2025 GCIP Grant Recipients
Celebrating the forty-three interns who engaged in hands-on projects across twenty-nine Georgia counties, driving innovation in AI, law, engineering, and more.
43
Interns
29
Counties
4
Kundell Awards
Athens-Clarke
Thomas Livingston
UGA • Entertainment & Media Studies
University of Georgia (UGA) entertainment and media studies student, Thomas Livingston, interned in the Athens-Clarke County Public Information Office. Livingston, a rising junior, worked in various aspects of videography, photography, and digital media. He filmed and photographed events, facilities, and programs throughout the county, and edited the videos for use on social media platforms and the county's TV channel. He also conducted interviews and created social media graphics.
Augusta-Richmond
Alexander Marshall
Mercer University • Law & Public Policy
In Augusta-Richmond County, Alexander Marshall assisted with recruitment strategies in the HR department. Marshall, a law and public policy major and rising junior at Mercer University, helped develop new recruitment strategies to attract and retain top talent for the county. He researched best practices for attracting talent and developed recommendations to enhance the recruitment process. Throughout the internship, Marshall focused on creating a data-driven recruitment strategy that addresses gaps in the county workforce and targets underrepresented groups.
Bartow County
Lyra Roberts
UGA • Accounting
Incoming UGA accounting student Lyra Roberts worked in the Office of the Public Defender in Bartow County. During her internship, Roberts assisted with case review and legal research. She also got the opportunity to meet with both incarcerated and out-of-custody clients. Roberts interviewed clients, assessed needs related to substance abuse and mental health diagnoses, and connected them with treatment programs. She also assisted with developing a method to streamline interviews and needs assessments.
Kundell Award
Bartow County
Robert "Cainen" Crowder
Georgia Tech • Industrial Engineering
Bartow County’s Engineering Department received the Kundell Award for their internship program. Robert “Cainen” Crowder, an industrial engineering student at Georgia Tech, interned in the engineering department. Crowder, a rising sophomore, learned about the internship through a fellow student and GCIP alumna Gracie Pruitt. During his internship, Crowder learned the fundamentals of AutoCAD and used the software to create design revisions and review plans. He also participated in various fieldwork activities, including erosion and sedimentation inspections and construction site inspections.
Camden County
Ahsha Bass
Regent University • Marketing & Comms
Ahsha Bass, a marketing and communications major and rising senior at Regent University, interned in the Camden County Communications Department. Bass assisted in creating, editing, and distributing digital content for the county, with a focus on engagement and transparency. She shot footage around the county, took photographs, and completed video projects to highlight the work of various county departments. She also created and managed county social media content.
Camden County
Maverick Garcia
UGA • Hospitality Mgmt
Maverick Garcia, a rising sophomore at UGA, interned in the Camden County Senior Center. During his internship, Garcia assisted with social media management, event programming, and promoting the center. Garcia also had the opportunity to work one-on-one with seniors involved in the center and encouraged their participation in programs and events. As a result of his internship experience, Garcia plans to change his major from advertising to hospitality and food industry management.
Carroll County
Annabelle Turpin
UGA • Accounting
Incoming UGA accounting student Annabelle Turpin interned with the Carroll County Communications Department. Her internship focused on planning and research for the county’s upcoming bicentennial celebration. Turpin worked on several projects for the celebration, including conducting extensive historical research and collecting oral histories from long-term residents. She also worked with other county departments to plan events and designed a logo for the celebration. Turpin’s historical research will help preserve the county’s history and heritage for future generations.
Carroll County
Jayden Kennedy
Central High School
Jayden Kennedy, a student at Central High School, interned in the Carroll County Solid Waste Department. During his internship, he worked closely with the Solid Waste Director on research and analysis related to waste management. Kennedy extracted and analyzed data from the past year’s trash statistics, identifying trends in waste generation and recycling behaviors. He also participated in fieldwork and visited convenience centers around the county to distribute a recycling behavior survey to residents. Kennedy also helped prepare and assist with plans for a new transfer station in the county.
