community Health |
Commissioner Candice L. Broce |
Georgia Department of Human Services |
Commissioner Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H. |
Georgia Department of Public Health |
Commissioner Kevin Tanner |
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities |
Commissioner Christopher Nunn |
Georgia Department of Community Affairs |
Executive Director Chris Wells |
Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency |