Tuwanya Smith is a proud local business owner and community leader with a passion for fostering excellence and integrity. She plays a pivotal role in leading her family businesses, upholding a reputation for fairness, honesty, and unmatched customer service. These values extend beyond her professional endeavors, as she actively instills them in her children and grandchildren. 

A graduate of Ashford University, Tuwanya holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management. Her 20-year career in dentistry provided her with invaluable problem-solving skills, where she excelled at helping patients understand and address their challenges collaboratively. 

Tuwanya also brings extensive experience in organizational management, where she developed expertise in leadership, strategic planning, and fostering collaboration—skills she now channels into addressing the diverse needs of the citizens in Rockdale County. Guided by a vision for unity and progress, she dedicates her time and energy to uplifting the community she loves. 

As a long-standing member of the Rockdale Rotary Club, Tuwanya has been actively involved with the Conyers Rockdale Chamber of Commerce, where she currently serves as an Ambassador. Her dedication was recognized when she was honored as the Chamber's Ambassador of the Year in 2017. Additionally, she contributes her expertise and mentorship to the Rockdale County School System, guiding the next generation of leaders. 

Tuwanya believes that lasting change comes from collaboration. She works hand-in-hand with residents, local leaders, and organizations to develop sustainable solutions for the entire county. Commissioner Smith pledges to use her skills and experience to enact smart, innovative policies, invest in the community, and improve the quality of life for all the people of Rockdale County. 

In her free time, Tuwanya enjoys Atlanta Braves baseball, bowling, and spending quality time with her family and friends. 

Chair & CEO JaNice Van Ness is an experienced entrepreneur who is passionate about public policy and advocates for several causes as an involved member of the community and a public servant for over 10 years. Her vision for our community helps elevate business owners through business growth opportunities and the recruitment of higher-level restaurants, businesses, and retail markets that will meet the expectations of Rockdale residents and help balance our tax digest. Her plan for Rockdale includes a renewed interest in strengthening families and working collaboratively with the City of Conyers and Rockdale School System while being ever mindful of the taxpayers in Rockdale.

Chairwoman Van Ness served as an elected Georgia State Senator for District 43, which includes Rockdale, Newton, and DeKalb, and was elected twice as a Rockdale County Commissioner for 8 years. JaNice is also the founder of Peachtree Prep Early Learning Centers and Peachtree Academy PreK-12 Christian Schools, which offer families 4 campuses in Rockdale and Newton counties. Her outstanding team of educators and passion for education have helped her expand the schools and achieve accreditation by the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools (COGNIA) and quality-rated early learning programs. Today, the schools employ over 140 people. As a forward-thinking business owner, she has handled everything from budgeting and planning to human resources and marketing. She knows what it takes to create a business-friendly environment that supports job creation and helps companies thrive.

Dr. Doreen Williams was elected to the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners in November 2014 and took office on January 1, 2015. She is a former small business owner and retired educator with a diverse educational background. She earned her Doctor of Education from Georgia Southern University in curriculum studies with concentrations on the role and influence of effective governments. Her master’s degree from Walden University concentrated on the effective use of technology. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in French from Brigham Young University.

Commissioner Williams believes recognizing and caring for those who have fewer resources, or are more vulnerable, is an important part of ethical living. As such she has concentrated heavily on improving outcomes for those with mental and behavioral health challenges. Her work has included hosting numerous community symposiums and forums on behavioral health. She created a Stepping Up Initiative Steering Committee whose purpose is to improve services and resources community-wide so that those having a crisis can be diverted to treatment and not booked into jail for misdemeanor crimes. The committee is composed of judges, the sheriff and staff, the City of Conyers Police Chief and staff, mental health clinicians, representatives from the District Attorney and Public Defender’s offices, Emergency Management including 911, people with lived experience, and community members. She was instrumental in hiring effective staff to coordinate these efforts as well as oversee the development of a Restorative Justice Complex.

Commissioner Williams serves on the board of directors for View Point Health to which she was appointed by the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners in 2009. She also serves on the board of directors for Grit and Grace RCO, an addiction recovery organization.

Commissioner Williams moved to Rockdale County with her husband and their five children in July 1994. Their children have attended Honey Creek Elementary, Edwards Middle and Heritage High School. In addition to their five children and their spouses they now enjoy 13 vibrant grandchildren!