Chatham County
Caitlin "Cai" Burks
Georgia Southern • MFA
Caitlin “Cai” Burks, a Master of Fine Arts student at Georgia Southern University, interned in the Chatham County Magistrate Court. During her internship, Burks created educational materials and videos to enhance legal literacy, specifically regarding civil claims. Burks designed informative materials on court processes, developed engaging infographics and guides, and created educational videos. Burks also collaborated with legal experts to ensure the accuracy of the materials and researched trends to improve content effectiveness.
Cherokee County
Daniela Rangel
Reinhardt University • History & Politics
Daniela Rangel, a history and politics major and rising senior at Reinhardt University, interned in the Cherokee County Community Development Department. Daniela returned for a second internship in Cherokee County, though this was her first year as a GCIP intern. During her internship, Rangel conducted a study on potential growth and generated population projections for 2050. She collaborated with the planning and zoning department to gather input on future growth and analyze comprehensive planning documents. She also interviewed developers and attended site visits at developments throughout the county.
Kundell Award
Cobb County
Katherine Sha
UGA • Environmental Engineering
Cobb County’s Sustainability Department received the Kundell Award for their internship with Keep Cobb Beautiful (KCB). Katherine Sha, an environmental engineering major and rising senior at UGA, conducted KCB’s annual litter index survey. Collaborating with another intern, Sha oversaw the study, which assessed litter along county rights-of-way, from start to finish. Sha reviewed historic trends and measured litter prevention and recyclability results over time, as well as made recommendations for litter prevention in residential, commercial, and industrial areas.
Cobb County
Joseph Gadomski
Emory University • Environmental Science
Joseph Gadomski, a rising senior at Emory University, interned in the Cobb County Water System. An environmental science major, Gadomski worked alongside county aquatic biologists to conduct routine stream sampling. He collected chemical and biological samples at creeks throughout the county and participated in fish assessments and habitat analyses. He also performed water quality sampling and investigated sources of pollution and illicit discharges.
Cobb County
Zara Ishaque
UGA • Accounting (Master's)
Zara Ishaque, a master’s candidate in accounting at UGA, interned with the Cobb County Internal Audit Department. Over the summer, Ishaque assisted in planning and conducting an audit. She interviewed stakeholders, tested transactions, evaluated control structures, and performed financial analyses. After concluding the audit fieldwork, Ishaque reviewed the financial documentation to produce a final audit report.
Colquitt County
Ronit Sarkar
UMass Amherst • Business Analytics
Colquitt County hosted their first GCIP intern through the Moultrie-Colquitt Parks and Recreation Authority (MCCPRA). Ronit Sarkar, a master’s candidate in business analytics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, interned with the MCCPRA. During his internship, Sarkar collected, analyzed, and published data on the financial benefits of the recreation authority. Using software and AI tools, Sarkar tracked revenue and calculated usage of facilities and programs. Sarkar also built reports using the data he collected and created a dashboard to illustrate the impact of tournaments, programs, and services provided by the MCCPRA.
Columbus-Muscogee
Khayla Truitt
NC A&T • Public Relations
Khayla Truitt, a public relations major at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, returned to Columbus-Muscogee County to plan the county’s annual risk and safety awareness event. Truitt, now a rising junior, used the skills and experience from her first internship to plan and execute the event. In the planning phase, Truitt collaborated with local government and safety organizations to plan activities and demonstrations. She also designed marketing materials and coordinated sponsors for the event. At the end of her internship, Truitt attended the event and helped with day-of operations.
Dawson County
Kathy Tran
Univ of North Georgia • Communications
Kathy Tran, a rising senior at the University of North Georgia, interned with the Dawson County Marshal’s Office. Tran, a communications and public relations major, completed projects to enhance and modernize the office’s online presence. Tran designed an updated website structure and created graphics, images, and videos for the site. She also assisted with grant writing across county departments and collaborated with staff to identify potential grant funding opportunities.
