In 1880, Fulton County’s first commissioners took office — a group of five white males — and began the business of establishing laws for this great county. Ninety-five years later, in 1975, J.O. Wyatt and Henry D. Dodson became the first African-American men to serve on the Board of Commissioners. Fourteen years later, Nancy A. Boxill became the first woman to serve on the board.
Our expectations about diversity have changed since the early days, and even since these color and gender barriers were broken. Across the nation, we see changes in the diversity of our communities, among our elected officials and in our workforce.
In my own career, I have been fortunate to work with people around the globe. As a regional administrator with the Peace Corps and as a liaison to South Africa on behalf of Morehouse College, I have collaborated with people from many nations and recognized the synergy our different ideas created.
That same diversity and synergy are mirrored in Fulton County.
Like any employer, Fulton must seek the best candidate with every hiring decision. According to a Forbes Insights’ 2011 study, 85 percent of top global companies value diversity as a driver for innovation, creativity and strategy. Fulton is no different. The need for innovation has never been greater, as dollars become more limited and challenges grow more complex.
I am fully committed to reaching a broader pool of potential applicant to bring together individuals of broad backgrounds to work collaboratively to deliver excellent services at an excellent value to taxpayers.
Fulton has a strong history of diversity and inclusion. It was among the first in the nation to establish a Disability Affairs Office to ensure access for employees with disabilities. Our internationally recognized Gender Equality Program ensures opportunities for men, women, boys and girls. The county has also been supportive of gay and lesbian employees and residents; it began offering benefits to same-sex partners in 2003.
Public administration professionals have long recognized the need for governments to attract talented professionals who might earn more in the private sector. By casting our net broadly and always hiring the best candidates, diversity becomes a natural byproduct. Recently, Fulton began implementing plans to ensure thoughtful outreach efforts that will reach a diverse group of professionals in any given field.
I am especially interested in ensuring that our recruitment includes recent graduates and young professionals with fresh ideas and new solutions. Analysis by the Partnership for Public Service showed that in 2011, less than 6 percent of college graduates considered government careers.
We have an opportunity to reach out to our many colleges, technical schools and graduate programs in and around Fulton County to usher in a group of future leaders with an eye on innovation.
John Eaves is chairman of the Fulton County Commission.
