Putnam County Manager Receives Award

For more information, contact:

Schuyler Harding, ACCG Communications & External Affairs Director

Cell: (404) 780-1954

Email: sharding@accg.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ACCG AWARDS PUTNAM COUNTY MANAGER PAUL VAN HAUTE WITH

THE 2026 JERRY R. GRIFFIN EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

ATLANTA, GA. (April 30, 2026) – The Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) recently honored Putnam County Manager Paul Van Haute with the 2026 Jerry R. Griffin Excellence in Public Service Award during the Association’s recent Annual Conference in Chatham County. Part of the ACCG Annual Awards and Recognition Program, the Jerry R. Griffin Excellence in Public Service Award is presented to an elected or appointed official who has shown unwavering commitment to public service.

“The ACCG Awards & Recognition Program honors individuals who have made an exemplary difference in their communities and the state,” stated Executive Director Dave Wills. “This year's recipients reflect the leadership and commitment that continue to strengthen Georgia’s counties.”

Van Haute was recognized for his unwavering commitment to excellence and upholding high moral standards. A distinguished United States Army veteran and former paratrooper, he prides himself on being an advocate for veterans both locally and nationwide, having previously co-chaired the National Association of Counties (NACo) Veterans and Military Services Advisory Council. His innovative leadership has been key to the success of several community projects, including the construction of the new fire, EMS, and coroner facility, as well as the relocation of the Board of Elections and Health Department for better public access. In addition to his community contributions, he is actively involved in organizations like the Georgia City County Managers Administration (GCCMA), the Zoning Administrators’ Association, and serves on the ACCG Pension Board, further exemplifying his commitment to strengthening the community.

The Jerry R. Griffin Excellence in Public Service Award was created to recognize an individual who has made significant contributions to the citizens of the state of Georgia through public service in county government.  This award is named in honor of the late Jerry Griffin, whose career followed a strong path of state and local government positions, progressing from the Georgia Municipal Association to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (now known as the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority) before serving as ACCG Executive Director for more than 23 years. Throughout his professional career, Griffin was a recognized leader who established a solid foundation of programs and services that still exist today. 

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ACCG is Georgia’s county association and works on behalf of county officials and their communities by providing public policy and legislative advocacy, leadership development, civic and community engagement initiatives, insurance and retirement programs that specialize in local government needs and other cost-saving programs.  Formed in 1914 when county officials came together to help fund the state’s first highway department, ACCG today serves as a catalyst for advancing Georgia’s counties.  For more information, go to www.accg.org.