Fayette County
Sophia Vazquez
Heritage Baptist Christian School
In Fayette County, Sophia Vazquez interned in the assessor’s office. Vazquez, a high school student at Heritage Baptist Christian School, supported the office’s transition to a new mass appraisal system. She updated building schedules and validated results against property sales data, learning key insights into the appraisal process. Vazquez also learned how to process homestead exemptions, as well as review plans and business permits.
Fayette County
Madeline Sparks
Mercer Law
Madeline Sparks, a rising second-year student at Mercer University School of Law, clerked for Fayette County State Court Judge Jason B. Thompson. Sparks gained extensive practical experience through her internship. She was assigned a case to work on from start to finish and drafted an order for the judge. Sparks analyzed arguments and researched applicable laws to prepare the order. She also observed court hearings and trials throughout the summer.
Fayette County
Kyle McCaffrey
Georgia State Law
Kyle McCaffrey, a rising second-year student at Georgia State University College of Law, interned in Fayette County’s Solicitor General’s Office. During his internship, McCaffrey participated in trial preparation, research, the preparation of written motions, and drafting appellate briefs. He also reviewed police investigations and learned how to identify proper charges and determine whether the case would be prosecuted. Throughout his time with the county, McCaffrey shadowed attorneys and learned how cases are investigated, prepared for trial, negotiated, and resolved.
Floyd County
Lizbeth Garcia-Vega
Kennesaw State • Business Info Systems
In Floyd County, Lizbeth Garcia-Vega, a rising senior at Kennesaw State University (KSU), interned in the HR department. A business information systems major, Garcia-Vega worked to implement a new HR software system for the county. She developed and enhanced key modules in the system to improve efficiency for HR staff. Garcia-Vega’s work focused specifically on employee onboarding, performance management, and data analytics.
Fulton County
Khenya Robinson
Duke University • Public Policy
Duke University public policy major and rising sophomore Khenya Robinson interned in the Fulton County Manager’s Office. During her internship, Robinson worked on projects related to policy development and management. She researched current policy issues, analyzed their implications, and devised potential solutions. Robinson also reviewed documentation for over 140 internal policies, collaborating with staff to improve clarity and consistency.
Glynn County
Cealie Dever
College of Coastal Georgia • Finance
Cealie Dever, a rising senior at the College of Coastal Georgia, interned in Glynn County's Administration Department. Dever, a business administration and finance major, worked on a strategic planning review project. She evaluated the 2023-2026 strategic plan, checked project completion, and reviewed completed work. Dever also created a roadmap for the 2027-2030 plan and presented her findings to the board of commissioners.
Glynn County
Callista Gilbert
College of Coastal Georgia • Public Admin
Callista Gilbert, a rising junior at the College of Coastal Georgia, interned in the Glynn County HR Department. Gilbert, a public administration major, helped consolidate the county’s classification and compensation plan. She reviewed the 44 total pay grades and various job descriptions and worked to consolidate these to 15 grades, devising tiers within each grade based on experience and performance. Gilbert collaborated with department heads and managers to redefine job descriptions, analyze job functions, and ensure her changes were appropriate.
Gordon County
Faith Ogbefho
Kennesaw State • AI (Master's)
Faith Ogbefho, a master’s candidate in artificial intelligence at KSU, interned in the Gordon County Administration Department. Ogbefho helped implement AI tools throughout the county to improve employee workflows. She met with employees and managers to review typical daily tasks, analyze current workflows, and identify automation opportunities. Ogbefho then trained staff on new technology and provided instructions for various AI tools. At the conclusion of her internship, Ogbefho received a job offer for an AI-related role in the private sector due to her work in the county.
