posted August 27, 2008
 Bebe Heiskell Named Walker County Citizen Of The Year |
In 2001, Heiskell took office as Sole Commissioner of Walker County. This groundbreaking election made her the first and only female Sole Commissioner in the State of Georgia and the first Republican Commissioner in Walker County's history. Prior to the election, she had served Walker County for 24 years.
Heiskell's abilities as County Commissioner go far beyond what is expected of another in her position and has been recognized throughout the state and nation. Governor Sonny Perdue has recognized her leadership abilities and named her to the Board of Directors of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and the State of Georgia's Workforce Investment Board. Nationally, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce recognized her influence and invited her to Washington D.C. to speak before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Air Quality. Her testimony was so important to the decision that the Federal Register Final Decision dated March 22, 2007 was amended to reflect her testimony.
In addition to providing services as county Commissioner, she serves with many other organizations which include the Walker County Development Authority, Coosa Valley Regional Development Commission, Board of Directors for the Southeast, Association of County Commissioners of Georgia, and the Walker County Rural Water and Sewer Authority.
Highlights during her terms in office include leading Walker County to have one of the best fire, rescue and emergency service organizations in the state, lowering the ISO rating and saving residents money with lower insurance rates. Most recently, she has worked with the state to protect and preserve Pigeon Mountain.
It is not all work for Heiskell, as she is involved civically with the LaFayette Elks Lodge and the Battlefield Pilot Club in which she was instrumental in building a playground for handicapped children. She has also been very involved with the Walker County Chamber, serving on the Membership and the Agribusiness committees as well as supporting them through her own time and the time of her employees.
Heiskell has lived in the High Point Community of Walker County for 42 years and is a member of Lookout Baptist Church. She is the widow of Thomas Spencer and the mother of one deceased son, Spencer. She is the mother to two adopted granddaughters, Jade and Morgan, and has one grandson, Thomas.
The Citizen of the Year award is sponsored by the Walker County Chamber of Commerce and is presented every year at the annual Walker County Gala. For more information, contact the Chamber at 706 375-7702 or by e-mail at info@walkercochamber.com.
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