Kundell Award
Gwinnett County
Josh Close
UGA • Biochemistry
Gwinnett County received a Kundell Award for their internship in the water resources research laboratory. Josh Close, a rising senior at UGA, interned in the laboratory. Close, a biochemistry and molecular biology major, participated in extensive water quality sampling and analysis. Close conducted routine water testing by collecting field samples and performing chemical analyses. He shadowed scientists during sample collection on Lake Lanier and was trained in appropriate laboratory processes and procedures. Close also developed and completed a standard operating procedure for a new piece of equipment.
Henry County
Michael Clark
Berry College • Sports Management
Michael Clark, a rising senior at Berry College, interned in the parks and recreation department. Clark, a sports management major, assisted with the department's operations during his internship. Clark shadowed staff on their daily tasks around the county and participated in fieldwork. He also gained administrative experience by working on an operations plan that tracks scheduling, contracts, and project management. He reviewed project timelines, completed work, and ensured that records were accurate and appropriately organized.
Henry County
Taya Grant
Kennesaw State • Environmental Engineering
Taya Grant, a rising junior at KSU, interned in the Henry County SPLOST Department. Grant, an environmental engineering major, collaborated with staff to gain a comprehensive understanding of the civil engineering plan review process. Grant reviewed engineering plans, researched SPLOST and TSPLOST projects, and learned the process of problem identification and mitigation during construction. At the conclusion of her internship, Grant created a detailed plan review checklist for engineers to streamline the plan review process.
Henry County
Jaylyn Sims
Clayton State • Interdisciplinary Studies
Jaylyn Sims, an interdisciplinary studies major at Clayton State University, interned in the Henry County Stormwater Department. Sims supported data collection and analysis and contributed to the planning and implementation of stormwater control measures. She also learned how to monitor and evaluate the impact of new developments on stormwater systems.
Lee County
Cristina Smith
Middle Georgia State • Data Analytics
Cristina Smith, a recent graduate of Middle Georgia State University, interned in the Lee County Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Department. Smith, who received her bachelor’s degree in data analytics, worked on various GIS projects. She revised the county address system within GIS to advance efforts to adopt NextGen 911, and she assisted in collecting and creating new and existing address points across the county. She also worked on a project to collect and generate utility data in the county's geodatabase, maintaining a reliable utility network for the county.
Lumpkin County
Amy Nguyen
UGA • Business Analytics (Master's)
Amy Nguyen, a master’s candidate in business analytics at UGA, interned in the Lumpkin County Planning and Zoning Department. During her internship, Nguyen used AI and data science to enhance department functions. Nguyen collected data on permits and created an internal permit tracking tool. She also developed a transcription and notetaking tool for use during meetings. Nguyen also assisted with training staff on how to use and interpret AI tools.
Macon-Bibb County
Riley Roberts & Madisen Boston
Mercer Law & Georgia State Univ.
Two students interned in the Macon-Bibb County Attorney’s Office. Riley Roberts, a rising second-year student at Mercer University School of Law, and Madisen Boston, a recent Georgia State University graduate, worked closely with county attorneys. Immersed in the diverse legal roles of local government, they were also able to tailor their experience to their professional interests. They shadowed attorneys, participated in meetings, and practiced their skills in legal research and attorney-client communication.
Meriwether County
Mia Murria
Mississippi College School of Law
Mia Murria, a rising second-year student at Mississippi College School of Law, clerked for Meriwether County Probate Judge John Rasnick. During her internship, she assisted the judge with civil and criminal cases in probate and superior court. Murria researched and prepared files, interacted with lawyers, and helped issue marriage licenses and gun permits. She followed cases from start to finish, learning firsthand about the practice of law.
Meriwether County
Beau Britt
UGA • Political Science
Beau Britt, a rising junior at UGA, interned with the Meriwether County Planning and Zoning Department. Britt, a political science major, assisted in updating the official zoning map to reflect current and future land uses. He observed rezoning processes, identified ordinance changes, and interacted with residents. Britt also researched archival records to verify zoning discrepancies on the official map.
Mitchell County
Harrison Edwards
Georgia College & State Univ.
Harrison Edwards, a rising sophomore at Georgia College and State University, interned in Mitchell County. Edwards, a political science major, worked with the county manager to manage and analyze community survey responses regarding county recreation needs. He also evaluated registration software and assessed current recreation policies and procedures. Additionally, Edwards explored the feasibility of consolidating competing baseball programs and creating a recreation authority. He compiled his findings into a final report and presented them to the Mitchell County Board of Commissioners.
Paulding County
Cierra Vaughn
Jacksonville State • Psychology
Cierra Vaughn, a rising senior at Jacksonville State University, interned with the Paulding County Mental Health Court. Vaughn, a psychology major, assisted with developing resources and expanding programs for the mental health court. Over the course of the internship, she created an extensive resource database detailing the resources, services, and treatment programs available to court participants throughout the county. She also assisted with organizing meetings and planning events with court participants.
Pierce County
Jesica Nolasco
Pierce County High School
Jesica Nolasco, a student at Pierce County High School, interned in the Pierce County HR Department. Nolasco developed several types of media to promote the county. After spending time with county department heads and leadership to understand county needs, Nolasco created promotional content for the county website and social media profiles. She developed a 12-month social media calendar, a photo bank, and a video for use across multiple platforms.
Rockdale County
Kiera King
Columbus State • MIS
Kiera King, a graduate of Columbus State University, interned with the Rockdale County Talent Management Department. King, who earned a degree in management information systems, helped develop a comprehensive classification management system. She completed extensive research, compiled information, and analyzed data to ensure that the system is efficiently managed and accessible to stakeholders as needed.
Kundell Award
Sumter County
Jovarius Walker
South Georgia Technical College
Sumter County received a Kundell Award for their internship in the Emergency Management Agency (EMA). Jovarius Walker, a South Georgia Technical College student, worked to update the Local Emergency Operations Plan for the Sumter County EMA. The plan had not been updated since 2008. During his internship, Walker reached out to emergency shelters, churches, and businesses to update the plan. He also participated in meetings with fire chiefs to discuss changes to the plan and the next steps in its implementation.
Sumter County
Hannah Alumbaugh
Georgia Southwestern State • HR
Hannah Alumbaugh, a rising senior at Georgia Southwestern State University, worked in Sumter County’s HR Department. An HR management and services major, Alumbaugh conducted a job description and salary review project. She researched current job descriptions, recommended updates, and verified salary grade alignment across roles. Alumbaugh also collaborated with department heads to gather insights and ensure that the updated descriptions accurately reflected each role.
Towns County
Loftin Turpin
Young Harris College • Business Admin
Loftin Turpin, an incoming business administration student at Young Harris College, returned for a second internship in Towns County. Turpin worked with Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw to implement a new phase of the roads inventory project he completed last year. This summer, Turpin developed a searchable subdivision database to help emergency dispatchers improve response speed and accuracy. He identified key details for each subdivision, including the primary entrance road, internal roads, lots, landmarks, and other distinguishing features.
Troup County
Lucas Wilson
Kennesaw State • Political Science
Lucas Wilson, a rising sophomore at KSU, interned with the Troup County Solicitor General’s Office. A political science major, Wilson worked on a case research project to identify trends in cases over time. He reviewed case details and devised an organizational system for the project. Wilson also observed court proceedings and assisted victim advocates with cases.
Troup County
Emily Dutton
Georgia Tech • Business Admin
Emily Dutton, an incoming business administration major at Georgia Tech, interned with Troup County's Community Development Department. During her internship, Dutton assisted with updating the county’s five-year comprehensive plan. She participated in public meetings, gathered and analyzed feedback, and developed methods to translate the data into impactful graphics, maps, and visual aids to enhance the comprehensive plan.